But fluctuating hormonessay, youve recently switched medicationscan also play a big role in unwanted dryness.
Heres how to know whats causing your dry vagina and how to deal with it.
If those muscles are tight, any throw in of penetration could hurt.
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or youve experienced sexual trauma.
Think of it this way: Lubrication is your bodys way of saying Im ready.
(Here are some exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor.)
You might be in need ofreverseKegels, which is a technique to relax and lengthen pelvic muscles.
If your dryness is due to sexual trauma, a trauma-informed therapist or a sex therapist can help.
(Heres how to find empathetic mental health support for your trauma.)
(Check out this guide for choosing the best bang out of lube.)
The three to five years leading up to this point, called perimenopause, can bring similar symptoms too.
Waning estrogen can be a painliterallybut there are plenty of treatments to help offset menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.
), and some other health conditions.
If you think the pill is causing problems, bring it up to your doc.
According to Streicher, topical estrogen creams can also sometimes help improve dryness and irritation.
(Here are seven reasons to consider switching your birth control.)
Some medications for conditions like endometriosis, like dienogest, can also lead to issues.
Again, lube can be your best friend here.
- If allergy or cold meds are to blame, staying hydrated can help too.
Vaginal dryness may also be a symptom ofdiabetes.
Again, this is not a health conditionmore a frustrating choicebutstop smokingif you do it.
If youre still uncomfortable, opt for a vaginal moisturizer.
Importantly, skip douches, which contain harsh soaps and other ingredients thatll likely irritate your bits even more.
Your vagina is a self-cleaning ovenyou dont need to (and shouldnt) use harsh soaps down there.
Just use water to clean, a regular shower, and regular soap.
That will take care of it, says Dr. Seifi.
Pain is your bodys way of saying stop, says Dr. Streicher.
Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable to talk about, but its even more uncomfortable to deal with.
If you havent been given a solution, that doesnt mean theres not one, says Dr. Streicher.
You just need to get in the hands of someone who knows.
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