If your vagina is not wet enough, you will feel itchy and uncomfortable. Your daily activities and sexual intercourse are not comfortable. Although this condition can be seen in women of all ages, it is especially pronounced in menopause. It occurs in 10 to 40% of women entering menopause.
What are the Symptoms
– Itching
– Burning sensation
– Pressure sensation
– Pain or slight bleeding during sexual intercourse
– Frequent urination, inability to reach the toilet
What are the Causes
It can happen for many different reasons.
– Decreased estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness. The hormone estrogen provides the vagina with wetness, elasticity and an acidic environment. This is how it defends itself against infections. When estrogen levels drop, this natural defense mechanism decreases as the vagina becomes thinner, less elastic and more sensitive. Conditions that reduce estrogen levels other than menopause include; childbirth, breastfeeding, cancer treatments affecting the ovaries, removal of the ovaries, immune system disorders, smoking.
– Some medications can cause dryness of mucous membranes such as the vagina. For example, allergy and cold medicines, some antidepressants.
– Douching the vagina. Cleaning the vagina in this way will disrupt the normal chemical balance here, causing vaginitis and making the vagina feel dry.
– Sjögren’s syndrome causes dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause dryness in the vagina. It is an auto-immune disease. The immune system destroys normal tissues.
How to Diagnose
A gynecological examination is sufficient for vaginal dryness. However, a sample from the cervix and vagina can be taken for examination and a urinalysis can also be performed if you have urinary complaints.
How to Treat
If vaginal dryness is due to estrogen deficiency, estrogen therapy may help. Vaginal estrogen cream or suppositories are used. Two or three times a week will be sufficient. However, if vaginal dryness is accompanied by other symptoms of menopause (such as hot flushes), hormone therapy with pills can also be used.
What You Should Pay Attention To
Do not have sexual intercourse before you are ready. Do not bathe in a bubble bath. Do not do vaginal douching.