Vaginal Dryness VS Menopause

 

What is vaginal dryness and how is it caused?

For millions of women, vaginal dryness is a real problem that affects their day-to-day lives.  Vaginal dryness can occur at any age of a woman.  

The effects of vaginal dryness vary from woman to woman.  The effects may range from minor discomfort to painful sexual intercourse.  

However, the discomfort of vaginal dryness impacts the normal life of a woman.  But this is not an ignorable issue.  Women should know about menopause in advance to combat the on coming complications.

Is vaginal dryness associated only with menopause?

Yes, Vaginal dryness is most common in menopause transition.  During menopause, estrogen levels drop and one of estrogen’s roles is to keep the lining of the vagina moist and healthy.

Is taking oral contraceptives cause vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness can be associated with taking oral contraceptives or breastfeeding.

What are other factors responsible for vaginal dryness?

The other factors for vaginal dryness are: douching, pelvic radiation, prolonged use of tampons, advanced endometriosis and as a side effect of a variety of medications like aromatase inhibitors used in treating breast cancer.

What are the factors that exacerbate an existing condition?

Excessive exercise, persistent emotional stress, previous traumatic sexual experiences, diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine, smoking and using some allergy medication and antihistamines can exacerbate an existing condition.

Vaginal Dryness Vs Diabetes

Women living with diabetes are more likely to have sexual issues, but they often suffer in silence.  Alterations in the vagina due to functional vascular changes, neuropathy or tissue glycosylation caused by diabetes, and side effects from diabetic drugs are all potential reasons for the increased prevalence among diabetic women.

Vaginal dryness has increased incidence by 33% more in women with diabetes.

Sexual dysfunction is up to 42% more in women with diabetes.

Diabetic women have 4% more painful intercourse more than normal women.

      Vaginal dryness Vs Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition that triggers as women leave their child bearing years.  From the early 30s of women, estrogen levels start declining and cause hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings and vaginal dryness.  

Most symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats will go away over time, but the effects lower levels of estrogen will continue for the remainder of life.  Vaginal dryness persists after menopause and worsens over time.

The best menopause supplements to overcome hotflashes

Vaginal dryness, whether slight or severe, can cause pain and discomfort during intercourse, as well as itching and irritation, even in those who are not sexually active. This illness can affect menopausal women and last for the rest of their lives.