Why am I dry down there?

Women of all ages and life stages can feel dry down there, it’s a very common symptom during menopause – but it needn’t be something you simply have to put up with. Do you feel a sandpapery-sensation during sex, or discomfort when sitting down for too long? Maybe foreplay no longer feels quite the same. We look at some of the best ways to improve your situation, so you don’t have to feel the rub of vaginal dryness.

What’s the link between oestrogen and vaginal dryness?

A decline in the hormone during menopause can have many physical effects, including thinning of your vulva skin and vaginal tissue. A lack of the hormone also means less natural lubrication in this area, which can mean more discomfort and less pleasure during all sorts of everyday activities.

Can vaginal dryness affect confidence?

Indeed. So many of the physical changes during menopause can negatively impact the way we feel. After all, vaginal dryness can change a once-pleasurable experience into something uncomfortable if there’s a lack of lubrication down there. If this is a regular experience, sex can be viewed as stressful rather than something to look forward to.

What’s the fix?

There’s no magic bullet or one-solution-for-all when it comes to vaginal dryness, but thankfully, there are a range of options that have worked wonders for many women.

Menopause and post-menopause are a significant part of every woman’s life, so it’s important to explore options that will help you to feel as good as possible from the inside out.

Your gynaecologist will help you navigate the pros (and cons) of vaginal lubricants, moisturisers and HRT. At The medical Chambers, we’ve introduced the MonaLisa Touch into our clinic, a non-surgical vaginal laser treatment that has helped improve vaginal laxity and increase lubrication for many women.

Often a gynaecologist will suggest a combination of lifestyle changes along with treatments to suit your body, that can help most with the areas of your life that have been affected by menopausal symptoms.

As Mr Pandelis Athanasias, Consultant Gynaecologist at our clinic says: “As you enter the menopause, your hormones are gearing up to ‘retire’. This can translate into a collection of symptoms including vaginal dryness and hot flushes, so a change in diet or medication can help to balance this.”

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness and would like to find out more about treatments, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.