Vaginal Dryness
Though vaginal dryness may seem like only a minor annoyance, lack of vaginal moisture can have a detrimental effect on your sex life.
WHAT IS VAGINAL DRYNESS?
Normally, the walls of the vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The hormone estrogen helps maintain that fluid, keeping the lining of your vagina healthy, thick and elastic. Unfortunately, when estrogen levels drop, so does the amount of moisture available. Though vaginal dryness may seem like only a minor annoyance, lack of vaginal moisture can have a detrimental effect on your sex life.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause. Nearly one out of every three women deal with it while menopausal, and it becomes even more common post-menopause. Estrogen levels, which when low cause dryness, can also drop due to:- Childbirth and breastfeeding
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Anti-estrogen medications (sometimes used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis)
- Sjögren’s syndrome (a disorder that attacks moisture-producing cells in the body)
- Allergy and cold medications
- Certain antidepressants
- Douching
- Not enough foreplay before sex