Vaginal dryness is a topic that is rarely discussed, yet many women are affected by it at some point in their lives.
Almost every second middle-aged and older woman suffers from the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness. According to a study by the International Menopause Society (IMS), approximately 40% of women over 45 suffer from vaginal dryness, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, and painful intercourse. Especially during menopause or after childbirth, the natural lubrication of the vagina can be impaired by hormonal changes. But don't worry, with the right treatment, this problem will quickly become a thing of the past.
How does vaginal dryness occur?
The vagina regularly produces vaginal fluid, which serves a variety of functions. For example, it fends off bacteria and pathogens and acts as a natural protective barrier. This prevents painful friction during daily movement or sexual intercourse.
Hormonal fluctuations, stress, or poor intimate hygiene can cause the mucous membranes to dry out and feel uncomfortable. Over time, this can lead to injuries and an increased risk of infection.
Hormonal fluctuations
With a healthy vaginal flora, the vagina regularly produces a small amount of vaginal fluid. This is caused by the hormone estrogen. Therefore, if hormonal fluctuations occur in the body, whether due to the pill, pregnancy, or menopause, vaginal fluid production can cease, resulting in vaginal dryness. Ovarian removal can also lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can have the same consequences. Lubricating suppositories can be used to support the regeneration of the vaginal mucosa in cases of vaginal dryness.
Intimate care
Improper intimate hygiene can also disrupt the vaginal balance. Washing too frequently or using overly aggressive or unsuitable shower gels can disrupt the vaginal environment. For this reason, it's especially important for women to use the right products for intimate care. We recommend cleansing with our Intimate Wash Foam. The gentle formula and pH value of 3.8 are perfectly suited to the sensitive intimate area.
Diseases
For some women, vaginal dryness is the result of an illness. Possible triggers include chemotherapy for cancer treatment, but also diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or high blood pressure. Mental illnesses such as depression, stress, or nervousness can also play a significant role.
What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness primarily manifests itself as itching, burning, or an unpleasant sensation in the intimate area. More intense stimuli, such as sexual intercourse, can cause more severe pain or even minor bleeding. However, other symptoms can also occur.
Vaginal dryness and its symptoms
- Itching in the genital area may occur, and the affected areas often burn.
- Pain during sexual intercourse with possible slight bleeding is also possible.
- A burning sensation may occur when urinating.
- Pain may occur during everyday movements, such as cycling or walking.
- An unpleasant feeling of pressure in the intimate area may occur.
If the symptoms are left untreated for a long time, serious consequences can arise. Small tears in the genital area lead to porous and vulnerable mucous membranes over time. Susceptibility to infections caused by fungi or bacteria also increases, and these can even spread to the urinary tract.
How is vaginal dryness treated
There are numerous remedies for vaginal dryness. But for proper treatment, it's important to know the cause.
Correct treatment for hormonal fluctuations
If a hormone deficiency is the cause, estrogen therapy can help. This can be administered with injections, tablets, creams, or suppositories. However, suitable medications require a prescription and can only be prescribed by a gynecologist.
Proper treatment during menopause
During menopause, vaginal dryness can occur due to declining estrogen levels. In addition to short-term treatment with lubricating suppositories (recommended duration: 10 days or as recommended by a doctor), long-term treatment is also possible during menopause. This involves applying one lubricating suppository daily for 10-20 days. This is followed by long-term treatment, during which a vaginal suppository is inserted twice a week.
Correct treatment for incorrect intimate care
Improper intimate hygiene can cause the vaginal pH to change. Products containing lactic acid can help restore this balance. They relieve vaginal discomfort and help restore the natural vaginal flora. To support this, irritated areas can be soothed with an intimate care cream. This helps the skin regenerate and protects the intimate area from external influences with a natural protective film.
Correct treatment for illnesses and psychological causes
If vaginal dryness is caused by psychological factors, you need to find strategies to cope with stress and problems. Therapy can resolve blockages. Talking about it with your partner or friends can also help. This can reduce anxiety, stress, and insecurity. Taking time off is also important. If your sex life is limited due to vaginal dryness, causing anxiety and stress, a lubricant can help ensure that both partners can enjoy intercourse.
Our ELANEE Moisturizing Suppositories are vaginal suppositories for the regeneration of the vaginal mucosa in cases of vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and redness. They are free from fragrances and dyes, hormones, and animal-derived ingredients. High-quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid moisturize the vaginal mucosa.
Can vaginal dryness be treated with a home remedy?
In addition to one of the treatment options mentioned, there are various home remedies that can improve your well-being.
A bath with natural oils
Vaginal fluid production can be stimulated by taking a bath with pure essential oils. Recommended oils include clary sage or rose. It also increases libido, which can have a positive effect on your sex life.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy treatments for the intimate area can also help. Certain plant extracts, such as palmarosa oil or bergamot oil, are mixed with sea buckthorn or almond oil and applied to the vaginal mucosa.
Flaxseed or soybeans
Flaxseed and soy can help prevent dry mucous membranes. This is because they contain phytoestrogens, substances that act similarly to the hormone estrogen in the body. These foods can be simply added to yogurt and garnished with some fruit.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek may be effective against vaginal dryness, especially during menopause. This effect is attributed to various components that affect estrogen receptors.
How can you prevent vaginal dryness?
To prevent vaginal dryness from occurring in the first place, various preventative measures can be helpful. First and foremost, appropriate intimate hygiene for the vaginal environment is helpful. A gentle intimate wash foam ensures that the vaginal pH remains within the natural range. To be on the safe side, it's not a bad idea to check your pH yourself from time to time.
Wearing the right clothing is also very important. If your panties or pants are too tight, the skin in the intimate area can't breathe, which can lead to skin irritation or itching. If the skin is then not cared for properly, the balance of the vaginal flora is disrupted. It's also best to wear cotton underwear, as it is more breathable than other fabrics. You can learn more about other intimate hygiene tips in our blog article "Properly Caring for Your Intimate Area – Tips for a Healthy Vaginal Environment."
The pill can also trigger vaginal dryness. Although most women tolerate it well, it significantly interferes with hormonal balance. An imbalance can then lead to discomfort. Younger women, especially those affected, should consider an alternative method of contraception.
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
For dry and irritated skin in the intimate area, a suitable intimate care cream is the perfect choice. Our ELANEE Intimate Care Cream moisturizes the external intimate area thanks to valuable oils and regenerating panthenol, protecting it from natural influences such as moisture.
If vaginal dryness occurs during menopause, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the cause. Treatment may include hormone preparations, vaginal suppositories for lubrication , or moisturizing creams .
In order to enjoy sexual intercourse despite a dry vagina, there are various creams or lubricants that prevent painful friction.
Moisturizing creams can moisturize the external intimate area. Their ingredients soothe irritated skin and relieve itching. Moisturizing suppositories are available to nourish the mucous membranes and aid regeneration.
If you experience vaginal dryness before your period, there can be various reasons. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, or external factors such as stress, inadequate intimate hygiene, or menstrual products could be the cause. Use an intimate care cream to care for dry skin in the external intimate area. Before your period starts, you can also use vaginal suppositories to moisturize the vaginal mucosa. If vaginal dryness persists during your period, we recommend using menstrual cups . Unlike tampons, they don't need to be replaced as quickly and don't remove additional moisture from the vagina.
Vaginal dryness after childbirth is a normal side effect caused by hormonal changes. A drop in estrogen levels is particularly responsible for this. To alleviate the symptoms, appropriate intimate care products or home remedies can be used. In severe cases, estrogen supplements can also help regulate hormone levels. We recommend consulting your midwife or doctor.
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