Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness






The hormone estrogen keeps the vagina moist and healthy condition. This hormone secret a clear fluid which keeps the walls of the vagina lubricated. Women can have problems of vaginal dryness during menopause stage. The secretion of estrogen may reduce drastically at this stage thus making the vagina thin and less moist. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy. Vaginal dryness is one of the common signs of menopause and most of the women would experience this change during menopause. There are several other factors which may cause dryness of vagina but it can be completely treated through application of estrogen creams and by phytotherapy.

Causes :

Menopause is the condition which predominantly causes vaginal dryness. In addition breastfeeding mothers can have this problem after childbirth since there is decrease in the level of estrogen secretion. Women who undergo chemotherapy for cancer or any type of radiation method may get vaginal dryness.

Women who are using anti-estrogen drugs for treating health issues like Endometriosis or uterine fibroids can get dryness in their vagina. When ovaries are removed surgically for some reason, this can cause vaginal dryness.

Certain medications given for anxiety and Depression can trigger dryness in vagina. Autoimmune disorder like Siogren’s syndrome can block the moisture in the vaginal wall causing dryness.

Symptoms :

Dryness in vagina can produce discomfort and pain for women during sexual intercourse. It can cause itching and burning sensation in the vagina making it difficult to have sex. Sometimes, having sex without foreplay can cause irritation and pain in the vagina.

Diagnoses :

Gynecologist will do a pelvic examination for studying the condition of vagina. She will look out causes for vaginal dryness and pain. If necessary she would take out a small portion of vaginal wall (Pap smear test) for testing the cells.

Treatment :

Topical estrogen is the best treatment for vaginal dryness. It would help to increase the level of estrogen by replacing the hormone in the body in the form of supplement.

Three types of estrogen treatment are available for treating dryness in vaginal walls.

Estrogen ring also called as “Estring” during which your doctor will insert a small flexible ring into the genitals which would discharge continuous estrogen directly into the vaginal tissues. This ring is sufficient for lubricating the vaginal wall and it can be replenished in every 3 months.

Estrogen is given in the form of pills (Vagifem). You should insert the estrogen tablet into the vagina daily for at least a week or 10 days. Then the dosage will be reduced for every alternate day.

Estrogen cream is given for some women that can be easily inserted into the vagina using applicator. Estrace and premarin is the common brands available in the market. You will be asked to start with high dosage initially and your doctor will taper the dose after 2 or 3 weeks. However topical creams should not be used by breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women and women who have endometrial cancer.

Alternative Treatment :

Herbal products are available for treating vaginal dryness. You need to drink plenty of water for flushing out toxins and to keep your vagina moist. Eat nutritious diet containing soy products and flax seed which would help in lubrication of your vagina.

Vaginal Dryness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Natural Remedies, Menopause

Vaginal Dryness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Natural Remedies, Menopause

Vaginal Dryness Symptoms

Dryness of the vagina can go along with symptoms and signs consisting of:

• Burning


• Itching


• Pain or any light bleeding with sex


• Soreness


• Urgency or frequent urinating

Dryness of the vagina happens to all females, but frequently they do not bring the subject up with their physicians. If this is affecting your life, especially your sex life and the association with your partner, think about seeing your physician about this problem. Living with dryness of the vagina that is unpleasant does not need to be a part of becoming older.

Vaginal Dryness Causes

A layer that is thin and consists of fluid that is clear coats the walls of the vagina. The majority of this lubricant leaks thru the blood vessel walls especially the blood vessels that encircle the vagina. Any change in hormones during a menstrual cycle or as a female ages can affect the consistency and amount of this fluid. There are various conditions which can contribute to dryness of the vagina. They comprise:

Reduced levels of Estrogen
A reduction of the level of estrogen is usually the main reason for dryness in the vagina. Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the tissue in the vaginal region healthy by managing normal lubrication of the vagina, elasticity of the tissue as well as acidity. These are the factors that create a defense system against urinary tract as well as vaginal infections. However when levels of estrogen reduces so does this natural protection leading to less elastic, thinner as well as more fragile lining of the vagina. Estrogen levels fall for numerous reasons:

• Childbirth


• Perimenopause or menopause


• Breast-feeding


• Effects on ovaries from cancer therapy, including hormone therapy, radiation therapy as well as chemotherapy


• Removal of ovaries by surgery


• Cigarette smoking


• Immune disorders

Medications
Cold and Allergy medications and some antidepressants may decline the moisture in numerous parts of the body, including the vaginal area. Anti-estrogen drugs such as any for the treatment of Breast Cancer can also result in dryness of the vagina.

Sjogren’s syndrome
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system can attack healthy tissue. Additionally it causes the symptoms of dry mouth, dry eye, and it is another cause for dryness in the vaginal region.

Douching
This method of vagina cleansing with a liquid solution disturbs the chemical balance which is normal in the vagina and causes inflammation known as vaginitis. This can cause the vaginal area to feel irritated or dry.

Vaginal Dryness Treatment

Vaginal estrogen therapy
Generally, treating dryness of the vagina is most nominal with topical estrogen for the vagina rather than estrogen orally. Estrogen which is used in the vaginal area can still reach the blood system but the quantity is very nominal. Vaginal estrogen does not lessen testosterone levels – vital for sexual function to be healthy – the way estrogen taken orally can.
Vaginal estrogen treatment comes in numerous kinds:

You're reading Vaginal Dryness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Natural Remedies, Menopause posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Vaginal estrogen cream – known as Estrace, Premarin
This cream is inserted directly into the vagina by applicator, normally at bedtime. The physician will tell you the amount of cream to be used and how frequently to use it. It is normally a daily routine for the first several weeks and 2 or 3 times each week afterwards.

Vaginal estrogen ring – known as Estring
This is a flexible, soft ring introduced into the upper area of the vagina by you or your physician. The ring will release a steady amount of estrogen and has to be exchanged every 3 months.

Vaginal estrogen tablet – known as Vagifem
This is a one-use applicator used to place a vaginal estrogen dose in the vagina. The physician will advise you how frequently to insert a dose – usually daily for the 1st 2 weeks and then two times a week after that.

If dryness of the vagina is linked with indications of menopause, such as having moderate or severe Hot Flashes, the physician will probably advise estrogen pills, gel, patches or a higher dosage estrogen ring along with progestin.

Natural or Home Remedies

Use a moisturizer or lubricant
Try an over the counter product as a remedy for dryness of the vagina:

Lubricants such as Astroglide or K-Y
Lubricants that are water-based can lubricate the vagina for many hours. It is applied to the opening of the vagina or to the partner’s penis prior to intercourse.

Moisturizers such as Lubrin or Replens
These are products that imitate the normal moisture of vagina and can get rid of dryness for about 3 days thru a single use. This can be used on an ongoing basis for protection of dryness or irritation to the vagina.

Pay consideration to sexual desires
Often vaginal dryness for the duration of intercourse can mean you are not getting sufficiently aroused. Take time to be intimate with your partner letting the body become adequately aroused as well as lubricated. It could help to speak with your partner around what sensations are good for you. Having interaction on a steady basis also can help with improving vaginal lubrication.

Avoid certain products
Evade using the following merchandises to treat dryness of the vagina, as they can aggravate that area:

• Hand lotions


• Yogurt, vinegar or other douches


• Bubble baths


• Soaps