INTRODUCTION
We know and talk a lot about dry face or dry skin. Have tried various remedies and lotions to get over it. But do you know about vaginal dryness? There are a lot of people who are not aware of such a problem that exists. A woman’s vagina suffers the most out of all the organs in the body. With monthly menstruation, white discharge, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and its sensitivity, there are just so many things it has to handle. So, today we will talk about the less talked about topic of vaginal dryness and learn about it.
WHAT IS VAGINAL DRYNESS?
It is better to define the terms before heading towards a more complex subject. There are a lot of women who get surprised with such a term and often wonder as to “why vaginal dryness?” Vaginal dryness is a situation when the vagina becomes dry and pale. Now, by dry, I do not mean flakes coming off or skin becoming patchy. But it does get sore and itchy. It feels different and very dry down there. Like on a normal day, with a normally functioning vagina, we can feel the wetness. It’s not that we are leaking or have a white discharge problem, but it is a natural feeling. so, when that goes away, it becomes weird, unnatural, and discomforting. Estrogen hormone is responsible for maintaining a clear fluid in the vaginal lining to keep the area wet and elastic. When the estrogen levels get low, the fluid disappears too.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VAGINAL DRYNESS?
The most common cause of vaginal dryness is menopause. So, it ideally occurs to women in their early 50s. We know that going through menopause is similar to experiencing periods for the first time with irregular periods, abnormal spotting, severe cramps, body aches, and mood swings. Going through menopause is the biggest change that a female body goes through, and this causes weird hormonal changes in the body. It causes the vagina to be less elastic and dry, as if almost lifeless.
Other causes of vaginal dryness caused by a decrease in estrogen hormone are
● Pregnancy
● Breast-feeding
● Stress
● Depression
● Exerting and rigorous exercise
● Removal of ovaries via surgeries due to some problems
● Chain Smoking or smoking
● Immunity disorders
● Chemotherapy due to cancer or some therapy affecting the hormonal balance These are some of the hormones affecting changes that a woman goes through leading to vaginal dryness. Along with the vaginal dryness problem, many women wonder about how to stop vaginal problems. White discharge is very normal among women because it helps in removing the dead cells from the vagina and tries to protect us from potential vaginal diseases or infections.
HOW DOES VAGINAL DRYNESS AFFECT SEX?
The problem is felt severely when women have to go through vaginal dryness during sex. Sexual intercourse is an intimate activity that is performed to get pleasure and have fun with our significant other. Sex apart from one-night stands represents connection and intimate relations between two people. And between that, vaginal dryness can cause a hindrance to attaining pleasure. If young women suffer from such dryness, it gets quite depressing for them, leading to them feeling unworthy of themselves. However, vaginal moisturizers may help them. In the case of older women, since the process is natural, they do not suffer much from stress, anxiety, or depression. Do you watch web series? Have you observed older American or British women being considerate about vaginal lubrication as if it is a daily skincare routine? So, now we get the hint that this complete scenario is subjective, along with different options chosen as a way out.
REASONS FOR VAGINAL ITCHING
There are many reasons to suffer from vaginal itching, which are
1. Vaginal dryness
Usually occurring to women in their early 50s, vaginal dryness causes the vaginal skin to lose its moisture. Thus, making it itchy.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
This is a vaginal infection caused due to the reduction of lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina. This causes the area to be uncomfortable and itchy along with white discharge.
3. Gonorrhea
It is a sexually transmitted disease that causes pain during urination or while having sexual intercourse. It causes the vaginal skin to turn red and is very itchy.
4. Chemical exposure in the form of detergents used to wash the underwear or soap.
The vagina is a sensitive part of the body that reacts to minute changes, especially when it is in its surroundings. Undergarments washed using hard chemicals can cause the vagina to itch and be sore and red. Also, if the soap is left for a long time while washing the vagina, then be ready for an entire day of discomfort and itchiness.
5. Fragrance
Scented tampons, scented vaginal wash, or fabric softener has a fragrance that irritates vaginal skin, causing it to itch and burn.
6. Yeast Infection
The most common vaginal infection is caused by the overgrowth of Candida fungus in the vagina. This causes thick and white discharge along with itchiness and discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Wearing cotton panties and applying coconut oil on the vaginal skin are two of the easiest, best, and most effective home remedies to get rid of vaginal itchiness. Also, avoiding the reasons for vaginal itching can be an effective step for future benefit. Vaginal dryness is a very normal circumstance that all vaginas have to go through. So, be patient throughout the process and seek medical help in cases of severity.
