Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is a symptom which usually appears in menopause, but which can affect any age. Many factors can cause changes to the health of the vaginal tissues, causing burning, itchiness, numbness, pain or bleeding during sex, an increased urge to urinate or burning while urinating. Some common cases may be due to genital infections, cigarette smoking, autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The use of vaginal douches and allergies to laundry products and to intimate washes are very often the main cause of dryness.

Health conditions that may cause vaginal dryness are bacterial infections, Thrush/Candida, Lichen sclerosus and Sjogren syndrome.

What can be done to treat the vaginal dryness?

Removing all potential causes of irritation, including lubricants, creams and laundry additives, is the first step towards improving the symptoms. In some specific cases, you will be advised on using a vaginal estriol cream, which will treat the underlying lack of estrogens. If you have vaginal dryness, please consult with your GP or your Gynaecologist in order to address your symptoms accurately, especially if you have tried home remedies and moisturisers.