How to treat vaginal dryness?

How to prevent vaginal dryness?

To prevent vaginal dryness, it is first of all important to have a good hygiene of the genitals, without this one being too frequent or carried out with aggressive products and unsuitable for the pH of this zone. You can only rinse locally from time to time and above all you should not wash the vagina internally because as we explained in our previous article on vaginal dryness, the vagina is an organ that cleans itself. Cleaning it internally would therefore disturb your vaginal flora and thus promote vaginal dryness, mycosis, etc.

It is also advisable to wear cotton underwear and pants that are not too close to the body to avoid friction on this area. It is also important to avoid wearing underwear at night.

In addition, alcohol and tobacco should also be avoided and the use of certain medications should be avoided as much as possible.

Finally, it is important not to neglect non-penetrative sex during intercourse, as it promotes natural lubrication, and to avoid penetration too quickly.

What treatments for vaginal dryness?

First of all, it should be noted that vaginal dryness is the primary cause of pain during sex. It can become a fear of penetration which in turn will lead to a lack of lubrication and a decrease in libido.

But as we saw in our previous article on vaginal dryness, there can be other repercussions to it. It is therefore important to take them into account quickly to treat the problem.

First, to diagnose vaginal dryness, turn to a health specialist who will conduct an interview, to learn more, as well as a clinical and gynecological examination. You may also need to have a vaginal swab or blood test to determine the cause of the vaginal dryness.

Thereafter, several treatments are available, depending on the case and the cause:

• Use of lubricants during sexual intercourse

• Vaginal moisturizing cream or gel to be applied locally for one or two weeks generally

• Hormone replacement therapy: taking estrogen to compensate for the decrease in estrogen levels (especially in the case of menopause). To be used locally, directly in the vagina, orally or in patches

• Hyaluronic acid ovule to moisturize and heal the vaginal mucosa by promoting tissue reconstruction. To be used twice a week

• Cannulas to be used internally to moisturize the inside of the vagina

• Laser treatment, which regenerates vaginal cells in a few sessions. It is a tube that is placed at the bottom of the vagina and that projects waves that have an effect on the vaginal wall by removing all the dehydrated mucous membranes. In addition, this practice stimulates the mucous membrane of the vagina which then produces more collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastic fibers. Nevertheless, these sessions are expensive (about 300€ per session and it takes about 4 sessions) and not reimbursed by social security.

• Finally, in certain situations, the doctor may prescribe an injection of botulinum toxin

There are also natural treatments:

• Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and a natural moisturizer

• Evening primrose oil can also be used

• Coconut oil is antibacterial and very moisturizing

• Calendula is softening, smoothing, and regenerates the skin

• Centella asiatica is repairing and healing and is used in particular in the event of cutaneous dryness in the form of oil

• Borage oil contains omega 6 and is very hydrating. It can be consumed in the form of an oral capsule or applied locally

• Sage essential oil, which is rich in phytoestrogens, promotes lubrication

• Hops act as estrogens too (to be avoided if you have had cancer, like sage)

• Eating fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, etc.), but also oil (olive, flaxseed, walnuts), helps moisturize the mucous membranes because they contain fatty acids, especially omega 3 and 6

In all cases, you should not hesitate to talk to your partner, as well as your pharmacist, or a specialized doctor. Our menstrual panties will help you not to dry out your vagina even more during your period!