Itching and burning in the vulvo-vaginal area are the main symptoms of vaginal dryness. An uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the genital area, discomfort on urination and some mild bleeding may also be added. But that’s not all. ” Vaginal dryness is also manifested by an increased susceptibility to inflammation due to an alteration in vaginal pH, which makes the environment more conducive to the development of infections such as vaginitis or cystitis,” points out Dr. Elena Romagnoli, an obstetrician in Ferrara, Italy.
“Decreased natural lubrication of the vaginal walls is a common disorder in women of all ages, but it is particularly frequent during menopause: in fact, it is estimated that it can affect about 50 percent of women over 51 years of age and 17 percent of women between 17 and 50 years of age, strongly impacting quality of life.”
One problem, many implications
Several causes can lead to vaginal dryness. “They start from hormonal changes, particularly reduced estrogen production, especially during menopause, after childbirth or during breastfeeding to side effects of medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and some cancer treatment drugs, from medical procedures such as radiation therapy that can affect hormone production to psychological factors such as stress and anxiety,” comments Dr. Romagnoli.
“Vaginal dryness is often associated withvulvo-vaginal atrophy, a condition in which the skin and mucosa of the external genitalia is particularly thin and fragile, poorly hydrated and equally poorly lubricated.”
Vaginal dryness, a matter of behavior
“Even in women who do not have genital atrophy, however, vulvo-vaginal dryness can occur that is often linked to poor behaviors and habits,” the obstetrician emphasizes. This is confirmed by Dr. Elisabetta Colonese, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics in Milan, who points out how some mistakes in daily gestures can accentuate the problem of vaginal dryness. 1. DIY. “When faced with a problem of vaginal dryness, a gynecological examination should always be performed: based on the history, medical history, symptoms and general clinical picture, the professional may decide to perform a complete cervical vaginal swab during the examination to exclude infections or properly identify and treat them in a targeted manner,” comments Dr. Colonese. 2. Resorting to lavage performed by autonomous choice. “These are real therapies and as such must be prescribed by the specialist,” the gynecologist points out. 3. Not taking care of intimate hygiene. “The use of harsh soaps and nonspecific intimate hygiene products can alter the pH balance and vaginal flora and lead to dryness,” explains the obstetrician. “It is also important to choose cleansers that are not only gentle but also appropriate for childbearing age or menopause. “4. Washing too often. “Overdoing bidets is never a good rule of thumb, always and even more so in cases of vaginal dryness,” comments the gynecologist. One, maximum two washes a day with cleanser is the good rule of thumb to which you can add, but only if necessary, a pass with water only. Also no to too frequent showers. “And be careful in the shower not to use for the intimate area the product intended for the body but a specific cleanser,” the midwife points out. 5. Put on panty liners every day. “Daily use of panty liners as well as intimate wipes can contribute to dehydration and irritation of skin and mucous membranes,” Dr. Romagnoli points out. 6. Wearing synthetic underwear. “Synthetic fibers create friction, irritate, and redden intimate areas: the advice is to use only white underwear made of 100 percent cotton, and even among tampons, prefer those made of 100 percent cotton,” Dr. Colonese points out. Alternatively, the obstetrician recommends using the cup or menstrual briefs. 7. Wear tight clothing. “Pants, leggings, shorts, and pantyhose that tighten at the level of the genital area are to be banned in favor of soft garments, in natural fiber, to be worn even when exercising, a delicate moment when a tight pant with movement can create strong friction,” explains the gynecologist. Then be careful if you go to the pool: chlorine dehydrates, comments the obstetrician, and should therefore be eliminated with a shower as soon as you get out of the pool. 8. Discontinue the pill abruptly. “Once again, the advice to talk to your gynecologist before implementing any choice involving the intimate sphere applies,” comments the gynecologist. 9. Forcing yourself to have intercourse. “Vaginal dryness can make them painful and complicated,” comments Dr. Colonese. “It is not enough to make an effort: it is necessary to talk about it with the gynecologist in order to put in place a program of interventions that, by curbing dryness, will help to regain a more serene sexuality, and among these can certainly be useful the prescription, always by the professional, of a lubricant.” 10. Forgetting to drink. “Internal hydration is just as important as external hydration,” comments the midwife. “If the latter can be maintained with specific products available in pharmacies without the need for a prescription, but which it is always good to get professional advice, never neglect to drink a good dose of water daily.” And finally, advises Dr. Colonese, space for good habits: no smoking, abalanced and healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables that provide valuable nutrients for the turgor of skin and mucous membranes, no to excesses at the table that make you gain weight. It is also important to try to keep the avo regular and have the gynecologist prescribe the most suitable milk enzymes to preserve the balance of the intestinal microbiota.