Vaginal dryness is a hallmark symptom of menopause, specifically in postmenopausal women, but it can also affect any woman regardless of what point in their life they are in. Vaginal dryness can feel debilitating by making you believe something is wrong with you, making it difficult to be intimate and by putting your sex life on hold. Yet there are ways to combat vaginal dryness during menopause and with 50% of women (after menopause) suffering from vaginal atrophy and symptoms of irritation, discomfort and vaginal dryness, you are not alone.
You can still have great sex after menopause and combat vaginal dryness with small lifestyle changes that will help you get back to yourself in no time.
Why do you get vaginal dryness during menopause?
Vaginal dryness can affect anyone, but it is far more prevalent during menopause. This is because of the fall in estrogen, which plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, usually keeping the lining of the vagina healthy and lubricated. But during perimenopause, those levels fall which can lead to less natural lubrication and thinning vaginal tissue. Vaginal dryness is no reflection of desire but rather your body's reaction to the fall in vaginal estrogen.
This can have a significant impact on a woman’s physical and emotional well-being, however. Symptoms of vaginal dryness include itchiness, irritation and painful sex, with a knock-on psychological effect such as loss of libido and sexual confidence in the bedroom. And if you are in the mood for a steamy bedroom session, the dryness can cause you to struggle to orgasm, or take longer to reach your climactic ending.
As your bedroom needs change with age and your body takes longer to climax, adding new sensations can help you enjoy intimacy and increase your chances of orgasm. Trying out a vibrator for older women, which is designed to meet your needs, increase blood flow and natural lubrication could be one of the answers you’ve been looking for.
You may feel embarrassed about seeking help but talking about menopause with your partner or a loved one can help ease your mind. And if you are concerned about your symptoms you should reach out to your doctor about treatment, especially if you are finding it overwhelming. However, there are a few ways you can try to combat this at home.
How can you combat vaginal dryness?
Water-based lubricants
Lubricants are great for reducing vaginal dryness and friction during penetration, creating smoother, more pleasurable sensations. Whilst most women produce lubrication when they are aroused it might not be a sufficient amount. By investing in a good quality lube, you can get your sex life back on track and provide some seriously delicious sensations.
Regular sexual activity
Action between the sheets can help reduce vaginal dryness, as regularly getting physical can increase blood flow which in turn increases lubrication. If penetration is painful for you then try focusing on prolonged foreplay - this can get you in the right headspace and enjoy yourself. Remember that lubrication is no indicator of desire or want to have sex so if your body is playing ball then generously apply lube, and enjoy!
Using a vibrator
Vibrators don’t just hold the power to make you feel amazing, with sensations you’ve never experienced - there are also health benefits!
As Dr. Minkin, one of the nation’s foremost experts on menopause and sexual health, explained in an interview with Fab Over 50: “Women who use vibrators regularly have increased blood flow to their vaginas and increased lubrication. That’s especially important for menopausal women who can experience a lack of blood flow to the vagina due to a lack of estrogen. Lack of blood flow contributes to vaginal atrophy, which we’ve talked about before. When it comes to your vagina: Use it or lose it! Sounds corny, but it’s true.”
The bendable vibrator Crescendo 2, is clinically proven to increase arousal and alleviate vaginal dryness and pain during intimacy by an unprecedented 5x. It's bendability helps target vibrations exactly where you want them, and can be used both internally and externally to deliver targeted vibrations to the clitoris, labia, perineum, G-spot and vaginal walls.
Avoid bubble baths
Don’t mess with your pH down below - your vagina is self-cleaning. There is no need to use scented soaps or products as they can worsen dryness around the vagina.
Wear breathable clothing
There is a reason cotton underwear is thought of so highly. Man-made fabrics cause irritation and can further irritate your vagina. So avoid them altogether to combat vaginal dryness.
Vaginal moisturizers
Moisturizers are associated with sex but you can use them with regularity to combat vaginal dryness. However, make sure you are using one that is designed for that - as your vagina has a careful pH balance, and if you use a moisturizer designed for somewhere else it might make it worse.
Pelvic floor exercises
Keeping your vagina in tip-top condition is important as you age, and think of pelvic floor exercises as a gym session for your vagina. Pelvic floor exercises are quite often the secret to better sex, but they can also increase natural lubrication as they increase blood flow.
Estrogen therapy
Estrogen therapy can reduce vaginal dryness and show relief for other symptoms associated with menopause. If you feel estrogen therapy is the right course of action for you, get in touch with your doctor to discuss the right treatment for you.
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