Around the time of menopause almost half of all women have some type of problem concerning vaginal dryness and itching. Even before the levels of estrogen begin to drop substantially, some ladies observe that less lubrication is produced during intercourse, and sexual arousal is harder.
They may put it down to ‘tiredness’ and loss of interest in their partner, however the mucous membranes around the genitals are actually changing.
You will find numerous menopause remedies, apart from hormones, for vaginal dryness, but itching usually indicates an infection that will require a doctor’s attention.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness? When estrogen levels begin to fall, the walls of the vagina come to be thinner, drier and less elastic; most of this is a direct result of decreased blood flow.
Estrogen is a vasodilator, meaning that it increases the size and flexibility of the blood vessels, so with less of this hormone around, the blood supply is reduced, and the cells in the vaginal walls get thinner, drier and more vulnerable to itchiness and irritation. The epithelial tissue in the vagina is dependent on estrogen and, in the absence of this hormone, the superficial protective layer thins or vanishes altogether, making it more prone to damage if extra lubrication isn’t used during sex. The lubrication of the vagina is also affected by circulation, as most of the moisture is produced by fluid seeping out of blood vessels and into the vagina instead of direct secretion from glands. When there is not enough lubrication, sexual intercourse can lead to irritation, even pain, and post-coital bleeding. If you experience discomfort or bleeding during sexual intercourse, it is important to do something about it.
Non-Menopausal Causes Bear in mind that any medicines warning of a dry mouth as a side effect are going to dry up all mucous membranes, such as your vagina. Anti-histamines are the biggest culprits, and they consist of medications for hay fever and travel sickness. Numerous antidepressants can reduce libido and thus affect lubrication, particularly fluoxetine, the tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If vaginal dryness coincides with or starts soon after you commence any medication, seek advice from your physician in case the medication is the problem.
If you notice dry eyes, nose and mouth as well as a dry vagina, it is essential to check that you do not have an autoimmune disorder called Sjogrens syndrome. Your doctor will have to do a blood test to diagnose this, and the symptoms could be treated with lubricants and artificial tears and saliva.
Liquid douche preparations can disturb the normal chemical balance and might lead to a feeling of dryness in your vagina.
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