Vaginal dryness
When vagina isn’t properly lubricated, it can feel itchy and irritated, making some daily activities uncomfortable and sexual intercourse less pleasurable. During menopause, vaginal dryness is a common cause of discomfort or pain during sex.
Vaginal dryness is a common condition, affecting women of all ages. Vaginal dryness most often occurs during and after menopause.
Common signs and symptoms of vaginal dryness include :
-Itching
-Burning
-Pain or light bleeding during sex
-Urinary frequency and urgency.
Many experts agreed that vaginal dryness is one of the important sign of vaginal atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis).
Helpful Tips:
1. Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you aren’t sufficiently aroused
Make time to be intimate with your partner and allow your body to become adequately aroused and lubricated. It may help to talk with your partner about what feels good. Having intercourse regularly also may help promote better vaginal lubrication.
2. Avoid certain products
Though you may be willing to try just about anything to relieve your discomfort, avoid using the following products to treat vaginal dryness, as they may irritate your vagina:
Vinegar
Yogurt or other douches
Hand lotions
Soaps
Bubble bath
3. Stay hydrated
This may seem obvious, but if you’re chronically dehydrated, your body is going to have a hard time staying lubricated. Remember that all caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you, too. So, drink plenty of water whenever possible.
4. Eat a balanced diet
Eating a well-balanced diet, including an appropriate amount of healthy fats, will support your overall health and make sure your body is making as much estrogen as it can. Also be sure to eliminate simple sugars and food sensitivities.
Increase soy isoflavones in your diet
Many women respond very well to daily intake of whole soy foods, which are high in isoflavones and lignans known to be helpful for vaginal dryness. While soy and flaxseed contain some of the highest levels of phytonutrients helpful for vaginal dryness, there are many other foods that contain phytoestrogens which, by mimicking the body’s natural estrogens, serve as a buffer when levels fluctuate. Adding these foods to your diet could give you the extra little hormone boost you need
