Vaginal dryness may result in intermittent or constant discomfort, and it can cause sex to be painful.
These may cause the issue on their own or compound the effects of lowered estrogen.
Sometimes, medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause dehydration, which may cause vaginal dryness.
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However, symptoms can occur intermittently, even without sex a precipitating factor.
Generally, hormone levels and diagnostic testing, such as ultrasound, can distinguish the conditions.
Your healthcare provider may suggest one or more, depending on your circumstance.
you’ve got the option to use these as needed.
If your dryness is only symptomatic during and after sex, you might use a topical product before sex.
Treatment options include:
Always choose a water-based vaginal lubricant.
If you are having protected sex using a condom, double-check you are using water-based or silicone-based lubricant.
Speak with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons for you.
Women who are experiencing menopause may benefit from over-the-counter, prescription, ornatural treatmentsfor related symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Feeling stressed or rushed when having sex can exacerbate the issue.
Relaxing and taking time for arousal may help.
Arthritis Foundation.Sjogrens Syndrome and Your Body.
Harvard Medical School.Vaginal Atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis).
Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C.Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Int J Womens Health.
Published 2018 Jul 31. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913
