Vaginal Dryness FAQ

Are you worried you may be dealing with vaginal dryness? Perhaps you are wondering what causes vaginal dryness? In any case, there are a lot of common questions that people have in regards to this widespread concern. A significant number of women deal with problems regarding their levels of natural lubrication. Thankfully, there are treatments for vaginal dryness available that don’t require surgery. If you’d like to learn more about vaginal dryness or what you may be able to do about it if you face this problem, read on.

What Can Increase the Chances of Having Vaginal Dryness?

There are a number of things that may influence or contribute to vaginal dryness. One of the most common contributors is medications. While you should never cease taking prescribed medicines without the assistance of your practitioner. If you think perhaps a drug you take could be contributing to your issues, discuss with them your options. Known to cause increased problems with vaginal dryness are some types of antidepressants, antihistamines, estrogen blockers, and some asthma medications. These are quite broad categories, so never assume that a particular medication is causing your issues, always seek professional guidance.

How Can Vaginal Dryness Be Diagnosed?

A pelvic examination is one of the best ways to get started on the path to having your vaginal dryness concerns examined. The color of your vaginal walls can be a useful indicator of issues for your practitioner to examine. If you have any vaginal discharge, this will often be tested, as this can sometimes point to specific problems such as an STD. Testing of your hormone levels is another significant tool doctors may use to help aid in the diagnosis of vaginal dryness as estrogen levels play a vital part in maintaining vaginal health.

What are the Signs of Vaginal Dryness?

Some of the symptoms of vaginal dryness you can watch out for include discomforts such as soreness, vaginal pain, itching, or burning sensations. Issues with vaginal sex are also a common indicator, especially when pain is frequently experienced during types of vaginal intercourse that generally wouldn’t be expected to be painful. If you find yourself bleeding after sex, this may sometimes be caused by a lack of vaginal lubricantt as well. Issues with bladder control, burning urination, and frequent urinary tract infections can be signs of vaginal issues as well.

What Can Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Going through menopause is one of the biggest reasons women deal with dryness. Breastfeeding and the hormonal changes of recent childbirth can also result in reduced lubrication. Having surgery such as a hysterectomy can cause dryness, as can some treatments for cancer. A lack of sex drive or sexual arousal can be a cause of vaginal dryness, but this is less likely to be a consistent issue. Use of scented soaps, vaginal douches, or other types of vaginal washes can interfere with the balance of your vagina and result in problems with vaginal lubrication and should usually be avoided.

What Can I Do to Help With Vaginal Dryness?

Using a water-based lubricant can help those suffering from mild to moderate vaginal dryness when having sexual interactions. Spending more time on foreplay if you are struggling with what seems to be a lack of sexual arousal can help you not just become more aroused and lubricated but help you relax, which can help as well. The biggest thing you can do to treat vaginal dryness is to book a consultation at a clinic experienced in dealing with women’s health issues and find out what the underlying cause of your vaginal dryness may be. You may very well find that a secondary and sometimes concerning health issue may be causing your problems which should be treated.

When Should I Be Concerned About Vaginal Dryness?

If it has lasted more than a few weeks and doesn’t seem to be associated with arousal and is resistant to your attempts to improve the situation, it’s always advisable to see a practitioner. If a lack of lubrication is affecting your comfort and day to day life, it is well worth seeking help. If you also have bleeding or unusual discharge, then it's essential to consult with your doctor.

While vaginal dryness can just seem like an inconvenience, it can be caused by or lead to more severe issues, and even if your problems are only caused by aging, there’s no reason to suffer with them when they can often be treated very effectively. If you are concerned about your vaginal health or are facing issues with vaginal dryness, book a consultation with an experienced women's health specialist like those at The V Institute in Melbourne where they provide women with the finest treatment options for vaginal dryness Melbourne has to offer.