Vaginal Dryness

The purpose of this article is to inform about vaginal dryness (before, during, and after sex) and suggest some remedies. Yes, vaginal dryness can increase the risk of acquiring an STD, and STD testing is what we do.

When your vagina is too dry, it can create microscopic tears in the mucosa, which are entry points for viruses and bacteria. In addition, a lack of natural lubrication can make certain activities more uncomfortable or painful and lead to tearing, increasing the risk of contracting an STD. To reduce the risk of developing an STD, it is important to use adequate protection during all sexual activities and stay informed about safe sex practices. Staying adequately hydrated and avoiding vulvar irritants can help keep your vagina moist and healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having difficulty with vaginal dryness. We offer some natural remedies later in this article that you might want to try.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness During Sex? 

Vaginal dryness during sex can be caused by various factors, including reduced estrogen levels, breastfeeding, certain medications, and menopause. Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal lubrication. Other causes include cigarette smoking, depression, too much stress, immune system disorders like Sjögren syndrome, and childbirth. Treatments for vaginal dryness during sex include using lubricants and vaginal moisturizing creams to help moisten the area for several hours up to a day. Additionally, some women find relief from using coconut oil, Vaseline, or olive oil as a moisturizer.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness After Sex?

Vaginal dryness after sex is a common problem for many women. It can be caused by a few factors, including insufficient arousal and hormonal changes. Insufficient arousal can be caused by inadequate foreplay or psychological issues that prevent a woman from becoming aroused. Hormonal changes can also cause dryness due to decreased estrogen levels, which can happen during menopause or the years leading up to it. Symptoms of vaginal dryness include burning and itching, bleeding after intercourse, soreness in the vulva, pain or discomfort during penetrative sex, light bleeding after intercourse, mild vaginal discharge, and needing to urinate more often than usual. Treatments for vaginal dryness vary depending on the cause and may include lubricants and moisturizers to reduce irritation and discomfort during sex.

What STD Causes Vaginal Dryness? 

Vaginal dryness is not a symptom of any sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is usually caused by decreasing estrogen levels, a hormone that helps lubricate vaginal tissues. Several factors can cause a reduction in estrogen, such as breastfeeding, cigarette smoking, depression, excessive stress, immune system disorders, surgery to remove the ovaries, and radiation therapy. Other causes include medications or hormones used to treat breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, or infertility.

If you are experiencing dryness, consult your doctor to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include lubricants or medications to help increase moisture and reduce discomfort.

Vaginal Dryness STI

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread via sexual contact, including anal, vaginal, and oral sex. Some STIs are caused by bacteria, while others are viral infections. Common bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Common viral STIs include herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hep B virus.

In some cases, symptoms of an STI may not show up for weeks or even months after the infection has occurred. Symptoms vary depending on the kind of infection but may include:

• Itching or tingling in the genital area.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Sores, warts, blisters, or bumps around the genitals.

It is important to note that vaginal dryness is not a symptom of any STI. However, it can be caused or exacerbated by an STI. If you experience vaginal itching, burning, or pain in addition to vaginal dryness, it may be a sign of an STI, and you should contact your healthcare provider for further testing or get an STD/STI test with us.

Other causes of vaginal dryness include decreasing estrogen levels due to hormonal changes such as menopause, certain medications or treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, douching, allergies or sensitivity to condoms or lubricants, and stress.

If you are experiencing excessive vaginal dryness, it is important to speak with your doctor to find the root cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include lubricants or medications to help increase moisture and reduce discomfort.

Vaginal Dryness Natural Remedies

It is a common problem that can affect any woman of any age. While many women turn to over-the-counter lubricants, creams, and other products to treat the symptoms, some vaginal dryness natural remedies are effective in providing relief. 

1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer due to its hydrating and nourishing properties. It helps reduce inflammation and irritation caused by vaginal dryness since it is packed with healthy fatty acids that help restore your skin’s natural protective barrier. Simply apply coconut oil directly to the affected area several times per day as needed. 

2. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has long been known to be a great moisturizer, helping to reduce inflammation and irritation caused by dryness. It’s also packed with antioxidants that can help protect your skin from further damage. You can find aloe vera gel at the store or make your own by blending the leaves of an aloe vera plant into a smooth paste. Apply directly to the affected area several times per day as needed. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Another vaginal dryness natural remedy is Apple cider vinegar an excellent natural remedy for vaginal dryness since it has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help ease symptoms quickly. To use this remedy, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 10 parts warm water, then apply directly to the affected area with a cotton ball or pad. Do this once per day as needed until your symptoms have subsided. 

4. Yogurt: The probiotics found in yogurt can help restore balance to the delicate vaginal environment and reduce irritation caused by dryness. Simply eat a few servings of plain, unsweetened yogurt per day for the best results. You can also apply it topically by soaking a tampon in plain yogurt and inserting it into your vagina for 10 minutes before removing it. 

5. Herbal Remedies: The next vaginal dryness natural remedies we recommend are certain herbs like chamomile, calendula, and yarrow, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by dryness. Make an herbal infusion by boiling 1 teaspoon of the herb in a cup of water for 10 minutes, then strain and allow to cool. Apply directly to the affected area several times per day as needed. 

It’s important to remember that while these vaginal dryness natural remedies can help provide relief from vaginal dryness, they may not be suitable for everyone.  

6. Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E oil is excellent for moisturizing dry skin and promoting healing. Simply break open a vitamin E capsule, massage the oil directly onto the affected area, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Do this once or twice per day as needed until your symptoms have subsided. 

7. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation caused by vaginal dryness. Dilute 4-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Apply directly to the affected area several times per day as needed until your symptoms have improved. 

These are just a few of the natural remedies for treating vaginal dryness that has been found to be effective. Remember to talk to your doctor before trying any of these remedies, as they could interact with any medications you may be taking. With the proper treatment, you can find relief from this uncomfortable condition and get back to feeling like yourself again. 

If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of vaginal dryness, please talk to your doctor for further evaluation and advice. Do not rely solely on the information provided here.