Vaginal Dryness : Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Home Remedies

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women during and after menopause, although inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur at any age. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) — thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen. Along with vaginal dryness, you might also have itching and stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina.

Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable. Most vaginal lubrication consists of clear fluid that seeps through the walls of the blood vessels encircling the vagina. When you're sexually aroused, more blood flows to your pelvic organs, creating more lubricating vaginal fluid. But the hormonal changes of menopause, childbirth and breast-feeding may disrupt this process.


Symptoms

Vaginal dryness may be accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

.Itching
.Burning
.Soreness
.Pain or light bleeding with sex
.Urinary frequency or urgency


Causes of Vaginal Dryness

There are many factors that may lead to vaginal dryness. Some of them are:

.Diaphragms
.Condoms
.Tampons
.Drying soaps
.Douches
.Medications (antihistamines/decongestants, antidepressants, antibiotics)
.Chemotherapy and radiation
.Allergens (for example the fragrances and dyes in toilet paper)

While all of these may cause problems with lubrication, the main cause of vaginal dryness remains low estrogen levels.


Treatments and Home Remedies

The diagnosis of the causes for vaginal dryness is necessary, but home remedies for vaginal dryness can relieve the condition while treating any significant disease or psychological issues. There are some treatments and effective home remedies for vaginal dryness which are mentioned ahead.

. To keep body hydrated drink at least 10 glasses of water. It will help to relieve the dryness.

. Apply Vaseline on the external and also within the lips of the vagina. It helps with the itching, dryness, and also a great lubricant.

. Vitamin E oil is good too. Apply the oil with your finger into the inside wall of your vagina.

. Aloe vera if consumed with saffron, winter cherry and milk at night is known to increase vaginal lubrication.

. Use a cotton pad and dip in sesame oil. Massage the vaginal walls daily to help in restoring vaginal lubrication.

. Including yogurt, rice, barley and corn in everyday meals is also known to reduce vaginal dryness.

. Apply around ½ tsp of comfrey salve to your vaginal area daily after taking a bath. Comfrey contains allantoin which helps in soothing the irritated tissues and stimulates the growth of new and healthy cells.

. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is very important for you to have these foods as they keep the cells healthy and naturally cure infection.

. Consume flax oil several times a day as a regular treatment for vaginal dryness. You can also substitute the oil for one to two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds.

. Applying wild yams to the affected area can give relief. Typically, this is done with creams that are made with wild yam. Wild yam is a natural source of estrogen, thus, increasing the estrogen levels in the vaginal area.

. Local application of turmeric or tea tree oil is considered beneficial. Both, turmeric and tea tree oil are considered to have strong anti-bacterial properties which in turn can improve the infection.

. Eat more soy-based foods, such as soymilk and tofu, into your diet, Valuable options include tofu, soymilk, soy yogurt, miso and boiled or steamed soybeans.

. Other good natural remedies for the treatment of vaginal dryness include taking Kudzu. A study showed that healthy postmenopausal women that took a Kudzu capsule daily for 24 weeks showed improvements in vaginal dryness.

. Take a glass of water and add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and allow it to boil for 10-15 minutes.

. Herbs such as Dong Quai, a very well known Chinese herb helps to support balance of female hormones and to promote hormonal health. Available as a supplement at most natural health stores.

. Regularly drink fresh milk with 1 teaspoon of saffron in it. This will help to reduce vaginal dryness.

. Squeeze the oil of 6 vitamin E capsule into a cup. Add 5 teaspoon of black cohosh cream and mix. Apply it to the inside part as well outside of the vagina two or three times a day till relief.

. Take a cup of oat straw regularly to keeps the female reproductive organs in good condition and helps the skin glow.

. Try Kegel exercises since they may increase circulation to the pelvic area and thus help you keep vaginal tissue healthy and strong.



~source:mayoclinic.com~