7 Fabulous Remedies for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is the absence of natural lubrication in the tissues in and around the vagina. This condition is linked to various factors ranging from stress to decreased estrogen levels. However, what women fear most regarding the absence of lubrication are the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany it. Therefore, it’s imperative to know the different remedies for vaginal dryness that are available.
Regardless of the exact reason for your vaginal dryness, there are a number of easy-to-apply therapies that can help relieve discomfort. In some cases, they can even serve as a method to eliminate the problem.
What is vaginal dryness due to?
The lubrication of the vagina is produced from the secretion of vaginal fluid, by the cervix, the tissues of the walls of the vagina, and in the case of the labia, by the Bartholin’s glands.
The functions of this flow have to do with several purposes, the most important being to act as an antibody that keeps the vagina free of infections. At the same time, it also works as a necessary lubricant so that intercourse can be carried out without pain.
It’s presumed that the main reason for vaginal dryness is due to the lack of estrogen in women who are entering menopause.
However, when age isn’t the determining factor, poor lubrication may be due to other hormonal, psychological reasons, and some specific pathologies.
Hormonal reasons
The decrease in estrogen levels is the main reason for the appearance of vaginal dryness. These hormones are key to tissue health, maintaining proper elasticity, lubrication, and a suitable pH.
There are different causes that can explain a drop in estrogen secretion:
- Lactation
- Birth
- Menopause and perimenopause
- Anti-estrogen medications
- Removal of the ovaries or problems that stem from cancer therapy
- Immune disorders
- Smoking
Psychological reasons
Psychological causes of vaginal dryness often affect lubrication during intercourse. This may be due to a lack of arousal, interest, or stimuli before and during sexual intercourse that prevent the necessary lubrication from being generated.
Specific pathologies
Certain pathologies can lead to vaginal dryness. These include the following:
- Diabetes
- Vaginal infections
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Altered vaginal pH
- Cervical treatments such as HPV burns
Inappropriate habits
There are other reasons not related to the above but that, in some women, can also trigger this problem: Frequent douching, incorrect use of intimate hygiene products, inappropriate underwear.
7 fabulous remedies for vaginal dryness
There are many possible ways that you can treat this problem, which largely depend on its origin. Also, some home remedies and solutions to improve the situation. However, the latter aren’t a cure, and before applying them, it’s essential that you consult a doctor or a specialist.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most used natural plants to combat vaginal dryness, thanks to the gelatinous consistency of its crystal, which provides moisture and also regulates the flora and pH of the vagina.
2. Sesame or sesame oil
This is one of the products most recommended by naturopathic doctors to relieve multiple conditions in the genital area. Experts recommend applying it abundantly and delicately, with the help of a cotton ball, on the labia majora and minora.
3. Lubrication
Lubricant products and vaginal moisturizers are two products recommended as the first treatment option. Its effects can last a few hours and others show positive results over time and when applied regularly.
Lubricants relieve dryness and improve discomfort during intercourse. Those made with a water base are the ones with the fewest side effects.
4. Sitz baths
Taking a sitz bath or rinsing the genital area with warm water usually reduces pain and itching. They can be done in a bathtub with a little water or in a large basin. You only need to cover the area of the genitals and the rectum.
Some plants, added to the water, can help improve inflammation and burning. Among them, chamomile, calendula, or mallow stand out. You just need to make an infusion with a liter of water and 2 tablespoons of plants. Once prepared, you add it to the bathtub or basin mixed with the water.
More remedies for vaginal dryness
5. Natural yogurt, without sugar
Both its consumption and direct application in the genital area are recommended, as yogurt contains natural cultures that help stabilize the flora of the vagina and also help the area maintain the correct humidity.
6. Phytoestrogens
Soy (and other foods) contain isoflavones, plant substances with an effect similar to estrogen. It appears that a diet that includes phytoestrogens could improve dryness as well as other symptoms of menopause.
This is found in tofu, and soy drinks or desserts. However, the evidence in this regard is limited and the ideal doses and sources are unknown.
According to a study published in the journal Post Reproductive Health, isoflavones may have a positive effect on vaginal atrophy. Other products with estrogenic activity (flax, red clover, or fennel) can improve itching, inflammation, and dryness.
7. Regular sexual activity
Continuous sexual practice (either alone or with a partner) as well as the time spent before intercourse help control vaginal dryness. With arousal, blood flow to the vaginal tissues increases and this stimulates moisture production.
What else can you do to improve vaginal dryness?
Apart from trying these remedies and applying the appropriate treatment (if necessary), other daily habits can greatly improve this problem and delay or prevent its appearance:
- Avoid gels and lotions that contain perfumes as well as baby or adult wipes.
- Bubble baths with salts or scented oils aren’t recommended.
- Very hot water in baths or rinses is also not advisable.
- The best underwear is made of 100% white cotton. In addition, tight clothing, underwear, and stockings don’t favor the improvement of this problem.
- Keeping the pelvic floor in shape: This represents the support of the vagina and other internal organs. If it stays healthy and strong, it has a positive impact on intimate health.
Remember that vaginal dryness can also be associated with periods of stress, so it can help you to drink relaxing drinks based on natural plants such as valerian, which will also help you achieve a balance in your health.
Improve vaginal dryness with these home remedies
Vaginal dryness is a problem that affects a large number of women, although many times it’s not a reason for consulting a doctor. But this is advisable, especially if it affects your sexual life, your relationship with the partner, or your usual lifestyle.
Most of the time, it can be treated and managed, although it’s an uncomfortable and painful condition. Some of the remedies and hygiene habits presented in this article can serve as palliative measures and greatly improve this situation.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Amabebe E, Anumba DOC. Psychosocial Stress, Cortisol Levels, and Maintenance of Vaginal Health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Sep 24;9:568.
- Franco, O. H., Chowdhury, R., Troup, J., Voortman, T., Kunutsor, S., Kavousi, M., … & Muka, T. Use of plant-based therapies and menopausal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama. 2016; 315(23): 2554-2563.
- Goncharenko V, Bubnov R, Polivka J Jr, Zubor P, Biringer K, Bielik T, Kuhn W, Golubnitschaja O. Vaginal dryness: individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures. EPMA J. 2019 Mar 2;10(1):73-79.
- Konieczka K, Ritch R, Traverso CE, Kim DM, Kook MS, Gallino A, Golubnitschaja O, Erb C, Reitsamer HA, Kida T, Kurysheva N, Yao K. Flammer syndrome. EPMA J. 2014 Jul 8;5(1):11.
- Larmo, P. S., Yang, B., Hyssälä, J., Kallio, H. P., & Erkkola, R. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2014; 79(3): 316-321.
- Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Oct 27;11(11):1996.
- Omidvar S, Niaki MT, Amiri FN, Kheyrkhah F. Sexual dysfunction among women with diabetes mellitus in a diabetic center in Amol. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2013 Jul;4(2):321-4.
- Poordast T, Ghaedian L, Ghaedian L, Najib FS, Alipour S, Hosseinzadeh M, Vardanjani HM, Salehi A, Hosseinimehr SJ. Aloe Vera; A new treatment for atrophic vaginitis, A randomized double-blinded controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Apr 24;270:113760.
- Saeedi R, Sultana A, Rahman K, Belal Bin Heyat M, Kamal MA, Ishawu M. Efficacy of Acacia nilotica Linn. Pod’s Sitz Bath plus Vaginal Pessary in Syndromic Management of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 May 25;2022:5769555.
- van Nimwegen JF, van der Tuuk K, Liefers SC, Verstappen GM, Visser A, Wijnsma RF, Vissink A, Hollema H, Mourits MJE, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM. Vaginal dryness in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a histopathological case-control study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2020 Oct 1;59(10):2806-2815.
- Waetjen LE, Crawford SL, Chang PY, Reed BD, Hess R, Avis NE, Harlow SD, Greendale GA, Dugan SA, Gold EB; Study of Womenʼs Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study. Menopause. 2018 Oct;25(10):1094-1104.
