Are you experiencing vaginal dryness during pregnancy? You’re not alone. It’s a common issue that affects many expectant mothers. Unfortunately, this issue can make things more than a little uncomfortable; it can impact your daily life and intimate relationships. But while pregnancy comes with its fair share of unwelcome surprises (we’re looking at you, morning sickness), vaginal dryness doesn’t have to be one of them. The right solutions can keep you comfortable, confident, and focused on the excitement of bringing your little one into the world. Here’s what can help and what you need to know.
What is vaginal dryness?
While this might seem like a no-brainer, everyone’s experience of vaginal dryness is a little different, so let’s set the record straight. Vaginal dryness refers to a lack of natural lubrication in the vaginal area, a condition that can lead to discomfort, itching, and pain during daily activities and intimacy. While it can affect women of any age, pregnant women are particularly susceptible due to the significant hormonal changes occurring in their bodies.
What causes vaginal dryness during pregnancy?
Several things that can cause vaginal dryness during pregnancy, such as:
- Hormonal fluctuations: One of the primary causes of dryness during this time is the fluctuation of hormones, particularly estrogen. These hormonal changes can disrupt the natural lubrication of the vagina.
- Increased stress levels: Pregnancy can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety, which can indirectly contribute to a lack of vaginal lubrication. The stress hormone can affect hormonal balance and body functions, including pelvic health.
- Immune system adjustments: The immune system undergoes various changes during pregnancy, which can sometimes lead to vaginal dryness.
- Dehydration: Pregnant women often require more fluids due to the demands of their changing bodies. Dehydration can contribute to overall vaginal dryness.
What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness during pregnancy?
Everyone’s experience of vaginal dryness will look a little different. It’s possible for all the symptoms below to be present or just a few, but it’s important to know the signs.
- Pain during intimacy: Discomfort ranging from mild irritation to severe pain during sex.
- Changes in vaginal lubrication: Notable reduction in natural vaginal lubrication or discharge, often becoming apparent during moments of sexual arousal.
- Burning sensation in the pelvic region: A frequent burning feeling in the pelvic area may intensify during physical exertions or urination.
- Discomfort and itching: Continuous or recurring discomfort or itching in the vaginal region, observable during routine daily activities.
- Occasional spotting or light bleeding: Experiencing light bleeding or spotting occasionally, especially after undergoing a pelvic examination or engaging in sexual intercourse.
How to treat vaginal dryness during pregnancy
When it comes to vaginal dryness treatments, there are several effective options available at your disposal. You may need a combination of treatments since the causes aren’t always so straightforward.
1. Use lubricant
A tried-and-true method to help with vaginal dryness: lubricant. A high-quality lube can significantly ease discomfort by providing the necessary moisture that might be lacking due to hormonal changes. When selecting a lubricant, choosing one that is safe for pregnancy is important. Water-based products are often recommended as they are gentle, easy to clean, and less likely to further irritate vaginal pH. They can also be used safely with latex condoms.
2. Try clinically proven sexual health devices
Vibratory stimulation is a proven way to treat vaginal dryness. It works by applying vibrations to the genital area to increase blood flow and genital responsiveness, which results in increased lubrication.
Our clinically proven, FDA-registered vibrators help treat vaginal dryness by increasing blood flow with targeted vibrations.
Crescendo 2 is a slim, multi-shape vibrator that bends into more shapes that you’ll know what to do with - but what you can do with it is treat vaginal dryness. Built with 6 powerful motors, Crescendo 2 delivers intense vibrations to any combination of erogenous zones, increasing blood flow, arousal, and yes - lubrication. In a 2023 study, Crescendo 2 showed a 93% improvement in lubrication and a 73% improvement in arousal in women.
Legato is a flexible vibrating ring for women that sends external stimulation across the vulva and labia, increasing blood flow without the pain or pressure of penetration. 4 motors disperse gentle vibrations across the entire vulva, boosting arousal, heightening sensation, and lubrication. In a 2024 study, Legato was found to improve lubrication by 309% and arousal by 83% in women. Even better? Legato can be used during intercourse to provide continuous stimulation to help avoid painful sex because of vaginal dryness.
If you want a hands-free way to increase lubrication during intercourse, have your partner wear Tenuto 2 - a male vibrator - so that its front 3 motors stimulate the entire vulva and clitoris during sex for increased arousal and lubrication.
3. Stay hydrated
Stay well-hydrated for you and your baby's sake. Pregnancy is demanding, and your body might be using more liquid than before. Additionally, things like vomiting or diarrhea during morning sickness can cause dehydration. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day for optimal body functioning during pregnancy and to keep vaginal dryness away.
4. Maintain a balanced diet
Eating more omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can promote the health of skin and mucous membranes and may help alleviate dryness symptoms. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamins A and E, can also support women’s intimate health. These nutrients help to maintain the integrity of vaginal tissues and can help with natural lubrication.
5. Exercise (your pelvic floor, too)
Engaging in regular exercise, in particular activities focused on training the pelvic floor, can be beneficial in managing vaginal dryness during pregnancy. Physical activity improves overall blood circulation, enhancing natural lubrication in the pelvic area.
Pelvic floor exercises or Kegels can be particularly helpful. They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and bowels. Strengthening these muscles can improve vaginal health and potentially increase lubrication. Not only are they simple to do, but they can be performed discreetly at any time.
It’s important to choose activities that are safe for pregnancy. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can be excellent choices.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new activity during this period to ensure it’s safe for both you and your baby. Plus, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can also prepare your body for childbirth and aid in postpartum recovery.
6. Consult a healthcare professional
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness during pregnancy, and you’ve tried it all and nothing is working, it’s time to talk to a doctor. They can provide advice and treatment options tailored to your specific situation and can help determine if it is a result of hormonal changes or if there’s another underlying cause that needs attention.
Takeaway
Pregnancy comes with plenty of surprises - some magical, some... not so much. While vaginal dryness might not be the most talked-about symptom, it doesn’t have to be something you just put up with. A few simple changes, like using a medical vibrator that’s clinically proven to help with vaginal dryness, can bring comfort, intimacy, and confidence, so you can spend less time worrying about discomfort and more time getting ready to meet your little one.
FAQs
Is it normal to be dry down there during pregnancy?
Yes, experiencing vaginal dryness during pregnancy is common, mainly due to hormonal changes. If uncomfortable, using sexual wellness devices or lubricants like those from MysteryVibe can help.
Are you wet or dry in early pregnancy?
Vaginal lubrication can vary during early pregnancy, with some experiencing increased moisture due to hormonal changes and others noticing vaginal dryness. Each individual’s experience is unique. For those encountering the latter, a clinically proven medical vibrator can offer an easy solution to increase lubrication.
How can I increase my natural lubrication?
Factors like sexual arousal and hormonal fluctuations can determine the amount of lubrication a woman experiences, but there are ways to increase lubrication, such as sexual wellness devices or lubricants.
