Intimate dryness affects 82% of women, but it’s almost never discussed. If you’ve ever felt like your labia are stuck together, your vulva needs quenching or you’re infernally itchy below, keep reading to discover more about just how common this is.
Understanding Intimate Dryness
Intimate dryness is a condition where the vulval and/or vaginal area lacks adequate moisture, leading to discomfort, itching, and sometimes pain.
It can be hard to distinguish exactly what’s going on on our intimate skin. For those with vulvas, you can hardly examine the area without getting in front of a mirror and really taking a look down there (it’s not like we have appendages we can quickly feel and examine).
Intimate dryness may be a singular symptom, or may occur in addition to other issues, such as UTIs, vaginal atrophy or lichen sclerosus. If you can’t easily see and feel what’s going on and you want a bit of a vulval MOT, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with your GP, or a trained practitioner that you trust, especially if intimate dryness is a new symptom.
How common is intimate dryness?
Certain female health topics are still taboo. Would you sit down for a wine with a girlfriend and spill the beans on your dry vulva?
There’s a well-established narrative that intimate moisture is related to a high libido and sexual satisfaction, and that’s just not the whole picture.
We surveyed almost 2,000 women and 82% had experienced intimate dryness at some point, with 42% saying that the condition made them feel embarrassed.
Newsflash ladies, there’s nothing embarrassing about intimate dryness. It’s a common symptom and it needs more airtime on the women’s health agenda.
Myths about intimate dryness
Being dry means you’re not turned on
While natural lubrication may be associated with sexual desire, it’s not the full picture. There are a number of medical and lifestyle factors at play here, and your intimate moisture levels don’t tell you everything you need to know about your desire.
Intimate dryness only impacts older women
26% of our survey respondents thought this was the case, but it’s simply not true. While intimate dryness is a common symptom for women going through menopause and post-menopause, you can experience it at any age.
What causes intimate dryness?
Most commonly, dryness occurs because of decreased estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is essential for maintaining the natural lubrication of intimate tissue. When estrogen levels drop, so does the moisture, resulting in that unpleasant dryness.
Menopause
Menopause is a significant hormonal shift. It’s not just hot flashes and mood swings—your body is undergoing a complete transformation. Estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping your vaginal tissues healthy and well-lubricated. As menopause approaches, your body produces less estrogen, and this can lead to thinning and drying of the intimate tissue.
Postpartum and breastfeeding
The quickest and most significant hormone shift women experience happens after giving birth. During pregnancy, our hormones increase to support the growth of a whole new human. This is why your hair and nails may feel stronger, and you may get comments that you’re glowing (little do they know, that’s sweat, baby).
Almost immediately after giving birth, these hormones begin to plummet, which causes a whole host of symptoms, intimate dryness being one of them. If you’re breastfeeding, this can also intensify intimate dryness.
Certain medications
Intimate dryness is a common side effect of taking certain medications, including contraceptive pills or antidepressants.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is where the womb is removed for medical reasons. This procedure effectively puts women into instant menopause, which then causes the hormonal shifts mentioned above.
Cancer treatments
Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy are known to cause a change in hormone levels, which can in turn cause intimate dryness.
Symptoms of Intimate Dryness
This isn’t just about sexual activity, although that’s a big part of it. Intimate dryness can make daily activities uncomfortable. Sitting, walking, even wearing certain clothes can become a source of irritation. If you’ve been avoiding jeans, we feel your pain.
Recognising the symptoms is the first step toward managing intimate dryness. Here’s what to look out for:
- Itching and Irritation: Constant itching can be maddening and is a common symptom.
- Burning Sensation: A persistent burning feeling in the vulval area.
- Pain During Intercourse: This is often the most significant indicator, making sex uncomfortable or even painful.
- Frequent Urination: You might feel the need to urinate more often, or experience a burning sensation when you do.
- Light Bleeding: Sometimes, the dryness can cause slight bleeding after intercourse or physical activity.
Impact on Life
Intimate dryness doesn’t just affect your body; it can impact your life in multiple ways. It can strain relationships, dampen your confidence, make exercising difficult, and make you feel disconnected from your body. This is not something you should just endure. It's your body, and you deserve to feel comfortable in it.
Solutions for Intimate Dryness
Here’s where we get proactive. There are various ways to manage and alleviate intimate dryness.
Topical Estrogen Therapy: One of the most effective treatments. This involves applying estrogen directly to the intimate area, helping restore moisture and elasticity. Topical estrogen may not be suitable for everyone, but consultant gynaecologist, Anne Henderson shares that it’s an appropriate and effective treatment for most women.
Victory Oil: Our very own collagen-boosting oil is designed to soothe intimate skin and treat dryness. Daily use can restore elasticity, prevent dryness, and provide comfort and relief.
A recent independent user trial found that 94% of women felt long-lasting relief when using Victory Oil when applying twice daily for 4 weeks.
Lubricants: For immediate relief during sexual activity, water-based lubricants are a great option. They reduce friction and make sex more comfortable.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea. Staying hydrated can help maintain the overall moisture levels in your body, including your intimate skin.
Diet and Exercise: A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve your overall health, potentially easing some symptoms of menopause, including dryness. Anne Henderson shares that it’s good to avoid foods heavy in sugar, too.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of scented soaps, lotions, and other products that can irritate the sensitive vulval area. Opt for natural products, designed for sensitive skin.
When to Seek Help
Don’t suffer in silence. If intimate dryness is affecting your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your needs. Remember, you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help.
Intimate dryness is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to be a source of ongoing discomfort. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Embrace your body, seek solutions, and know that this, too, shall pass. You’ve got this.
For more information on NAYDAYA’s natural solutions to intimate dryness, click here.