Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness
At some point in their lives, nearly half of all women between the ages of 40 and 59 will suffer from vaginal dryness. However, every female is at risk to suffer a lack of lubrication of the vaginal walls. First, it’s suggested to learn the causes and symptoms of this common occurrence to get the most out of home remedies for vaginal dryness.
Causes and Symptoms
Under normal circumstances, the walls of the vagina are lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. Thanks to the hormone called estrogen, the fluid is maintained to keep the lining of the vagina healthy and elastic. Whenever a woman experiences a drop in estrogen levels, the amount of moisture available is also reduced. Vaginal dryness is the result, which thins out the lining and creates a less elastic environment.
Menopause is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness, but there are many other factors that can contribute to the condition. Childbirth, breastfeeding, radiation, chemotherapy, removal of ovaries, some medications (such as antidepressants), allergy and cold medications, douching, and lack of foreplay can all cause vaginal dryness.
Whatever the cause, vaginal dryness is an uncomfortable condition to battle, producing symptoms, such as itching, burning, and painful intercourse [1].
Vaginal Dryness Home Remedies
Vaginal dryness is a common occurrence that mostly affects perimenopausal and menopausal women. It actually ranks as one of the top issues afflicting menopausal women. To ease symptoms, consider the following home remedies for vaginal dryness:
a) Water:
Keeping your body hydrated will help combat vaginal dryness. It is recommended to drink at least ten 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
b) Chemical Check:
Some women face vaginal dryness because of the kinds of chemicals they come in contact with on a daily basis. Check the ingredient list on your personal, hygiene, and laundry products, as they may contain perfumes and other chemicals that irritate the delicate nature of your muscosal tissues – the tissues that line the vagina.
c) Avoid Bubble Baths:
The ingredients found in most bubble bath soaps can cause irritation and dryness in the vaginal region.
d) Avoid Scented Soaps:
When washing the vaginal area, avoid using soaps with added fragrances, which can cause irritation and dryness.
e) Cotton Undies:
Wearing cotton panties encourages air circulation in the vaginal area, which helps balance vaginal lubrication.
f) Aloe Vera Gel:
Some people have combined aloe vera gel and milk as a way to help lubricate the vagina. Another similar home remedy for vaginal dryness is to add one teaspoon of saffron to milk, which is taken on a regular basis.
g) Flax:
Consume flax oil several times a day as a regular treatment for vaginal dryness. You can also substitute the oil for one to two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds.
h) Forego the Douche:
When you use a douche to cleanse your vagina, the normal chemical balance of your genital region becomes disrupted. You also run the risk of developing inflammation in the form of vaginitis, which can further contribute to a dry feeling and irritation.
i) KY-Jelly [2]:
Water-based lubricants, such as KY-Jelly or Astroglide, can solve vaginal dryness for several hours. Before intercourse, apply the lubricant to your vaginal opening or to the penis. If you must select another lubricant, choose one that is water-soluble, colorless, odorless, unscented, and tasteless.
j) Stop Smoking:
For women, smoking has an added effect on the body that goes beyond damaging the respiratory system. Tobacco products destroy estrogen and contribute to vaginal dryness. Smoking will also worsen a pre-existing vaginal dryness problem.
k) Increase Fatty Acids:
Adding more fatty acids to your diet can help retain estrogen in the body. Suggestions include eating or increasing your intake of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, raw pumpkin, salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
l) Foreplay:
To combat vaginal dryness associated with sexual intercourse, it’s important to embrace the power and pleasure of foreplay. This is especially true for women under a great deal of stress or for older women who may take longer to respond to sexual stimulus.
Resources
[1] http://women.webmd.com/vaginal-dryness-causes-moisturizing-treatments
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
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Great article, I get these questions all the time in my practice. Nice to see a concise answer. Thank you.
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