Vaginal dryness is a common medical condition in women with reduced hormones, which can occur in both young and old. The causes of vaginal dryness are very diverse, so it is important to understand them carefully so that the treatment is as effective as possible. In the treatment methods, applying moisturizer to the intimate area plays a very important role, helping to reduce the symptoms of the disease as well as make the sexual process easier. Let’s find out vaginal dryness symptoms and remedies to cure them in this article!
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Causes of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a typical symptom of menopause, and it is estimated that one-third of women entering menopause will experience vaginal dryness. After this transition period, vaginal dryness may occur more often as a woman actually enters menopause.
This makes the vagina thinner and less elastic, also known as vaginal atrophy. Normally, the vagina is covered with a transparent and thin layer of fluid, and the hormone Estrogen is the main factor that helps maintain this fluid layer to help keep the vagina thick, elastic, and protected. by other factors. If estrogen levels in the body are reduced, this layer of fluid will also disappear, leading to vaginal dryness.
Some of the causes of low estrogen levels in the body are:
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment
- Ovarian ablation surgery in related diseases
- Anti-estrogen drugs in the treatment of uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Some other causes of vaginal dryness are as follows:
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s own cells that produce moisture.
- Medicines for allergies and colds.
- Antidepressants
- Douching
- Some problems in the first step when having sex
Vaginal dryness has many different causes, but all cause discomfort, itching, burning, and pain during sex.
Diagnosing Vaginal Dryness
Any symptoms of burning, itching, or discomfort in the vaginal area can suggest vaginal dryness. Therefore, when having the above symptoms, the patient should immediately report to the treating doctor and inform the doctor about the duration of pain as well as the previous health conditions to the doctor so that the doctor can diagnose correctly. this disease.
To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to perform a vaginal exam to check for dryness of the vagina as well as for vaginal thinning or redness. A physical exam also helps rule out other possible causes, such as vaginal or urinary tract infections. Some cells may need to be removed from the wall of the vagina or uterus for a Pap test.
Vaginal dryness treatment
The most common treatment for vaginal dryness caused by low estrogen is estrogen hormone replacement therapy. This therapy allows the replacement of certain hormones that the body can no longer produce, thereby reducing the symptoms of vaginal dryness. However, this method cannot introduce too much estrogen into the patient’s blood system as drug treatment can bring.
3 types of vaginal estrogen that women often use are:
Estring: The patient has a soft, tapered ring inserted into the vaginal area to release estrogen directly into the vaginal tissues. Estrogen rings are usually replaced about every 3 months.
Vagifem: The patient was given a small vaginal suppository once a day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. After that, still do the same but about 2 times a week until the indication for taking the drug is over
Estrace, Premarin: Patients put the cream into the vaginal area daily for about 1-2 weeks, then reduce the frequency of application to 1-3 times/week.
Some side effects of estrogen-modifying drugs are vaginal bleeding, and breast pain. Therefore, some contraindications of estrogen therapy include:
- Breast cancer patients, especially those taking Aromatase inhibitors
- The patient has had endometrial cancer
- People with vaginal bleeding for no apparent reason
- Women in pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Moisturizing cream for vagina
Moisturizing the vagina is proven to be very important and highly effective in treating vaginal dryness. Moisturizing cream products containing glycerin – min oil – polycarbophil can be easily found at drug stores. In addition, other drugs such as Ospemifene 1 tablet per day can make the vagina thicker and more elastic, reducing pain for a woman during sex. However, Osphena is thought to increase the risk of endometrial thickening and a number of other dangerous diseases such as stroke, blood clots, etc., so it is necessary to have specific instructions from a doctor to ensure safety. when using this drug.
Home Remedies for vaginal dryness
Certain lifestyle changes can help reduce vaginal discomfort and dryness.
Have sex often
Regular sexual activity, whether alone or with a partner, can help manage vaginal dryness. Blood flow to the vaginal tissues increases with stimulation, and this helps to stimulate moisture production.
Avoid certain hygiene products
Many bodies and vaginal hygiene products contain chemical ingredients that can irritate or dry out the vagina. The vagina contains a balanced amount of beneficial bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. There is no need to douche frequently or use scented soaps that change the natural environment of the vagina.
Phytoestrogen supplements
Phytoestrogens are compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body. They occur in plant-based foods, including soybeans, nuts, and tofu. There is a lot of evidence that consuming phytoestrogens can improve vaginal dryness and hot flashes during menopause. However, the data are limited and further research is needed.
Final thought
Vaginal dryness can be caused by many different reasons, the most common of which is a lack of estrogen in the body, which makes vaginal tissue thinner, dry and less elastic. Hormone therapy is a useful treatment for this condition, but the role of a vaginal moisturizer is equally important in thickening and providing moisture to a woman’s vaginal area.
Top News hopes this article can help you learn more about vaginal dryness symptoms and wishes your health is always in the best condition!
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