Vaginal or intimate dryness: what causes it and how can it be alleviated?

In most cases, lubrication is associated with the production of oestrogen. Vaginal dryness is therefore caused by a drop in or cessation of production of this hormone by the ovaries. Hormones have a direct influence on our moods and sexuality. It may therefore be linked to:

• A lack of oestrogen, linked to the menopause

• Hormonal changes, such as during breastfeeding

• Pregnancy : particularly during the first 3 months

• Certain ovarian diseases

• Menopause and pre-menopause: this is the main cause of vaginal dryness; during these two phases, a woman's body will produce more or less oestrogen. The vaginal mucosa used to be moist, pink and supple, but now it can become drier and paler in colour. The sudden drop in sex hormone levels (oestrogen and progesterone) associated with the menopause will affect the vaginal lubrication capacity and, above all, the trophicity of the mucous membranes.

• The post-partum or breast-feeding period: during this period, known as the post-partum period, oestrogen production decreases significantly, especially if you are breast-feeding.

Other causes can influence the quantity of oestrogen or the effect of these hormones on the mucous membrane:

• Surgery on the ovaries: this can stop the production of oestrogen; hysterectomy can also remove the cells and uterus responsible for vaginal secretions.

• Certain diseases of the nervous and vascular systems, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, etc.

Medications or products can also interfere with sexual functions, including vaginal lubrication:

• Certain contraceptives such as the pill can create an imbalance in vaginal secretion

• Allergy medication

• Medications (vasoconstrictors) to increase blood pressure or reduce blood flow

• Certain antidepressants

• Some antihistamines affect lubrication

• Cancer products: some products can temporarily or permanently block the production of hormones by the ovaries. Examples include chemotherapy; therapy with hormone blockers (anti-hormones), which can cause dryness to appear very quickly; radiotherapy or brachytherapy near the ovaries.

• Acne products

• products for endometriosis

In most cases, these causes arise from a lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse. It is sometimes necessary to undertake therapeutic follow-up with a psychologist, sex therapist or couple therapist.

• Stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression

• Relationship difficulties: lack of desire, infrequent or unsatisfactory sexual relations, disagreement, lack of communication, etc.

• Lack of awareness of one's own body

• A negative relationship with sexuality

• Insufficient arousal during sexual intercourse

• Alcohol or tobacco consumption

• Fatigue and stress

• Repeated vaginal cleansing with harsh soaps: the water and these products will dehydrate the mucous membrane; the vagina has the ability to cleanse itself. This is the role of secretions and discharge. You should only be concerned if these are accompanied by discomfort or unpleasant odours.

• Using panty liners, sanitary towels or tampons

• An unbalanced diet

• Lack of physical exercise

The main symptom is a dry or insufficiently lubricated vagina, particularly during sexual intercourse. Other symptoms may include

• Itching (the urge to scratch),

• a sensation of heat or irritation in the vagina or on the external genitalia (vulva), including the clitoris and the opening of the urethra, the tube through which urine passes.

• Discomfort or pain can occur during sexual intercourse, when urinating or when wiping.

Over time, vaginal dryness can have a number of consequences:

• The wall of the vagina can become thinner: this can cause small cracks in the wall; these are a source of heating or burning during sexual intercourse and irritation when urinating.

• The tissue (the mucous membrane) of the vagina becomes less elastic(vaginal atrophy). The entrance to the vagina may then become narrower, making sexual intercourse and gynaecological examinations difficult.

• Sexual problems: the friction associated with the lack of lubrication can lead to pain during sexual intercourse, which can result in a drop in libido.

• Increased risk of infections, including mycoses, urinary tract infections and vaginosis…

Consult a midwife, doctor or gynaecologist if you experience one or more symptoms of vaginal dryness. He or she will then be able to make a diagnosis and take a vaginal swab if necessary.

• Decreased or no lubrication of the vagina

• Discomfort, warmth or pain during sexual intercourse

• Itching

• Irritation of the vulva

• Small cracks at the entrance to the vagina, sometimes difficult to see

• Sensation of heating or burning when urinating (not to be confused with an infection)

• Your GP, midwife or gynaecologist will be able to tell if you have this problem during a gynaecological examination.

• L'Borage oil, rich in fatty acids. The active ingredients in this oil are very helpful for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. It is also very useful for skin problems. As a food supplement, it helps to moisturise and reduce skin inflammation caused by vaginal dryness. It can be applied topically pure or combined with other carrier oils such as (Jojoba or sweet almond), or orally (as a food supplement in the form of a 3-week course).

• L'Evening primrose oil coconut oil or aloe vera gel also have their benefits.

Be careful not to use them with a condom, which will become porous on contact.

Vaginal lubricants do not treat vaginal dryness, but they do relieve symptoms of discomfort during intercourse. There are 3 types:

• Water-based : easy to use and easy to clean, but may need to be applied multiple times.

• Silicone-based: lasts longer, but is more difficult to clean and can sometimes cause irritation if not rinsed after intercourse

• Oil-based : should not be used with condoms as it weakens them; can cause irritation and inflammation in some women.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which reduce vaginal lubrication

• Choose foods rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy balance in the vaginal mucosa: salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, olive oilolive walnut oillinseed hemphemp camelina

  …

• Avoid clothes that are too tight.

• Wear cotton underwear : these garments allow better air circulation. It's best to avoid synthetics, which prevent proper air circulation and can lead to irritation, vaginal dryness and fungal infections.

• Avoid wearing panties at night

• Avoid douching and excessive washing to avoid creating an imbalance in the vaginal flora.

• Use PH-neutral products that contain no colouring agents, preservatives or perfumes to protect the flora.

• Choose appropriate sanitary protection: instead of pads and tampons, opt for menstrual panties, making sure you change them regularly. This type of protection respects the sensitivity of your skin in the intimate area and reduces the risk of vaginal dryness and irritation.

• Use a natural lubricant during intercourse: apply it to vagina to facilitate penetration and reduce irritation.

• Foreplay is imporant and can be prolonged to create or reinforce vaginal lubrication. A little tip from Aroma-Zone: Give your partner a sensual massage!