If you’re too embarrassed to ask your doctor why your vagina is dry during sex, you’re not alone. Leading gynecologist Dr. Vanessa Mackay provides insights into this common issue, which often has simple solutions.
If you’ve never had trouble getting wet before intercourse and suddenly things have changed, hormonal shifts, such as those approaching menopause, might be the cause. However, it’s important to note that vaginal dryness during sex is normal and can happen for various reasons. Unfortunately, this topic is rarely discussed, leaving many women unaware that it can be easily addressed.
Research by Vagisil found that vaginal dryness affects half of British women. Even more concerning, two in five women in relationships who experience this issue don’t feel comfortable discussing it, not even with their partners. Shockingly, one in twenty women have ended a relationship due to vaginal dryness. Surprisingly, women in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties are most at risk, not just those experiencing menopause.
If you’re among the many women too embarrassed to talk to their doctors about this, Dr. Vanessa Mackay of the Royal College of Gynecologists explains the reasons and solutions.
Reason #1: Approaching Menopause
The most common cause of vaginal dryness is menopause or the years leading up to it. For the average British woman, menopause occurs around age 52, but perimenopausal years can start a decade earlier. The hormone estrogen keeps the vagina lubricated, but during menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and drop, leading to symptoms like mood changes, hot flashes, tiredness, night sweats, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. Your first step should be to see your GP, who can examine you and perform tests to determine the cause. If estrogen levels are low, your doctor might prescribe topical estrogen medication in the form of creams, tablets, or rings that deliver a low, local dose of estrogen to your vagina. However, estrogen therapy may have side effects and should be avoided by women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Reason #2: Insufficient Arousal
If you’re not sufficiently aroused during sex, your vagina may not produce enough natural lubricants. Foreplay is essential! Research shows that both men and women desire more foreplay than they typically get. A study from the University of New Brunswick found that women wanted eight more minutes of foreplay and seven more minutes of intercourse, while men wanted five more minutes of foreplay and eleven more minutes of sex.
Reason #3: Menstrual Cycle
Estrogen levels dip during your period, which can cause vaginal dryness. The good news is that estrogen levels rise again after your period, so this effect is usually temporary.
Reason #4: Postpartum and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding or childbirth can cause temporary vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels. This dryness can be more pronounced if you’re breastfeeding.
Reason #5: Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as the combined contraceptive pill or contraceptive injection, can cause vaginal dryness. Cold medicines can also temporarily dry up vaginal moisture. Additionally, SSRIs, a common type of antidepressant, can cause vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive. Talk to your doctor about switching medications if this is an issue for you.
Reason #6: Stress
Stress can cause vaginal dryness and reduce your desire for sex. It can also distract you during intimate moments.
Reason #7: Medical Conditions
Conditions affecting the reproductive area, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or urinary tract infections, can cause vaginal dryness. Other conditions like diabetes or cancer treatments, including radiotherapy to the pelvic area and hormonal cancer treatments, can also lead to dryness.
Solutions
Once you’ve ruled out medical causes or decided against hormone therapy, you can try a hydrating gel specifically formulated for the vaginal area. Vaginal lubricants provide immediate moisture, while vaginal moisturizers offer longer-lasting effects. The Vagisil Prohydrate range is hormone-free and has been clinically tested to be effective and safe. The active ingredient, ProHydrate Complex, includes hyaluronic acid, which mimics the body’s natural moisture and slowly releases it over time.
For long-lasting relief, Vagisil Prohydrate Internal Hydrating Gel comes in pre-filled applicators that release moisture internally. For external use before sex, Vagisil ProHydrate External Hydrating Gel keeps the skin hydrated and supple. Both products are hormone-free and available at Boots and Superdrug.
