Vaginal dryness is typically a topic that is taboo around the water cooler. No one wants to talk about their vagina or how wet or dry it is. However, vaginal dryness effects millions of women. It is a very common problem that can be fairly uncomfortable. If you are wondering why you were once adequately lubricated down below, and no longer are, there can be several reasons. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a number of different factors.
Medications that Cause Vaginal Dryness
There are millions of people who suffer from vaginal dryness. Many of these people have symptoms because of certain medications they take. Certain over-the-counter medications such as cold and allergy medicines work to dry out mucous membranes. This may help your cold symptoms, but they also dry out the mucous membranes of your vagina. Also, antidepressant medications have been known to cause vaginal dryness as well.
Vaginal Dryness Due to Lower Estrogen Levels
Decreased estrogen levels is a major cause of vaginal dryness. Most people know that menopause decreases estrogen levels, but there are so many other times during a women’s life when estrogen is lower. Breast feeding, childbirth, cancer treatments, cigarette smoking, and immune disorders can all adversely effect the levels of a woman’s estrogen.
Vaginal Dryness From Douching
Douching was very popular 20 years ago. It was thought to cleanse the vagina thoroughly after a menstrual period. Research has shown that douching actually is no better, and is even worse than letting the vagina clean itself naturally. The chemicals in the douche effect the natural balance of the vagina. Vaginitis is caused by douching and can also cause vaginal dryness.
Sjogren’s Syndrome Causes Vaginal Dryness
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease. It is when the immune system begins attacking completely healthy tissue in the body. This disease can cause dry mouth and dry eyes. However, Sjogren’s Syndrome has also been known to cause severe vaginal dryness.
No one likes to talk about vaginal dryness, but no one likes to experience it either. The more people talk about the issue, the more we will know what causes it. Vaginal dryness can be painful during intercourse, itchy during the day, and painful with tight fitting clothes. If you know the causes of this condition you will be more educated if you experience symptoms. Although vaginal dryness is unpleasant, it is a very common condition felt by millions of women.