Changes to the body can be difficult to accept and pain and discomfort caused by the condition can lead to a loss in self- confidence and sexual confidence. For many women these symptoms can lead to confusion as they are similar to symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases or thrush. Some women who wrongly assume this to be an attack of thrush buy over-the-counter remedies, which can make the problem much worse.
As this is an embarrassing problem many women keep it to themselves and this can put a large strain on their. Around one percent of women experience a premature menopause also called premature ovarian insufficiency — this is when the menopause begins before the age of A premature menopause can be an extremely difficult time for a younger woman with difficult physical and emotional changes.
Premature menopause leads to long-term infertility, which is for many women the most serious and upsetting consequence of an early menopause. However for young active women vaginal dryness can also impact on their relationship with their partner and their sex life. Despite the high number of women experiencing problems related to vaginal dryness it is still a silent problem that many people feel embarrassed to talk to their partners, friends and even doctors about.
Only a quarter of women with these problems actually seek treatment. Remember, women spend a third of their lives in a post menopausal state and they need to make sure that they maintain the quality of life that they had before the menopause.
Vaginal dryness does not need to be treated as an inevitable part of growing older — something can be done about it. Recognising that vaginal dryness is normal and common is the first step to helping yourself. The next is to talk to your doctor, who can recommend a treatment to suit you. Discussing vaginal dryness with a healthcare professional HCP can be daunting however it is often well worth it as they will be able to help.
Here are a few tips to make the discussion as easy as possible:. This problem is referred to as different things including atrophic vaginitis, genitourinary syndrome of menopause and urogenital atrophy probably the best term. Peri-menopause — the phase before the menopause which can take from 5 to 15 years and is when symptoms tend to begin. The average age of the menopause is Systemic — circulating throughout the whole body Vaginal atrophy — drying and thinning of the vaginal skin.
It is for your information and advice and should be used in consultation with your own medical practitioner. Vaginal dryness. About vaginal dryness Vaginal dryness can affect any woman, however after the menopause it is very common, affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged between 51 and Vaginal moisture Natural lubrication produced by glands at the neck of the womb the cervix keeps the vagina supple and moist.
There are a number of simple ways in which to lubricate a dry vagina: Lubricants — these are similar to natural lubrication and should be applied to the area around the lips vulva and vagina just before sexual intercourse takes place Vaginal moisturisers — these are used two to three times a week and last for up to three days, therefore they do not have to be applied directly before sexual intercourse takes place Vaginal dryness can be a common problem for pre-menopausal women with low levels of estrogen, such as breastfeeding mothers, those who have had a hysterectomy and those who have received chemotherapy.
After the menopause The average age of the menopause is 51 and after the menopause women find that their bodies change. The ovaries produce estrogen, and estrogen controls the development of female body characteristics, such as breasts and body shape.
It also plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Estrogen helps keep the tissues lining the vagina thick, moisturized, and healthy. As levels decline, the lining becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. These changes are known as vaginal atrophy. Other causes of vaginal dryness can include:. Females who smoke may experience menopause earlier than those who do not, and so vaginal dryness may occur at an earlier age in this group.
People with vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness may experience :. If the dryness is due to a fall in estrogen levels, they may also have :. Together, these changes are known as dyspareunia. They can lead to pain during penetrative sex. Vaginal dryness is a health issue that affects many people. A doctor can suggest treatment to help resolve the discomfort it can cause. People should seek medical advice if they experience the following symptoms or other signs of change in their vaginal health:.
No single test can diagnose vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness. A doctor will usually base the diagnosis on the symptoms. It might feel embarrassing and uncomfortable to discuss such personal details, but doctors are used to having these types of conversations. Seeking help is the first step toward managing symptoms.
Various treatment options are available for vaginal dryness. Some are available over-the-counter, while others need a prescription. One option is topical estrogen therapy, a medication in the form of a cream or ointment that a person can apply directly to the vaginal area to relieve symptoms. A person using a topical cream will absorb less estrogen compared with taking estrogen as a pill.
As a result, the risk of adverse effects is relatively low. Not all lubricants are the same. Most lubricants available at a local pharmacy are water-based.
Water-based lubricants are the safest choice to prevent sexually transmitted infections. They do not break down latex in condoms or sex toys. Water-based lubricants are ideal for those with sensitive skin or those prone to vaginal irritation. Water-based lubricants do not leave stains on sheets and are easy to clean in the laundry.
Popular brands include Astroglide and KY. On the downside, water-based lubricants dry out quickly. Rapid drying may require reapplication for longer sexual sessions. For those suffering from chronic vaginal dryness or inadequate natural lubrication during sex, they may be insufficient.
Water-based lubricants are often suboptimal for postmenopausal women. Silicone-based lubricants stay slippery longer, avoiding the frustration of rapid drying and reapplication messiness. This type of lubricant does not evaporate when exposed to air and provides a wet sensation for longer sexual sessions. Since they are not water-based, silicone lubes may be used in the shower or bathtub. One popular brand is Platinum Wet.
This paraben and glycerin free product reduce the risk of chemical irritation. Penchant Premium is another hypoallergic option ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Silicone-based lubricants may be more effective and pleasurable for monogamous couples at low risk for sexually transmitted infections. Non-water-based lubricants have downsides too. They are messy. Soap and water must be used to remove them, and they will also stain sheets.
Silicone-based lubricants will break down latex condoms or latex in sex toys. We can not underestimate the value of foreplay for those with chronic vaginal dryness. Foreplay gets the juices flowing by increasing sexual arousal. Blood flow to genitals increases, causing the vagina, labia, and clitoris to swell.
Better stimulation leads to more natural lubrication and an increase in vaginal elasticity. The vagina then secretes natural lubrication, which increases pleasure and reduces pain.
For those with chronic vaginal dryness, communicating sexual needs and desires to your partner is critical. Sexual partners may be unaware of the physiological changes and not know what to do. Providing feedback allows the partner to learn how best to meet your needs.
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