Lifestyle
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Have you ever found yourself out with a friend, enjoying a slice of pizza, and felt the urge to ask them if their vagina has ever been through a drought? Our bodies change constantly, and knowing that someone else might be experiencing the same issues can be comforting. However, vaginal dryness is a topic that many people shy away from discussing, even though it can significantly affect our sex lives. So, what is considered normal when it comes to vaginal moisture? A doctor once told me that the range of “normal” is broader than we often realize.
After having three children, I noticed that my intimate area wasn’t as well-lubricated as I would have liked. Back in my twenties, I had no idea that hormonal changes played a role. I didn’t feel comfortable discussing it with my gynecologist, so I resorted to using extra lube during intimate moments. Thankfully, things returned to normal after I finished nursing.
Fast forward to my mid-forties: I’m now dealing with night sweats and intense mood swings due to perimenopause, and I sometimes find myself drier than a tumbleweed rolling across the desert. Even when I’m aroused, there are times when my vagina just doesn’t produce enough moisture, prompting me to grab the lube to avoid discomfort.
I spoke with Dr. Sarah Collins, an OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer at FemCare, who provided valuable insights into why our vaginal area may become dry and, more importantly, how to address it. Vaginal dryness often occurs when your body’s estrogen levels drop. Dr. Collins explains, “Lower estrogen levels lead to reduced blood flow to vaginal tissue, resulting in less natural lubrication and potential discomfort such as dryness and painful intercourse.”
This issue can arise during menopause and perimenopause, but it can also be triggered by contraceptive pills, chronic antihistamines, breastfeeding, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage this dryness.
One option is to use hyaluronic acid, a substance we often apply to our faces for hydration. Dr. Collins notes, “It’s an FDA-cleared ingredient that can effectively manage vaginal dryness and related symptoms like burning, irritation, and painful sex.” Plus, it’s non-hormonal.
How often should you apply this? Dr. Collins recommends regular use of vaginal moisturizers. “Unlike hot flashes or night sweats, vaginal dryness related to menopause can worsen over time if not addressed consistently. While lubricants are great for immediate relief, moisturizers offer longer-lasting comfort,” she explains.
We invest a lot in our skincare routines, so why not devote some attention to the skin that’s less visible? Consider incorporating your vaginal moisturizer into your morning or evening routine, just like you do with your face.
Dr. Collins suggests FemCare’s Hydrate™, which can relieve vaginal dryness with an easy-to-use vaginal insert that restores moisture for everyday comfort and intimacy. It’s hormone-free, paraben-free, and designed to rejuvenate vaginal tissue.
Additionally, I personally enjoy using the product Lark Moisture, which requires just a quick swipe once a day.
Dr. Emily Thompson, a health and wellness expert, advises avoiding scented toilet paper, chemicals, perfumes, and harsh soaps near your intimate area. It’s a reminder that trying to make our lady parts smell like flowers is not only pointless but can also be harmful.
If you experience dryness, remember that it’s common and can result from various factors—including stress, hormonal changes, medications, and more. It’s wise to keep quality vaginal care products and sustainable lubricants on hand while steering clear of heavily scented options.
Your vagina is perfectly fine in all its forms, but we all want our intimate experiences to be comfortable. There’s no shame in seeking a little boost to enhance pleasure.
For more insights on this topic, check out this related blog post here and for comprehensive information on fertility, visit Make a Mom. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, explore Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Fertility Center.
Summary
Vaginal dryness is a common issue that many experience due to hormonal changes, medications, and other factors, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Solutions include using hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers regularly and adopting gentle hygiene practices. Open discussion and quality products can enhance comfort and intimacy.
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