Dry vagina is the problem thatenough oftencomplained bywoman. When experiencing vaginal dryness, women will feel uncomfortable or even painful, especially when having sex.
Under normal conditions, the vagina will feel moist due to the production of natural lubricating fluid produced by the cervix (cervix) and Bartholin's glands. The production of vaginal fluid will generally increase when women get sexual stimulation, so that the vagina does not feel painful during sex.
Various Causes of Dry Vagina
The production of natural lubricants in the vagina can be optimal as long as the amount of the hormone estrogen is sufficient. This hormone also functions to keep the vaginal lining elastic, thick, and healthy.
However, when women enter menopause, the production of the hormone estrogen will begin to decrease, and over time it will stop. This can make the vagina dry or even make its walls thinner and less elastic.
In addition to menopause, there are other factors that can trigger vaginal dryness, including:
- Have just given birth or are breastfeeding
- History of surgical removal of ovaries or ovaries
- Side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Side effects of antidepressants, birth control pills, and decongestants
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes and Sjögren . syndrome
- Use of certain feminine hygiene products, such as soaps with irritating chemical formulations, hundred, or vaginal cleaning products (vaginal douche)
- Vaginal irritation, for example from exposure to detergents, perfumes, or friction with clothes
- Habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Psychological factors, such as severe stress, anxiety disorders, and depression
Dry Vaginal Handling Steps
If you experience vaginal dryness, you can try the following ways to deal with it, namely:
1. Do foreplay longer
Try to do foreplay longer with a partner before penetration. This method can help stimulate the production of vaginal lubricating fluid naturally.
2. MeMakaipgrease
Water-based lubricants are usually effective for several hours. This vaginal lubricant can make the vagina more wet and moist, making it easier for the penetration process. Thus, your vagina will not feel pain during sexual intercourse.
3. Metake advantagephumid vagin
Vaginal moisturizers are also quite effective at reducing vaginal dryness. This product can be a cream, gel, or suppository that is inserted into the vagina. To prevent irritation of the vagina, you are recommended to use a moisturizer that does not contain fragrance.
4. Meusecinches estrogen vagin
This soft ring-shaped object is used by inserting it into the vagina and changing it every 12 weeks. This ring will gradually release the hormone estrogen into the vaginal tissue so that it can increase the production of the vaginal lubricating fluid.
5. MeMakaitablet estrogen vagin
These tablets are not to be taken by mouth, but are inserted into the vagina. It works the same way as the estrogen ring. The dosage for this tablet is usually 1 time a day for the first 2 weeks. After that, you can use it once every 2 weeks.
6. Smearingrightkrim estrogen vagin
Just like vaginal estrogen rings and tablets, the use of this cream also aims to stimulate the production of natural vaginal lubricants.
Usually in vaginal estrogen cream products are equipped with a tool to help insert it into the vagina (applicator). This cream is usually used every day for 1-2 weeks, then reduced the frequency to 1-3 times a week or as recommended by a doctor.
Keep in mind that the use of vaginal estrogen rings, tablets, or creams is not recommended for women who have a history of uterine or breast cancer, have experienced vaginal bleeding, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hormone Therapy to Treat Dry Vagina
Hormone therapy will be recommended by doctors to treat vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes. Apart from cream, spray or patch, the drug given in this therapy can also be in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth.
Although fairly effective, please note that hormone therapy has risks. Side effects that may arise include flatulence, headache, vaginal bleeding and breast pain.
In addition, some research also states that taking pills or tablets containing the hormone estrogen or in combination with the hormone pregesterone can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and impaired kidney or liver function.
Vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes, such as menopause, is difficult to avoid. However, so that vaginal dry conditions do not get worse, avoid using bath soaps, soaps that contain perfume, and lotions around the sensitive area of the vagina.
If you often experience vaginal dryness, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, so that the doctor can conduct an examination and provide appropriate treatment according to the cause of the dry vagina you are experiencing.