How to Combat Vaginal Dryness. With winter in full swing, you may be experiencing dry skin, dry hair, dry everywhere. But there’s another place where dryness can strike, no matter what the season. Vaginal dryness is an all too common problem for women and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Dryness can also mean itchiness, irritation, and painful sex. Let’s get into what the culprits are and how you can keep vaginal dryness at bay.
What Is Vaginal Dryness?
First things first, we need to destigmatize vaginal dryness. It’s totally normal to be a little parched down there, so forget feeling any shame! The good news is, there are treatments, but ignoring the problem isn’t one of them.
According to Harvard University, “Vaginal dryness occurs in women of all ages, but it becomes much more common after menopause. It's estimated that the problem affects about half of postmenopausal women — most of whom, possibly as many as 90%, don't seek treatment for their symptoms, which include not only dryness, but also irritation and pain during sexual intercourse.”
See? You aren’t alone. Dryness typically strikes when there are hormonal changes that affect estrogen levels. When estrogen goes down, moisture levels and elasticity in the vagina go down, too. Menopause is typically the cause, because of the big hormone changes that come with it, but there can be other factors too.
What Else Causes Vaginal Dryness?
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Medications
Are you taking birth control, antidepressants, or even cold or allergy medication? Have you undergone chemotherapy or other illness treatments? Vaginal dryness can be one of the side effects of taking medication. Even slight hormonal changes in the body can change blood flow in the body, and ultimately lubrication.
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Postpartum
It’s super common to experience vaginal dryness after giving birth! Your hormones can be totally out of whack, especially if you are breastfeeding, as it lowers your estrogen levels to help increase milk production.
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Stress and Anxiety
When you suffer from depression, anxiety, or stress, your cortisol levels are higher. Cortisol can put your body in fight or flight mode, which messes with your estrogen levels and ultimately can cause vaginal atrophy and lack of lubrication.
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Not Feeling Aroused
Ok, this one might be a major “duh!” but it’s worth noting. Pay attention to your body; if you are dry during sex, you may need more foreplay. You may need to take your time. You may need a little warm up before you go there, and that’s okay, too.
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Improper Care
Did you know scented soaps and douching can cause vaginal dryness? Do not use harsh products on a sensitive and vulnerable part of the body like the vagina. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about specific products.
How Can I Treat My Vaginal Dryness?
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Talk to your doctor
If vaginal dryness is something you experience frequently, getting your doctor’s opinion is key. They know your health history and may be able to provide a treatment plan that can increase your natural lubrication. We get that discussing something like this can be challenging, but remember that it’s totally normal and talking more is the first step in solving the issue.
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Make lifestyle changes
Are you feeling your best? Diet, exercise, and daily choices can help keep your body performing at its best and keep your hormones in check. Eliminating smoking and drinking from your daily routine helps keep your body balanced. If you are menopausal, there are actions you can take to lower your triggers for hormonal flare ups.
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Put your mental health first
If you aren’t in the right headspace, your body is going to follow suit. Stress and anxiety are major players in low libido, especially if your body is going through menopausal or perimenopausal changes. Put your mental health first; it may be the root of the problem.
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Lube up
Adding a personal lubricant to your life is a game changer. Take it from our founders who have experienced cancer, postpartum challenges, and more. Each of our lubes are infused with CBD, known to promote relaxation, increase blood flow, and help intensify sensations. We highly recommend Hunter Intimacy Melts, a suppository that not only keeps things juicy, but also eases the aches and pains that come with menopause and menstruation.
The bottom line? Vaginal dryness is a common problem, but one that can be remedied. If something’s getting in your way of experiencing pleasure, it’s time to fix it. You deserve to feel your best, not dryness, itchiness, or pain. Connect with us on social media for more tips for increasing your pleasure for a better you.
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we celebrate the power of plants and the beauty of self-care. Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection is designed to support pleasure and connection at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating menopause, postpartum, or simply exploring your sensuality. Formulated with organic botanicals and full-spectrum CBD, our intimacy oils and suppositories nurture your body without disrupting its natural balance.
Rediscover your pleasure with Upstate Mary.