Why am I so dry down there?

Even though it’s not much talked about, vaginal dryness is common, and it affects women of all ages. It’s prevalent in older women — up to 60 percent of postmenopausal women, as well as some women who are perimenopausal experience vaginal dryness — but younger women can suffer, too. 

Vaginal dryness is often seen in women who have undergone breast cancer treatment, had severe endometriosis, or had an autoimmune disease such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

Other women may experience dryness temporarily due to:

• the dehydrating effects of alcohol
• decongestants
• antihistamines
• after childbirth
• breastfeeding
• oral contraceptive use
• antidepressant use 

What does vaginal dryness feel like?

Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable and feel like:

• Itching
• Burning
• Soreness
• Tightness
• Vulvar irritation
• Pain around the entrance to the vagina 
• Pain inside the vagina

Mild dryness may be only an annoyance, but even moderate vaginal dryness can cause painful sex, a frequent urge to urinate, painful urination, and recurring urinary tract infections.

Does menopause cause vaginal dryness? 

The causes of vaginal dryness are several, but low estrogen is the main culprit. The vagina thrives in the presence of plenty of estrogen, but as we push into our 40s and 50s, the ovaries begin to shut down, producing less and less of the female hormone estrogen. With less estrogen, skin all over the body starts to wrinkle and thin — and the vagina starts to atrophy. Dryness, along with itching and burning, is a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy.

Here are some ways to help relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy:

• Do use a water-based vaginal moisturizer daily or as often as you need it.
• Do have sex regularly whether alone or with a partner to increase blood flow to the pelvic region.

Mia Vita Gel and Mia Vita Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer are available without a prescription, made without hormones , and contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which hydrate and protect delicate tissues. 

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in beauty products, but it has benefits that go beyond moisturizing and plumping. By drawing water into cells, it promotes cell health. FemmePharma uses pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid and a formula that clings to vulvar and vaginal tissue, so there’s no leaking or dripping. In other words, it stays put so there’s no mess — and you get better results.

Take our quiz to find out what vaginal moisturizer is right for you!