Say Goodbye to your Dry Spells: Here are your Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness has always been a concerning yet silent problem for women. Even though it is a common condition that can affect women of all ages, it is increasingly prevalent for women going through their menopause. An astonishing 40-60% of postmenopausal women are known to have experienced vaginal dryness and so here we will help you find all natural remedies for vaginal dryness. So, hear me out while we dig deep into all the know-hows on natural remedies for vaginal dryness.

We shall be looking all things related to vaginal dryness from its definition, causes, symptoms, natural remedies and more.

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness refers to a condition where the vaginal tissues lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and potential pain during sexual intercourse. It is a common problem that affects women of all ages, but it is more prevalent during and after menopause(1).

In most cases low estrogen is your main villain. However, other factors such as breastfeeding, certain medications, chemotherapy, certain health conditions, and emotional stress can also contribute to vaginal dryness in women of reproductive age.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

A very simple question with multiple answers. In most cases vaginal dryness has been known to be prevalent for those women who have reached their menopause. In this case, their estrogen levels decrease as a result of which the skin and tissues of the vulva and vagina decreases in moisture, becomes thinner and less elastic leading to dryness. It is important recognize the underlying cause in order to use the right natural remedies for vaginal dryness.

Apart from this your vaginal dryness could be caused by some of the following health conditions or medical treatments.

Aging

It could be a progressive factor for hormonal imbalance and decreased level of estrogen.

Pregnancy

During the period of pregnancy, breastfeeding and childbirth vaginal dryness can be a recurring issue again due to hormonal differences.

Oophorectomy

Removal of your ovaries could lead to decreased estrogen and successive decrease in vaginal moisture.

Hormonal Contraceptive Pills

Using estrogen regulating contraceptive pills may have a side effect in decreasing your vaginal moisture and creating discomfort during sex.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

It is a chronic condition in which your glands do not produce enough secretion or moisture which can effect your vagina, since it has secreting glands within (2).

Anti-estrogen Medication

Using anti-histamines or anti-depressants that indirectly decrease the amount of estrogen secretion in the body.

Douching

Internally cleansing your vagina with any form of fluid or with water can lead to a dry vagina.

Lack of Arousal

During sexual activity or due to limited foreplay before sex there maybe lesser secretion of vaginal secretion, leading to painful sex or discomfort.

Based on the different causes of vaginal dryness various treatment methods are employed for the same. But here we shall mainly try to learn all natural remedies for vaginal dryness caused by different conditions. 

Along with this another particular cause of vaginal dryness can be seen in cancer patients who are undergoing strong chemotherapeutic treatment.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can indeed cause vaginal dryness and other changes in the vaginal tissue. This is because chemotherapy drugs can affect hormone levels in the body, leading to a decrease in estrogen production. Since, estrogen is an important hormone that helps maintain vaginal lubrication and health, strong medications can affect its secretion and balance. We shall also be learning about natural remedies for vaginal dryness post-chemotherapy.

In this way, vaginal dryness can be caused by multiple conditions and medications which may indirectly affect the individual’s sexual relationships. It occurs when the vaginal tissues do not produce enough lubrication, leading to discomfort, pain even during sexual intercourse.

The discomfort and pain associated with intercourse may result in decreased sexual desire and pleasure, leading to potential strain and frustration between partners. It is essential to address this issue in a compassionate and understanding manner.

There needs to be effective and proper communication between partners to cope with such indirect effects caused by vaginal dryness and subsequent sexual discomfort. Some of the best measures to follow are:

• Communicate openly.
• Explore different sexual activities.
• Use lubricants.
• Consult a health care professional.
• Practice self-care.
• Consider Hormone Therapy (after consultation)

Remember, dealing with vaginal dryness is a journey, and it may require patience, understanding, and support from both partners. By addressing the issue together and exploring different strategies, you can work towards improving intimacy and maintaining a healthy relationship, apart from following our natural remedies for vaginal dryness.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness?

Some of the main symptoms of vaginal dryness are:

1. Dryness or lack of natural moisture in the vagina
2. Itching or irritation in the vaginal area
3. Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, often described as a “burning” sensation.
4. Light bleeding or spotting after intercourse
5. Urinary frequency or urgency
6. Recurring urinary tract infections
7. Increased susceptibility to vaginal infections
8. Changes in vaginal pH, leading to an imbalanced vaginal flora.
9. Decreased libido or sexual desire
10. Psychological stress or anxiety related to sexual discomfort.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Now, that we know what are the leading causes and symptoms for vaginal dryness it is important to know all that you can do yourself to curb this irritation and lead a healthy lifestyle physically and sexually.  Give these self-care practices equal importance as the natural remedies for vaginal dryness we are going to discuss.

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall hydration, including vaginal moisture. 

2. Avoid harsh soaps and douches: Using mild, unscented soaps or cleansers when washing the genital area can help prevent further drying.

3. Practice safe sex: Using a lubricated condom or engaging in sexual activities that reduce friction can help prevent further irritation and dryness.

4. Manage stress: Stress can contribute to vaginal dryness, so practicing stress-management techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation may be helpful.

5. Wear breathable underwear: Choose cotton underwear that allows for air circulation to prevent moisture build-up and promote a healthy vaginal environment.

Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Herbs for vaginal dryness: There are a number of herbs that work as some of the best natural remedies for vaginal dryness like dong quai, black cohosh, evening primrose oil, red clover and wild yam. All of these herbs help in a number of organic ways to reduce vaginal dryness.

However, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before applying any of these herbs as a natural remedy for vaginal dryness as some may have certain allergic reactions varying from person to person.

Natural Vaginal Moisturizer: Utilizing natural lubricants, such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel, can help reduce discomfort during sexual activity. 

Coconut oil for Vaginal Dryness: Coconut oil has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help pH balance of the vagina and prevent infections. Coconut can be used to moisturize the vaginal area. It is free from synthetic chemicals and additives, making it a popular choice among natural alternatives. 

Regular sexual activity: Engaging in regular sexual activity helps promote natural lubrication and blood flow to the vaginal area.

Avoid irritants: Avoid or minimize the use of scented soaps, douches, and other products that may cause irritation and dryness of any kind.

What Vitamins Help With Dryness Down There?

You may not have heard a particular vitamin supplement that works directly for curbing your vaginal dryness but certainly, like natural remedies for vaginal dryness, some of the vitamins have known effects of improving the lubrication and moisture in the vagina.

Vitamin E:

This vitamin is known for its moisturizing properties and can aid in reducing vaginal dryness(3). It also supports healthy vaginal tissue.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

Found in fish oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds, omega-3 fatty acids can help improve vaginal lubrication and maintain healthy vaginal tissues.

Vitamin A:

Essential for maintaining proper vaginal health and moisture, vitamin A supports the production of natural vaginal lubrication.

Vitamin B complex:

B vitamins play a role in maintaining healthy mucous membranes, including those in the vagina. Look for a supplement that contains B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12.

Vitamin C:

This vitamin supports collagen production and overall vaginal health. It helps maintain the elasticity of vaginal tissues and can aid in reducing dryness.

To know more about the wonder of vitamins for natural lubrication, read through Vitamins to Increase Female Lubrication Naturally. 

For those who are affected with cancer and other related conditions chemotherapy is a vital part of their treatment regime. The side effects of this treatment being dryness in all parts of their body, it may be accompanied with vaginal dryness as discussed earlier. Along with the natural remedies for vaginal dryness discussed above some of the following natural remedies for vaginal dryness post-chemotherapy can be followed as well after consulting with their physician.

• Soy-based products: Some women find relief from vaginal dryness by consuming soy-based products, such as soy milk or tofu, as they contain phytoestrogens that can help regulate hormonal levels.

• Kegel exercises: Regularly doing pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, can help improve blood flow to the vaginal area and strengthen vaginal muscles, potentially increasing natural lubrication.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Based Dryness

There are plenty of ways in which you can tackle vaginal dryness organically as given above. Whether they are with vitamins, or with topical natural remedies for vaginal dryness the key factor is to find what works best for you.

As vaginal dryness is a common occurrence for women in their menopause, some of the treatment methods in order to curb this ailment for them mainly involve ways to balance their estrogen hormone levels. 

This is why, hormone replacement therapy and other medications have gained more popularity in the recent days. But this option may not fit everyone in a healthy way. Therefore, some natural remedies for menopause-based dryness are:

• Using vaginal moisturizers
• Washing the area with non-perfumed soaps
• Engaging in foreplay before intercourse
• Trying vaginal estrogen products, such as a ring, tablet, or cream
• Refraining from bubble baths and scented products in and around the vaginal area
• Avoiding certain antihistamines, which can reduce vaginal lubrication

How to Incorporate Natural Remedies Into Your Daily Routine?

Since most of the natural remedies for vagina dryness is very basic and natural to incorporate into your day-to-day lifestyle like hydration, vitamin enriched meals, pelvic exercises and so on, all of these measures can be effectively included into your life effortlessly.

• Try to create a stress-free environment at home to maintain a balanced emotional self.
• Talk to your partner regarding the difficulty during sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness and collectively work towards better sexual practices.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Carrying a water bottle to improve this habit. 
• Incorporate Omega-3-Fatty acids into your diet by having meals with fish, flax seed oil and so on
• Create an exercise routine that improves blood circulation to the vaginal area.
• Incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, to promote overall well-being and vaginal health.

Most of these day-to-day changes can surely bring on a natural and positive change to your vaginal health and can be considered as some of the best natural remedies for vaginal dryness. The same type of approach can be taken by women who are undergoing strong chemotherapeutic treatments after consulting with their health professional.

Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

In today’s world of hustle culture it can be hard to find time for self care and for including proper nutrition tailored to your various needs. But incorporating small and simple changes to your diet can help you create long lasting benefits. 

Incorporate probiotics:

Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, including in the vaginal area. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet (4). 

Avoid or limit foods that can exacerbate dryness:

Certain foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and excessive sugar, can contribute to vaginal dryness. Reducing or avoiding these foods may help alleviate symptoms.

Phytoestrogens:

Foods like soybeans, tofu, flaxseeds, and chickpeas contain natural compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen. Estrogen is involved in maintaining vaginal lubrication, so adding these foods to your diet may be one of the natural remedies for vaginal dryness.

Vitamin E:

Incorporate foods with vitamin E, such as nuts (almonds, sunflower seeds), avocados, spinach, and broccoli. Vitamin E is known to help with vaginal dryness by maintaining healthy tissue and promoting blood flow. 

Along with the balance in lifestyle and dietary routine exercise and stress management play important roles in maintaining vaginal health. Here’s how:

Improved blood circulation:

Regular exercise promotes blood flow to all parts of the body, including the pelvic region. This increased blood circulation can help nourish the vaginal tissues and maintain their health.

Enhanced muscle tone:

Exercise, particularly targeted exercises like Kegels, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. 

Stress reduction:

Stress can negatively impact vaginal health. Increased stress levels can disrupt the hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or changes in vaginal secretions. 

Chronic stress may also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to vaginal infections. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or yoga can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being, including vaginal health.

Hormone regulation:

Regular exercise can help regulate hormonal levels, which is essential for maintaining vaginal health. Physical activity promotes the production of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, which can positively impact the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual pain.

Improved mental well-being:

Natural remedies for vaginal dryness include taking care of your mental health. Engaging in regular exercise and stress management activities can boost mental well-being, leading to improved self-esteem and body image. A positive mindset can contribute to a healthier and more satisfying sexual experience.

However, it’s important to note that excessive exercise or extreme stress can also have negative effects on vaginal health. Overtraining and excessive stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and weakened immune function. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a balance and engage in moderate exercise and stress management techniques that work best for each individual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects many women at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and psychological factors. While it may seem as though it is just a minor issue, it can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall well-being and sexual satisfaction.

Fortunately, there are several methods for managing and treating vaginal dryness. Simple lifestyle adjustments such as using a lubricant during intercourse and staying hydrated can provide some relief.

Additionally, some of the natural remedies for vaginal dryness discussed here is bound to help you curb some of the most common difficulties of a dry vagina and will improve your overall vaginal health. 

Remember, vaginal dryness is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. By raising awareness and understanding of this condition, we can encourage open dialogue, support, and effective solutions. Every woman deserves to feel comfortable, confident, and empowered in their own bodies, and addressing vaginal dryness and taking about what we can do about it is important.