Related articles: Vaginal dryness
Definition
Vaginal dryness is an unpleasant sensation of dryness of the mucous membrane of the vagina, often associated with itching, burning and pain during sexual intercourse. It is caused by a strong decrease in the natural lubrication of female intimate areas, attributable to various causes.
In most cases, vaginal dryness is determined by physiological and hormonal factors. This symptom, in fact, is typically associated with the decreased production of estrogen that begins with the approach of menopause. In this case, we talk about atrophic vaginitis: the estrogenic drop causes dryness and vaginal and vulvar thinning, which can cause inflammation of the mucosa.
Vaginal dryness can also occur in pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding. However, it may also be due to a vaginal infection. Furthermore, it may depend on psycho-physical stress, excessive use of aggressive intimate cleansers and lack of interest in sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dryness can also occur as a side effect of some therapies (eg birth control pills, ovarian removal surgery, chemo-or radiotherapy for the treatment of tumors). Vaginal and vulvar dryness is a typical symptom of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that occurs at the level of the mucous membranes, also affecting the eyes, the mouth and other parts of the body. Vaginal dryness can be easily resolved with the use of suitable products (eg creams, gels and lubricating ovules) able to mitigate the sense of discomfort and local burning.
Possible Causes * of Vaginal Dryness
- Candida
- Menopause
- Diabetic neuropathy
- oxyuriasis
- Sjögren syndrome
- Vaginitis
