The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Though vaginal dryness is a natural part of aging, many misconceptions surround it, causing unnecessary worry and ineffective self-treatment strategies. Today, we’ll disprove six prevalent myths about this common issue and explain what you can do if it affects your quality of life.
Myth 1 — Vaginal Dryness Means a Lack of Sexual Arousal
While it’s true that dryness can happen when you’re not in the mood, that’s not the only reason. Physical, psychological, psychosocial, emotional and sexual factors also play a role, including hydration levels, stress, activity, time of the month and age.
Moreover, vaginal wetness isn’t the only factor that shows arousal levels. Sometimes, women can feel stimulated but still experience dryness due to an underlying health condition. Though painful sex due to dryness should be a cause for concern, it can still happen for various reasons and affect people of all ages. Consult your doctor about treatment options.
Myth 2 — It’s Not a Serious Health Concern
Vaginal dryness happens when estrogen levels decrease, resulting in a thinner, drier and less elastic vaginal lining. It’s common during menopause, pregnancy or when taking medications to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Sometimes, dryness indicates health issues like ovarian cancer, which can cause several hormonal changes. While there’s no definite way to prevent this illness, childbirth, breastfeeding and taking oral contraceptives for more than five years can reduce your risk.
Myth 3 — Douching Can Relieve Dryness
Douching is the act of washing your vagina with various substances, including water, vinegar, iodine or baking soda. In the U.S., nearly one in five women aged between 15 and 44 douches. However, many don’t know this habit can disrupt the vagina’s flora and acidity, which may cause bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
Moreover, it washes away natural lubricants, making building up and maintaining moisture more challenging. Instead of douching, doctors recommend letting your vagina self-clean, which it does naturally by producing mucous.
Myth 4 — It Only Affects Older Women
Many people believe vaginal dryness only happens during the menopausal period. However, it can occur at any age due to underlying health conditions, medications and hormonal changes. Using scented soaps and sprays around your vagina can decrease your natural lubrication, too.
Lubricants like these can also be helpful for post-menopausal women.
- Water-based: These work quickly to ease dryness, making them an excellent choice. However, frequent reapplication may be necessary.
- Silicone-based: Silicone lubricants combine long-lasting lubrication with a smooth, silky feel that many find pleasant. Like water-based options, this type is also ideal for post-menopausal women.
- Oil-based: Coconut oil and petroleum jelly fall under this category. They provide additional comfort but may increase the risk of breakage for latex condoms.
- Hybrid: A blend of water and silicone provides long-lasting lubrication and promises easy cleanup.
Myth 5 — Vaginal Dryness Is Impossible to Treat
While vaginal dryness can be frustrating, you have several options for alleviating your physical and emotional discomfort.
- Using lubricants: Decrease dryness by using a quality lubricant during sex. Choose a product free from chemicals and additives.
- Applying vaginal moisturizers: Use these products around your vulva to promote better vaginal tissue health.
- Avoiding irritants: Scented feminine hygiene products like douching and perfumed toilet paper can further dryness and irritation. Choose mild, unscented soaps and wear cotton underwear to minimize irritation.
- Communicating with your partner: Open communication can relieve your anxiety about vaginal dryness. Ask your partner to engage in more foreplay to increase your arousal and natural lubrication during sex.
Sometimes, lubricants and moisturizers only offer temporary relief. Your physician may suggest topical vaginal estrogen — a hormone replacement therapy that eases discomfort and dryness. They often come in gel or spray forms — talk to your doctor about which product best suits your needs.
Myth 6 — It’s an Embarrassing Condition to Have
Don’t be ashamed to communicate your concerns with a professional. Consult your gynecologist or urogynecologist for a comprehensive evaluation, which may include laboratory tests and genitalia inspection. While it may initially feel awkward, it’s a test worth having. Based on your results, your physician can suggest options to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Visit your doctor immediately if:
- You experience vaginal dryness for weeks
- Lubricants and moisturizers no longer provide adequate relief
- Dryness makes sex painful
- You bleed after sex
- You have unusual discharge or bleeding
Stay Informed
Start taking control of your vaginal health today. If you experience vaginal dryness, don’t hesitate to tell your physician, especially if you’ve dealt with it for a while.
References:
Healthline. (2021, August 30). Read This If You’re Asking Yourself ‘Why Can’t I Get Wet?’. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/why-cant-i-get-wet
WebMD. (2023, May 19). Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Moisturizing Treatments. https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginal-dryness-causes-moisturizing-treatments
The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation. (2021, September 29). 5 Fast Facts: Ovarian Cancer. https://theoncologyinstitute.com/ovarian-cancer/
Medical News Today. (2023, May 30). What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615
Office on Women’s Health (OASH). (2022, December 29). Douching. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
Advanced Women’s Healthcare. (2022, October 15). A Guide to Lubricants. https://www.awhcare.com/storage/app/media/guide-to-lubricants.pdf
Medline Plus. (2024, November 15). Estradiol Topical. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605041.html
The National Health Service (NHS). (2021, December 30). Vaginal dryness. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
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