If you’re experiencingvaginal dryness, check your medicine cabinet.
People with vaginas also may experience dryness and sexual problems when taking drugs used to prevent seizures.
Natural levels of moisture should return when you stop using these medications.
PhotoAlto / Ale Ventura / Getty Images
Antibiotics
Antibioticscan indirectly cause vaginal dryness.
Taking antibiotics does not dry up vaginal secretions in the way decongestants can.
However, antibiotics can alter the delicate balance of bacteria found in the vagina.
This may lead to a yeast infection, which can cause vaginal dryness.
They treat conditions like high blood pressure, migraines, and Raynaud’s disease.
Beta-blockers may affect blood flow to the sexual organs, resulting in reduced vaginal lubrication.
Chemotherapy (as well as radiation) may also result in dryness as they may directly decrease estrogen production.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, talk to your gynecologist.
Managing Dryness
Medications that cause vaginal dryness lead to symptoms that can be treated.
Vaginal moisturizers can help.
Non-estrogen products are available too.
Home remedies can include coconut oil or olive oil used as a lubricant.
Theisoflavonesinsoybeans, for example, can have a similar effect as naturally produced estrogen and may improve dryness symptoms.
Ultimately, if medications are causing your vaginal dryness, that underlying factor will need to be addressed.
Your healthcare provider will likely want to review your medication options before taking other measures.
Summary
Vaginal dryness can occur for several reasons across a lifetime, including during breastfeeding and menopause.
Some drugs, including antibiotics, may do so indirectly.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your symptoms are related to medications.
You may be able to change the dose or the drug you’re taking.
If that’s not possible, your provider can help treat the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
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