HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Vaginal dryness

Dryness in your vagina is a common symptom that affects most women at some time.

There are several possible causes for vaginal dryness. It can be improved with treatment.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

• Feeling uncomfortable or itchy in and around your vagina.
• Pain or discomfort during sex.
• Peeing more often than usual.
• Often getting urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Causes of vaginal dryness

You may get vaginal dryness if you have a change in your hormone levels, which can reduce how much vaginal discharge or fluid you have. This is called atrophic vaginitis. It can happen if you:

• have gone through menopause
• are breastfeeding
• are taking antidepressants or contraceptive pills
• have had your womb removed (hysterectomy)
• are having cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or endocrine therapy.

You can also get vaginal dryness if you:

• use perfumed soaps, washes or douches in and around your vagina
• are not aroused during sex
• have an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.

Self-care for vaginal dryness

Cleaning

• You only need to use water to wash your vagina. If you want to use soap, make sure it is mild or opt for a soap substitute. Avoid perfumed or irritating soaps. You should also avoid using feminine sprays, perfumes or deodorants around your genitals.
• After washing, pat your genitals dry rather than rubbing.

Clothes and Laundry

• Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
• Aim to avoid wearing underwear when sleeping as this gives the skin around your vagina a chance to breathe.
• When washing clothes, avoid strong detergents and softeners.
• After sport, wash and change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in tight-fitting clothing such as pantyhose, tights and jeans.

Toileting and menstruation

• Always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
• Unless you have your period, avoid using any sanitary pads or panty liners.

Vaginal moisturisers

• Use a vaginal moisturiser. A vaginal moisturiser replaces moisture in the same way as a moisturiser for your face. You do not need to be sexually active to use a vaginal moisturiser, you can use it at any time.

Sex and self-care

• Practise longer foreplay so you feel more aroused during sex.
• Use a vaginal lubricant during sexual activity.
• Aim to get checked for STIs each year or before changing sexual partners.
• You can continue to be sexually active. Regular sexual activity may improve your symptoms. It can increase blood flow and help maintain healthy tissue.

Hair removal

• Try to avoid shaving or waxing your pubic area as this can worsen your symptoms. If you want to remove some of the hair, trimming can be less irritating to your skin.

Getting help with vaginal dryness

If your symptoms do not get better with self-care, see your general practice team.

If your vaginal dryness is caused by changes in your hormones (atrophic vaginitis), your general practice team may prescribe an estrogen cream, gel or pessary.

They may also offer you menopause hormone therapy (MHT) with tablets or patches.

MHT is not suitable for everyone. Discuss it with your general practice team to see if it is an option for you.

On the next page: Using vaginal moisturisers & lubricants

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2023.

Sources

Page reference: 1294865

Review key: HIVVC-53223