If you’ve ever dealt with vaginal dryness, you know it’s more than just an inconvenience - it can turn everyday comfort and intimacy into a frustrating challenge. Whether it’s itching, irritation, or making sex feel like sandpaper. Vaginal dryness happens when your body isn’t producing enough natural lubrication, and there are more culprits than just menopause. While menopause is a frequent cause, hormonal shifts from pregnancy and postpartum recovery, stress, medications, and even certain hygienic products can throw things off balance. However, vaginal dryness isn’t something you have to accept, there are several different solutions, like vitamin E. Some women swear by vitamin E as a natural way to help vaginal dryness, so let’s take a closer look at why this vitamin may be your best friend in the bedroom.
What are the causes of vaginal dryness?
One of the most frustrating things about vaginal dryness is that there isn’t just a single cause. It’s often the result of various factors and/or different life stages.
In case you were curious what those factors might be, here are some things that can contribute to vaginal dryness:
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels are common during menopause, postpartum, breastfeeding, or due to certain medical treatments like chemotherapy.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, antihistamines, and hormonal contraceptives can cause a dry vagina as a side effect.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, leading to a dry vagina.
- Lifestyle Factors: Dehydration, stress, and smoking can impact the body’s natural lubrication production.
- Chemical Irritants: Exposure to chemicals in soaps, douches, perfumes, and laundry detergents can irritate the pelvic area and reduce moisture.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Health issues like diabetes or thyroid disorders can also contribute to dryness.
What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness can present a little differently on every woman, and sometimes instances can vary in intensity but typically the experience goes a little something like this:
- Persistent itching and irritation: One of the most common symptoms of dryness is a constant feeling of itchiness or irritation around the vaginal area. This can be particularly noticeable during daily activities or when wearing certain types of clothing.
- Pain during intercourse: Vaginal dryness often leads to discomfort or pain during sexual activity. The lack of lubrication can cause friction, resulting in a painful experience rather than a pleasurable one.
- Reduced vaginal discharge: A noticeable decrease in natural lubrication or discharge is a clear sign of dryness. This symptom can be more apparent during times of sexual arousal when an increase in wetness is expected but is lacking.
- Burning sensation: Some women experience a burning sensation, which can be exacerbated during urination or physical activities.
- Light bleeding or spotting: In more severe cases, the dryness and resulting friction can lead to light bleeding or spotting, especially after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam.
Does vitamin E help vaginal dryness?
Vitamin E is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, including its potential in addressing vaginal dryness in a natural way. A 2016 study showed that Vitamin E suppositories significantly improved vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women after 12 weeks of consistent use.
Another systematic review from 2022 found that vaginal vitamin E suppositories helped relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort in menopausal women, showing effects similar to those of vaginal estrogen.
Furthermore, vitamin E is purported to alleviate symptoms of vaginal dryness when applied topically. Its antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress in the vaginal tissues, helping rejuvenate the mucosal lining.
However, the effectiveness of vitamin E for vaginal dryness varies from person to person. While some women may experience relief, it may not be enough for others. Ultimately, vitamin E vaginal suppositories are a natural alternative for women experiencing vaginal atrophy who cannot or prefer not to use hormone-based treatments.
How to use vitamin E to help vaginal dryness
Vitamin E is available in different forms to help manage vaginal dryness, so you can pick and choose which works best for you and your lifestyle.
- Vitamin E Suppositories: Suppositories are solid capsules designed for insertion into the vagina, where they dissolve and release moisturizing properties. It's often recommended to use them at bedtime to allow for optimal absorption overnight.
- Vitamin E Oils: Natural oils infused with vitamin E can be applied both inside and outside the vagina to alleviate dryness. To use, pierce a vitamin E gel capsule and squeeze the oil onto your fingers, and gently apply it to the vaginal area. This method can help lubricate the vagina and is especially useful for reducing discomfort during intercourse.
- Vitamin E Creams: Topical creams containing vitamin E are another option for moisturizing the vaginal area. These creams can be applied externally to soothe itching and irritation associated with dryness.
Tips for adding vitamin E into your daily life
- Use it regularly: Whether through supplements or topical products, consistent use is crucial for noticeable results.
- Eat foods with vitamin E: Boost your vitamin E levels naturally by eating foods rich in this nutrient, such as nuts, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
- Hydrate: Drinking lots of water enhances the hydrating effects of vitamin E, and it’s generally good for you.
- Get professional guidance: Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication.
Other ways to treat vaginal dryness
Beyond vitamin E, there are several effective ways to alleviate vaginal dryness and restore comfort. And often, the best approach combines multiple solutions to get the relief you need.
Use medical vibrators to enhance lubrication
If you’re feeling the pain of vaginal dryness during intimacy, vibrators are the perfect addition to your love life, blending novelty and a science-backed way to improve lubrication naturally. Vibrations when applied to the genital area are a proven form of therapy that increases blood flow, arousal, sensation, resulting in a natural boost in lubrication.
Legato is a vibrating ring that adjusts to the vulva shape and is clinically proven to boost arousal and lubrication. Its 4 powerful motors distribute gentle vibrations across the entire vulva to magnify sensation, increase arousal, and make dryness a thing of the past. Additionally, the ring is large enough to fit a partner and can be used during intercourse to continue benefiting from additional stimulation.
Crescendo 2 is a flexible vibrator that bends into different shapes to deliver targeted vibrations exactly where you need them for pain relief. With 6 powerful motors, it stimulates blood flow and enhances arousal, helping to improve natural lubrication and ease discomfort. It’s FDA-registered and clinically proven to help with pelvic pain, painful sex, and naturally improve lubrication.
Add lubricant to your love life
Lubricants provide instant relief from vaginal dryness, making intimacy smoother and more enjoyable. Water-based options are safe for vibrators and condoms, while silicone-based lubes last longer without reapplication. For extra hydration, some formulas include hyaluronic acid or vitamin E to support vaginal health. A little lube goes a long way in reducing discomfort and enhancing pleasure.
Explore hormonal treatments
For some, vaginal dryness stems from low estrogen levels due to menopause, postpartum changes, or other health conditions. Hormonal treatments, like creams, pills, or patches, can help restore natural lubrication by replenishing estrogen.
Since hormone therapy isn’t right for everyone, it’s important to consult a doctor to find the best option for your needs. A medical professional can determine the safest and most effective approach based on your health history.
Try prescription medications
Prescription medications present a targeted approach to treating vaginal dryness, particularly when over-the-counter options fall short. These solutions, prescribed by healthcare professionals, are tailored to the causes and severity.
Localized estrogen therapy is a common prescription choice, delivering estrogen directly to the vaginal area with minimal systemic effects. This includes creams, tablets, or rings specifically designed for vaginal use.
Make lifestyle changes
Daily habits play a big role in vaginal health, and small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in reducing dryness. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, and managing stress all help support natural lubrication.
Avoiding harsh soaps, douches, and scented products can also prevent irritation and dryness. Regular sexual activity or pelvic floor exercises may further promote blood flow and keep vaginal tissues healthy. Simple lifestyle tweaks can go a long way in keeping you comfortable and confident.
Takeaway
Vaginal dryness may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with discomfort. From vitamin E suppositories to medical vibrators, lubricants, and hormonal treatments, there are plenty of ways to restore natural lubrication and make intimacy feel good again. Whether you prefer a natural approach or need a little extra support, the best solution is all about what works for your body. So, if you’re ready to lubricate your love life, pair those vitamin E suppositories with the clinically proven Legato and Crescendo 2 for a science-backed way to boost arousal, enhance pleasure, and kick dryness to the curb.
FAQs
Why am I dry down there all of a sudden?
Vaginal dryness can stem many different factors such as hormonal changes, lack of arousal, or certain medications and lifestyle habits. It’s a common condition affecting women of various ages; however, it’s always recommended to consult with a doctor.
How can I increase my natural lubrication?
Enhancing natural lubrication can involve lifestyle adjustments like staying hydrated and managing stress or trying hormone therapy if the cause is menopause. Additionally, if you want to improve lubrication during intimacy, try clinically proven medical vibrators such as the Crescendo 2 and Legato to stimulating blood flow and arousal.
Why do I get dry even if I’m turned on?
Vaginal dryness, despite arousal, can be due to hormonal imbalances or other factors like stress and medication. Consult with a doctor and find the combination of aids that works to offer you relief, whether sexual wellness devices, using more lubrication, vitamins E suppositories, or estrogen replacement.
