More than one in 5 women suffer from vaginal dryness.
22% of women and 58% of postmenopausal women seen in gynecology consultations are affected by vaginal dryness, reports an Opinion Way survey. Vaginal dryness is defined by a lack of lubrication of the vagina felt during sexual activity (foreplay, penetration). Tour of possible causes with Dr. Carl Saunier, gynecological surgeon at the Claude Bernard Hospital-Clinic in Metz.
1. Menopause
“The most “physiological” cause of a lack of vaginal lubrication is that linked to age, with menopause. During menopause, the cells will sag and secrete less, in fact the tissues will be less supple and the lubrication significantly less good than it was during the natural cycle.“, describes our interlocutor. “With confirmed menopause, we notice that in the first phase (of excitement), the response time to effective stimulation lengthens. Vaginal lubrication is less abundant and takes longer to obtain. Indeed, while the woman, at 20 years old, needs less than 30 seconds to have complete lubrication, this same result can require more than 2 minutes after menopause.indicates the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). Also, vulvovaginal atrophy and dryness can manifest during postpartum (after childbirth) and breastfeeding.
2. Hormonal contraception: pill, hormonal IUD, implant, etc.
“Among the side effects of hormonal contraceptives are libido disorders. Lubrication being linked to sexual desire, if the latter decreases, vulvovaginal dryness will be more significant. says Dr Saunier. Furthermore, the drop in estrogen can promote intimate dryness: women taking pills with a low dose of estrogen may thus have drier mucous membranes.
3. Taking medication
“Certain medications can alter the quality of vaginal flora and secretion, notably medications that act on the nervous system (treatments for neurological or psychiatric illnesses) such as antidepressants, for example.“.
4. Removal of Bartholin’s glands
“Vaginal lubrication is done both through the vagina but also through the Bartholin glands which are located on either side of the entrance to the vagina and which secrete a substance called love juice. Women who have repeated bartholinitis (inflammation of the Bartholin glands) may have to have these glands removed and suffer from vaginal dryness..”
5. Douching
“Washing the inner part of the intimate area or douching can alter the mucous membrane and vaginal secretion is less effective.“, indicates Dr Saunier. We recommend cleaning the vulva, in other words the exterior part of the intimate area.”once a day with an alkaline pH soap (greater than 7)“.
Having regular sexual intercourse contributes to the flexibility of tissues and improves lubrication.
6. Stress
“These are not proven things, but it is believed that stress or anxiety are factors that alter sexual desire and therefore this would have an impact on vaginal lubrication. And it’s a vicious circle: the less lubrication you have, the less you want to have sex. However, we know that having regular sexual intercourse contributes to the flexibility of tissues and improves lubrication.“, would like to clarify our expert.
7. Tobacco
“The tabac alters all cells, whether those of the skin or those inside the mucous membranes, so obviously, if the cells of the vaginal mucous membranes are damaged, they secrete less“, he argues.
8. Repeated fungal infections
“Repeated vaginal infections (mycosis, vaginosis) or urinary infections (cystitis) alter the flora. Likewise, their treatments (antibiotics for example) alter the vaginal flora, dry out the vaginal wall and therefore impact lubrication.“. Regular visits to the gynecologist make it possible to detect possible infections, so that they can be quickly treated.
What are the solutions to treat a lack of vaginal lubrication?
► The use of a lubricant, ideally water-based, dye-free and odorless.
► The use of a vaginal moisturizing gel based on hyaluronic acid (AINARA®) to be inserted using a pipette, 2 to 3 times a week in the evening. “This gel (without prescription) has a local action, with an effectiveness which remains moderate.“, indicates our interlocutor.
► The use of local estrogen-based hormones (by prescription). These are creams to be applied to the vulva or eggs to be inserted into the vagina (Colpotrophine®…)
► Laser and ultrasound treatment to improve tissue elasticity. “In my opinion, their effectiveness remains limited, but these are treatments that exist on the market and are offered by certain gynecologists.“.
► Respecting good actions to prevent vaginal dryness such as: avoiding wearing pants that are too tight around the vulva, avoiding wearing synthetic underwear, avoiding personal hygiene inside the vagina or too frequent intimate toiletries, on the other hand have regular sexual intercourse, do not neglect foreplay, essential to promote vaginal lubrication…
► If vaginal dryness is linked to psychological causes, it is advisable to consult a sexologist or psychologist.
► If vaginal dryness is linked to menopause, hormone replacement therapy can be offered, when possible and accepted. This hormonal treatment improves clitoral lubrication and sensitivity.
Thanks to Dr Carl Saunier, gynecological surgeon at the Claude Bernard Hospital-Clinic in Metz – ELSAN
