Women can experience vaginal dryness at various times in their lives. Usually it’s vaginal dryness during sex that can cause discomfort and could lead a person to wanting less sex.
Why does Vaginal Dryness happen?
Vaginal dryness may be a problem for women at any age, although it occurs more frequently in older women, particularly after menopause. Breastfeeding mothers and chemotherapy patients can also experience bouts of vaginal dryness.
Women may experience intimate dryness during sex because they are not adequately sexually aroused.
Vaginal dryness has also been linked to hygiene products, such as feminine sprays, harsh soaps and detergents, and swimming pool and hot tub chemicals. There are allergy and cold medications which can also dry out mucous membranes—and these include delicate vaginal tissues.
In most instances, natural lubrication is produced by glands near the cervix and this lubrication keeps the vagina moisturized. During sexual arousal, the Bartholin’s glands located near the entrance of the vaginal canal produce extra moisture to assist with penetrative sex.
However, a combination of things can cause anyone to experience vaginal dryness.
What are some Possible Solutions?
Here are a few things that I recommend for combating vaginal dryness. Keep in mind that using a combination of these suggestions may work best for you. Allow yourself to explore and experiment to find out what solutions work for you personally.
Lubricants
Lubricants are the easiest and most popular way to help remedy vaginal dryness.
First and foremost, a lubricant should be used regularly to help keep the vaginal canal soft and spongy. Many lubricants are formulated to help hydrate and rejuvenate vaginal tissues.
Most people use water-based lubricants, but in cases of vaginal dryness, there might be additional hydration needed.
Silicone lubricants are a slicker formulation allows for longer-lasting, more cushioned experiences during sex. Silicone lube can also be used as an internal moisturizer. Simply massage silicone lubricant into the vaginal canal to help keep tissues comfortable.
Sunny Tip! Water-based and silicone lubes can be used together to provide extra moisture and comfort.
Research confirms that women who used lubricants reported higher rates of sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
Clitoral Stimulation
Vaginal dryness is often caused by insufficient foreplay. For that reason, incorporating a clitoral stimulator into foreplay and sex play can help activate vaginal moisture.
According to studies in Elisabeth Lloyd’s book, The Case of the Female Orgasm (Harvard University Press), 75% of women can only orgasm via external clitoral stimulation. This means a clitoral stimulator is essential!
Clitoral stimulators can offer specific vibration for direct pleasure, but I suggest considering another option as well. Clitoral suction stimulators can help in drawing blood flow to your clitoris, assisting with arousal and natural lubrication.
These particular pleasure products can allow your body to physically prepare for sex.
Sunny Tip! Clitoral toys are for more than just foreplay. Consider their multiple uses. Use a clitoral stimulator as an all-body erogenous zone arousal device or slip it in between bodies during sex to heighten sensations and responsivity.
Arousal Balms
Using female arousal enhancements can promote healthy blood flow to your genital region. The increase in circulation can bring additional oxygen to this area, creating heightened sexual arousal, sensitivity, and help activate the Bartholin’s glands, increasing lubrication at the vaginal entrance.
There are a variety of arousal balms available. Some will create a cooling sensation, and others can provide a warming, tingling feeling.
Experiment to see what your body responds to best!
Drink More Water
Did you know that dehydration can affect vaginal health? Not drinking enough water can affect skin and tissue, including vaginal tissue. What happens on the outside of a body directly affects the inside of the body.
When properly hydrated, vaginal tissue is better prepared to create ample amounts of natural moisture.
In 1945, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences published its dietary guidelines, and the 8x8 rule suggesting consumption of eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily was born.
The body consists of approximately 60 percent water and proper hydration can benefit the body as a whole.
Find Your Solution
Everyone is unique, but for several of my patients it seems like a combination of pleasure products and lubricants has helped many women with vaginal dryness enjoy sex again. Perhaps a few of these suggestions can help you as well.
Are you experiencing vaginal dryness? Would you like sex to feel more comfortable? If you have any questions, I’m always here to help.