Vaginal Dryness 101
Vaginal dryness can occur in women of all ages. However, it is especially prevalent in women who are post-menopausal. 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.
Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that many women may experience at some point during their lives. This symptom can be caused by a decrease in hormone levels, breastfeeding or certain medications. Various forms of birth control can also alter a woman's vaginal moisture.
Common cause include but are not limited to:
Menopause.
Breastfeeding and childbirth.
Birth control pills.
Cancer treatments including chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Diabetes.
Medications, including anti-estrogen medications (treating uterine fibroids or endometriosis), certain antidepressants and antihistamines (treating itchy eyes and runny noses).
Removal of the ovaries.
Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness throughout the body).
Fortunately, there is a plethora of treatment options available for women who are experiencing vaginal dryness depending on their causes. One of the most holistic approaches (and one of my favorites) is yoni steaming. This practice includes the using herbal remedies to cleanse and purge the yoni of toxins and old energies so that it can reset and refresh. Steaming also encourages blood flow and vaginal moisture. Schedule you a goodt daaaack appointment immediately after getting one and thank me later. Click here to purchase my best selling organic hand curated herbal yoni steam blend.
But I digress. Other common treatments for vaginal dryness include:
Avoiding strong or perfumed soaps or lotions near the vagina.
Using estrogen or non-estrogen oral therapies.
Using lubricants and vaginal moisturizers that provide short-term moisture.
Using local estrogen or DHEA inserted directly into the vagina for long-term moisture.
There are also natural oils that you can try to help with vaginal dryness. You might try natural oils, such as grape seed, olive, sweet almond, sunflower or coconut. Pure unrefined coconut oil is my fave. These can weaken condoms so be careful.
Another thing to try is a longer period of foreplay before intercourse. Vaginal moisture is tied to arousal. Talk to your partner about ways to increase these sensations outside of intercourse. Your partner may need to incorporate more ways to engage you with foreplay to help you warm up that little pussy engine.