Intimate Dryness: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Intimate Dryness

Intimate dryness is a treatable condition affecting women of all ages, causing discomfort during intimate activities and daily life. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

To promote vaginal health, consider using water-soluble lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, maintain regular sexual activity to enhance vaginal circulation, stay hydrated, adopt a balanced diet, and practice pelvic floor exercises.

Recommended Avoidances

Maintain vaginal health by avoiding soaps and washes that may cause irritation, refraining from douching to preserve the natural bacterial balance, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent dehydration.

Prevention Tips

Maintaining healthy vaginal tissues can be supported by regular sexual activity or stimulation (even without intercourse), regular exercise to enhance pelvic blood flow and manage stress, and a diet high in phytoestrogens found in foods such as soy, tofu, and flaxseed.

Condition 101

Intimate dryness, also known as vaginal dryness, is a common and usually treatable condition that often affects women of all ages, but particularly those in the postmenopausal stage. It occurs when there is a reduction in the natural lubrication of the vaginal walls, leading to discomfort during intimate activities, daily life, or even at rest.

Dryness, itchiness or burning sensation in the vagina
Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
Light bleeding after sexual intercourse
Frequent urinary tract infections
Unusual vaginal discharge
Hormonal changes, especially reduced estrogen levels during menopause
Certain medications such as antidepressants and contraceptives
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
Surgical removal of ovaries
Childbirth and breastfeeding
Menopause
Childbirth and breastfeeding
Cancer treatments
Certain surgical procedures
Certain medications
Ongoing symptoms of intimate dryness that affect your lifestyle or well-being
Regular discomfort or pain during intimate activities
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection, like frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, or blood in urine

Diagnosis of intimate dryness is typically based on the symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam. Certain tests might be done to rule out infections or other underlying conditions. It is also important to discuss any changes in sexual desire or satisfaction.
Discomfort during sex, which can impact personal relationships
Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Impacted quality of life due to ongoing discomfort
Vaginal dryness only affects older, menopausal women: This is untrue, it can affect women of all ages
It’s a normal part of ageing and nothing can be done about it: There are many effective treatments available, both over-the-counter and prescribed
Atrophic vaginitis
Vaginal yeast infection
Bacterial vaginosis
Sexually transmitted infections

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Intimate Dryness, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
Topical estrogen creams
Certain dietary supplements

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Vaginal estrogen treatment
Ospemifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator

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