Vaginal dryness is a common problem for many women, especially during menopause. It can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to infections. Fortunately, there are vaginal dryness natural remedies that can help reduce the symptoms and restore moisture to the area. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, and the natural remedies that can help relieve the symptoms and bring comfort back to your life.
Vaginal itching, discomfort and dryness is sadly a common occurance after menopause, but it can occur at any age. This dryness can lead to itching, burning, and painful sex, as well as an increased need to urinate more often.
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Common Causes Of Vaginal Dryness.
Most of the time, vaginal dryness is caused by decreased levels of the female hormone estrogen. It can also develop in people undergoing treatment for other conditions.
Other causes are:
- Breastfeeding
- Childbirth
- Taking birth control pills
- Menopause
- Those who have had an Oophorectomy
- Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy
- Those receiving hormonal treatment
- If you are on anti-estrogen medication (used to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids)
- Medicines like antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) or antidepressants
- Sjogren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder and can cause dryness in the whole body.
- The use of scented soaps, douches, or washes around your vagina
Vaginal dryness is often associated with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), more commonly known as vaginal atrophy. Statistics vary, but if you are between the ages of 40 and 45, there is a 20% chance of you experiencing vaginal dryness. If you are post-menopausal, you have a significant risk of developing genitourinary syndrome (GSM), with around 66% chances.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments of vaginal dryness, as well as natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help relieve the symptoms.
Vaginal Dryness Natural Remedies.
Below are remedies you can use at home to help with vaginal dryness. These remedies may help you manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening; however, before using any natural or herbal remedies, it is important you consult with your healthcare professional.
PinSea Buckthorn Oil.
Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the berries and seeds of a plant that grows in Asia and Europe. The oil contains four types of fatty acids, including gamma linolenic acid (omega-6) and palmitoleic acid (omega-7), as host of vitamins, including C, A, and E, antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols and has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is one of our vaginal dryness natural remedies due to research that indicates Sea buckthorn oil may be an alternative to estrogen replacement. It also helps to moisturize and nourish the vaginal tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Sea buckthorn oil can be applied topically to the vagina or taken orally as a supplement.
Our Recommended Sea Buckthorn Oils.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet Almond Oil has historically been used to treat dry skin conditions. It is thought that it may help with vaginal dryness due to its well known beneficial effects on the skin and natural emollient properties. To use start by ensuring your hands are clean, your vagina is both clean and dry and then massage a small amount of almond oil around the area.
Olive oil is another with well documented evidence of supporting skin hydration. It helps to keep our skin moisturized and preserves the water content of the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum. Loss of water can make the skin dry. Therefore Olive might be beneficial in gaining relief. Use in the same way as Sweet Almond Oil.
PinAloe Vera – One Of The Top Remedies for Vaginal Dryness.
The benefits of Aloe Vera for skin care is well known. Aloe Vera has excellent moisturizing properties and is a leading product when it comes to vibrant healthy skin renewal. That includes skin in all parts of the body including your vagina.
Aloe Vera has been shown to encourage collagen synthesis, which vital for growth and renewal of skin cells. Applied in it’s natural gel state or as a blend of aloe vera gel and fresh milk, when applied regularly, studies show Aloe Vera is effective for treating vaginal dryness. In fact outcomes of clinical trials show Aloe Vera to be as effective as estrogen creams.
Our Recommended Aloe Vera Products.
The Correct Diet.
A natural remedy for vaginal dryness, and one that should be implemented by all women, is to focus on the foods in your diet. Eating foods that are rich in phytoestrogens, Isoflavones and vitamins can help improve your hormone balance and vaginal health.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and they have been proven to help reduce vaginal dryness. Good sources of phytoestrogens are soy and soy products, oats, barley, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamins such as vitamin E, help moisturize and heal the vaginal tissues. To gain good supply of vitamin E from your diet you should include almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, spinach, and olive oil.
Soy is one of the phytoestrogen rich foods, which you should include regularly in your diet. The phytoestrogens in Soy products help to regulate the production of vaginal lubrication and maintains the elasticity and thickness of the vaginal tissues. Soy products such as soy milk, tofu, edamame, tempeh, or soy supplements are all excellent sources rich in phytoestrogens.
Moisturizers, Lubricants and Sexual Activity.
Other natural remedies for vaginal dryness are vaginal moisturizers. These need to be carefully selected to ensure body healthy ingredients. The best products are specifically designed to hydrate and nourish the vaginal tissues and restore the natural pH balance.
Vaginal moisturizers help keep your vagina moist and healthy. Make sure you choose a moisturizer that is water-based, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. Never use products that are not designed for the vagina, such as body lotions, creams, or oils.
Our Recommended Moisturizing Products.
Water-based lubricants are products you can use before, and during, sexual activity to reduce friction and enhance pleasure. A water-based lubricant helps prevent further irritation or injury to the vaginal tissues and makes sex more comfortable and enjoyable. You should only ever choose a lubricant that is water based and does not contain petroleum jelly, parabens or glycerin.
Our Recommended Lubrication Products.
Another remedy for vaginal dryness is regular sexual activity. Whether alone, or with a partner, sexual stimulation helps increase blood flow and vaginal secretions which relieve vaginal dryness. Sexual activity also boosts mood, confidence, and feelings of intimacy. If your sexual activity is with a partner, make sure to engage in plenty of foreplay as this will help with arousal and ensure you are well lubricated before penetration. You can also use toys or devices to enhance your stimulation.
Laser Treatment.
Laser treatment may not be a natural remedy, but needs to on this list. Studies have shown that laser treatment stimulates the production of blood vessels and collagen in the vaginal tissues. It is only a 5 to 10 minute procedure and restores moisture to the vagina. The treatment may also prevent further decrease of estrogen. Laser treatment1Treatment to External Labia and Vaginal Canal With CO2 Laser for Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women is safe, painless, and is not a surgical procedure.
Takeaway
Vaginal dryness is a common issue faced by many women. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies available to help alleviate the symptoms of vaginal dryness. This blog post looks at the causes of vaginal dryness and provides an in-depth guide to some of the most effective natural remedies for this condition.
References
- 1Treatment to External Labia and Vaginal Canal With CO2 Laser for Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women
