Vaginal dryness is a fairly common problem. While it tends to be more common among women who are menopausal or postmenopausal, it can affect women at any age. Although the problem is not related to cancer and generally only causes discomfort, it is important for all women to be aware of the symptoms and causes.
Vaginal Dryness Symptoms
Vaginal dryness prevents women from becoming properly lubricated. The problem is most bothersome during sexual intercourse or any other sexual activity. For most women, the main symptom of vaginal dryness is pain or discomfort during sex. In some cases, women who suffer from this condition may experience bleeding after sex. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, soreness and the urge to urinate frequently.
Due to the symptoms of vaginal dryness, many women who suffer from this condition tend to experience problems in their relationships and sex lives. Because the symptoms can be unbearable, some women would rather avoid having sex altogether than coping with the pain or discomfort.
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Women who suffer from this condition should be aware of some of the possible causes. While certain causes of vaginal dryness are reversible, others are not. Here are some of the common factors which may play a role in the development of this vaginal condition.
A change in estrogen levels – A reduction in estrogen is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness. This is why menopausal or postmenopausal women are more likely to suffer from this problem. Giving birth, breastfeeding, breast cancer medications, ovary removal surgery, and ovarian cancer treatments can all cause changes in estrogen and, ultimately, vaginal dryness.
Medication use – Certain medications are also common causes of vaginal dryness. According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants and medications for colds and allergies can cause this condition. Symptoms generally will go away after you stop taking the medication.
Vaginal douching – Women generally are not recommended to douche their vagina, as it interferes with the vagina’s natural pH balance. This can increase the risk of vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Douching is one of the possible causes of dryness.
If you have experienced vaginal dryness symptoms and think that you may be suffering from this problem, the best thing that you can do is visit a doctor. While vaginal dryness could be to blame, certain gynecological disorders and STDs cause similar symptoms.
Source:
Mayo Clinic, “Vaginal Dryness” (accessed December 18, 2010).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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