Do I Need Vaginal Moisturiser?
Vaginal dryness can affect women at any age. On average, there are 5.8 million women in the UK suffering from vaginal dryness for a variety of reasons. A lot of the time, it can be assumed that women who are going through menopause are affected by the discomfort and irritation of vaginal dryness, but this isn’t true. Hormonal changes, health conditions and lifestyle factors can all affect your intimate health. If you have been wondering whether you need a vaginal moisturiser, learn more here.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
A whole host of things can cause vaginal dryness, ranging from hormonal shifts during your menstrual cycle and tampon use to lifestyle choices such as smoking and washing with products not suitable for delicate vaginal tissue. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes:
1. Menopause and Perimenopause
As the ovaries produce less oestrogen in menopause and perimenopause, it causes the vaginal wall to thin and reduced moisture that helps keeps tissues hydrated. This hormonal change is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness. As oestrogen levels drop, vaginal tissues can become dry, less elastic and more sensitive.
2. Breastfeeding
New mothers often experience vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also causes oestrogen levels to drop, which can lead to vaginal dryness. As your body adjusts post-pregnancy, vaginal moisture may not return to its normal level until you stop breastfeeding or your hormones stabilise.
3. Pregnancy and Childbirth
Similar to breastfeeding, pregnancy and childbirth can also affect vaginal lubrication. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and childbirth itself can cause vaginal dryness, especially if there is trauma to the vaginal area during delivery.
4. Ovulation
Some women may experience vaginal dryness during ovulation. Although ovulation is typically associated with an increase in vaginal lubrication, in some women, it may cause temporary dryness due to hormonal fluctuations.
5. Post-Menstruation
Once your period stops, some women notice a temporary drop in vaginal moisture. Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can cause vaginal dryness.
6. Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome can affect the moisture-producing glands in the body, including those in the vagina. This disorder causes the glands to become inflamed, leading to a lack of moisture and significant vaginal dryness.
7. Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy can also lead to vaginal dryness. These treatments often disrupt hormone production, including oestrogen, which can significantly reduce lubrication in the vaginal area.
8. Medications
Certain medications can contribute to vaginal dryness as a side effect. Antidepressants, antihistamines and other medications may interfere with your body’s ability to produce moisture, including in the vaginal area.
9. Hormonal Treatments
Hormonal treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraceptives, can alter oestrogen production, which might affect vaginal lubrication. If you notice dryness after starting or changing a hormonal treatment, it may be worth discussing your options with your healthcare provider.
10. Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy, especially if the ovaries are also removed, can lead to a sudden drop in oestrogen levels, which may result in vaginal dryness.
11. Diabetes
Diabetes impacts blood sugar levels, which, when high, can cause damage to blood vessels within the vagina. This can cause a lack of natural lubrication leading to vaginal dryness.
12. Smoking and alcohol
Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on your vaginal health. Smoking reduces blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which can contribute to dryness, while alcohol can dehydrate your body and affect your hormone levels.
13. Harsh Soaps and Irritants
Washing with harsh soaps, douching or products with fragrances and other irritants in the vulval area can strip away natural moisture and disrupt the balance of the vaginal pH. This can lead to dryness, irritation and discomfort.
14. Emotional Stress
Chronic stress can interfere with your hormonal balance, including reducing oestrogen levels. This can result in vaginal dryness, as stress often leads to disruptions in both hormone production and moisture levels in the body.
15. Tampon Use
While tampons are a convenient menstrual product, some women may experience vaginal dryness after using them. This is especially true if the tampon is left in for too long or is the wrong size for your flow.
16. Low Libido
A lack of sexual arousal can result in vaginal dryness. When you’re not sufficiently aroused, your body may not produce the necessary natural lubrication for comfortable sexual activity. If you’re experiencing low libido, it’s important to address any underlying issues, such as stress or hormonal imbalances, that might be contributing to the dryness.
Should I be using a vaginal moisturiser?
If you’re struggling with vaginal dryness due to any of the factors above, then YES! To be honest, we believe that if you moisturise your face and body as part of your self-care routine, you should moisturise your vagina too. YES® VM Vaginal Moisturiser is a natural, water-based gel that is specifically formulated to relieve dryness and soothe irritation. Unlike many products on the market, YES® VM contains 100% organic ingredients, so it’s gentle on your body, effective at rehydrating the vaginal tissue and helping to keep your pH balanced, overall taking care of your intimate health. Trust us, keep one in your bathroom cabinet just for whenever you may need it.
Vaginal dryness is a common issue that many women face at different points in their lives and fortunately, there are also effective solutions available. So don’t suffer in silence or feel embarrassed about your symptoms. Applying some YES® VM will help you feel confident and comfortable again.
