Vaginal dryness is among the most common reproductive health concerns for women. Although it may be commonly associated with older women, the truth is that vaginal dryness can affect women of all ages. In addition to leading to other common vaginal health problems like vaginal itching and painful or unsatisfying sex, vaginal dryness can also have a number of emotional or psychological effects including a decrease in a woman’s sex drive.
There are several potential causes of vaginal dryness, including psychological factors, reactions to products or medications, and natural hormonal changes. In order to successfully treat vaginal dryness, we must first determine the cause of your condition. This is why our board-certified gynecologists have taken some time to highlight the most common causes of vaginal dryness.
Menopause
It’s no secret that going through menopause can trigger a number of changes to a woman’s body. But did you know that vaginal dryness is among the most common symptoms for women during menopause? During the perimenopause period (the transition to menopause), a woman’s natural production of estrogen begins to decrease, and this continues throughout menopause. The lack of estrogen can make the vaginal lining thinner and lead to vaginal dryness.
Other Causes of Hormonal Changes
In addition to menopause, a woman’s levels of estrogen can decrease as a result of childbirth and breastfeeding, cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, and certain medications used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Certain Vaginal Irritants
Chemicals found in some feminine hygiene products, including soaps and perfumes, may cause vaginal dryness. There can also be irritants on things like certain underwear or towels. We recommended using plain, unscented soaps and keeping tabs on any vaginal irritation that you experience.
Stress & Anxiety
Psychological and emotional factors can lead to vaginal dryness as well. Stress and anxiety can interfere with a woman’s sexual desire and affect the flow of blood to the vagina. This insufficient blood flow can directly lead to vaginal dryness in some cases.
The good news is that vaginal dryness can often be treated fairly simply. We offer FemTouch™ non-surgical laser vaginal rejuvenation for women who experience vaginal dryness and more of the most common vaginal health symptoms. For more information or to request your appointment, please contact board-certified gynecologist Kristine Gould at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for additional tips, news, and more.
