Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort in Women What You Should Know

Vaginal dryness is something many women experience at some point in their lives. It can make the vaginal area feel sore, irritated or uncomfortable and may make sex painful.

It is particularly common during perimenopause and menopause, when oestrogen levels begin to fall. However, younger women can experience dryness too, including during breastfeeding or because of certain medicines and treatments.

The cause isn't always the same, so understanding what is contributing to the dryness can help you find the most suitable way to manage it.

What Does Vaginal Dryness Feel Like?

The vagina normally has natural moisture that keeps its tissues comfortable and flexible. When moisture levels fall, the tissues may become dry and more sensitive.

Common symptoms can include:

• Vaginal dryness or tightness

• Burning or itching

• Soreness around the vaginal area

• Discomfort during penetration

• Pain during or after sex

• Light spotting after sex

• Urinary discomfort or increased urgency

The European Institute of Women’s Health provides information and advocacy around women's health issues across Europe.

Why Can the Vagina Become Dry?

Hormonal changes are one of the main reasons, but vaginal dryness can have several possible causes.

Menopause and Hormonal Changes

Oestrogen helps maintain the thickness, elasticity and natural moisture of vaginal tissue.

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels fall. The vaginal tissues can gradually become thinner, less elastic and less naturally lubricated.

These changes may occur alongside other menopausal symptoms and can affect comfort during everyday activities and sex.

Breastfeeding and Postpartum Changes

Hormonal changes after childbirth and during breastfeeding can temporarily reduce natural vaginal lubrication.

Some women therefore experience dryness or discomfort during this period even if they never had the problem before pregnancy.

Medicines and Medical Treatments

Vaginal dryness can sometimes be associated with medicines or medical treatments, including:

• Certain hormonal contraceptives

• Some antidepressants

• Chemotherapy

• Hormonal cancer treatments

• Treatments that reduce oestrogen

If you think a medicine is contributing to your symptoms, speak to your doctor. Don't stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

Intimate Products and Irritation

Perfumed soaps, intimate sprays, scented washes and douching may irritate sensitive vulval and vaginal tissues.

Gentle, unperfumed products are generally a better choice around the vulva, while internal vaginal washing isn't necessary.

Why Can Vaginal Dryness Make Sex Painful?

Natural lubrication helps reduce friction during sexual activity. When there isn't enough moisture, penetration may cause irritation, burning or soreness.

If painful sex continues, some women may also begin tightening their pelvic floor muscles in response to anticipated discomfort. This can make penetration increasingly difficult.

For more information about pelvic muscle problems, visit Vitality Medico Europe and see our pelvic health guidance and women's health products.

What Can Help With Vaginal Dryness?

The right approach depends on why you're experiencing dryness.

For mild symptoms, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants may be enough. Persistent symptoms, particularly around menopause, may require medical assessment.

Vaginal Moisturisers

A vaginal moisturiser is designed to provide ongoing moisture rather than only being used during sex.

These products are normally applied regularly according to their instructions.

Ordinary face or body moisturisers shouldn't be used inside the vagina because they aren't formulated for vaginal tissue.

Lubricants During Sex

A suitable lubricant can reduce friction and make sexual activity more comfortable.

Water-based lubricants are widely available, while silicone-based products may provide longer-lasting lubrication for some women.

If you're using condoms, always check that your lubricant is compatible with the condom material.

Taking More Time Before Penetration

Vaginal dryness isn't always caused by menopause or another medical condition.

Natural lubrication normally increases with sexual arousal. Allowing more time before penetration may therefore help when insufficient arousal contributes to discomfort.

If dryness continues regardless of arousal, another cause may be involved.

Vaginal Oestrogen During Menopause

For women whose symptoms are associated with menopause, a doctor may recommend local vaginal oestrogen.

Depending on the country and prescribed treatment, this may be available in forms such as creams, tablets, pessaries or vaginal rings.

European clinical guidance from the European Society of Endocrinology covers menopause management and the role of hormonal treatment for menopausal symptoms.

Vaginal oestrogen isn't suitable for everyone. Your doctor can consider your symptoms and medical history before recommending treatment.

Where Do Vaginal Dilators Fit In?

A vaginal dilator isn't designed to moisturise the vagina and shouldn't be considered a direct treatment for vaginal dryness.

However, dryness can sometimes occur alongside painful penetration, pelvic floor tension or reduced vaginal flexibility.

In these situations, a gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist may recommend gradual dilator therapy as one part of treatment.

You can browse Vitality Medico Europe Vaginal Dilators for graduated therapy options intended for women who have been advised to use vaginal dilators.

You can also see Vitality Medico Europe Pelvic Wands for pelvic therapy products where appropriate professional guidance has been given.

Simple Ways to Reduce Irritation

Everyday habits can make a difference, particularly if sensitive tissues are already irritated.

Try to:

• Avoid perfumed intimate washes and sprays

• Avoid vaginal douching

• Choose gentle products around the vulva

• Use a suitable vaginal moisturiser

• Use lubricant when needed during sex

• Avoid ordinary body lotions inside the vagina

• Allow enough time for natural arousal

• Wear comfortable, breathable underwear

The aim is to reduce unnecessary irritation while addressing the underlying reason for the dryness.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

Occasional mild dryness may settle with simple changes. Persistent or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention.

Speak to a doctor, gynaecologist or other qualified healthcare professional if vaginal dryness:

• Continues despite using appropriate moisturisers or lubricants

• Regularly makes sex painful

• Interferes with everyday activities

• Is accompanied by unusual vaginal discharge

• Causes persistent soreness or pain

• Is associated with repeated urinary problems

You should also seek medical advice about bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or any bleeding after menopause.

Feeling Comfortable Again

Vaginal dryness is common, particularly around menopause, but that doesn't mean ongoing discomfort should simply be accepted.

For some women, changing intimate-care products and using an appropriate moisturiser or lubricant is enough. Others may need medical treatment, particularly when hormonal changes are involved.

When dryness occurs alongside painful penetration or pelvic floor problems, pelvic health physiotherapy or other professionally recommended therapy may also be useful.

For pelvic health and women's intimate health products available across Europe, visit Vitality Medico Europe.

If vaginal dryness is persistent or affecting your comfort, sex life or everyday activities, speak to a healthcare professional so the cause can be properly assessed.