Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s incredibly common, affecting nearly 17% of adult women. While it can occur at any age, it’s especially prevalent in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes during this natural transition.
Though it may feel private, vaginal dryness isn’t just a personal issue. If you’re sexually active, it can also affect your partner and lead to intimacy challenges. The good news is that various treatment options exist.
At Metro Health and Wellness in Marietta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee, menopause specialist Kirstie Cunningham, MD, FACOG, NCMP, regularly counsels patients on vaginal dryness. She explains why vaginal dryness occurs, explores how it can impact relationships, and highlights potential therapies to improve it.
Vaginal dryness is a common but painful condition that occurs when your vaginal tissue becomes thin and your vagina produces less lubrication than usual.
When this happens, you may find it uncomfortable to sit for extended periods, exercise, or even urinate. The greatest impact, however, is often on sexual activity. Without enough moisture to reduce friction, sexual intercourse can become excruciating instead of an opportunity to build intimacy and release stress.
Despite the stigma surrounding the topic, know that vaginal dryness is nothing to be ashamed of. It affects millions of women and can be caused by various factors, including:
Help is available, regardless of the underlying cause, but many women delay treatment.
Beyond symptoms, vaginal dryness often impacts intimate relationships. This usually happens in three main ways:
Vaginal dryness can make intercourse very uncomfortable. Common motions like hip thrusting and gyrating or using sex toys can result in burning, chafing, and discomfort.
When sex is painful, it often takes a backseat. Yet sexual activity is a way to relieve stress, build intimacy, and have fun. The discomfort caused by vaginal dryness can lead to frustration and lowered self-esteem, so that sex may be avoided for months or even years.
Many women avoid telling their partners about their symptoms. Instead of having a difficult conversation, they may avoid sex altogether. While this may not create problems initially, over time, it can lead to confusion, resentment, or arguments.
Communication is key to addressing these issues and can help build intimacy and strengthen your relationship.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. Partnering with a women’s health specialist like Dr. Cunningham can treat the problem promptly and help restore your sex life. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, she might recommend:
Many women benefit from a combination of treatments. It may take some trial and error at first, but there is hope. Asking for help is a sign of strength and the first step toward restoring your sex life.
If you’re one of the millions of women suffering from vaginal dryness, don’t wait to seek professional help. Contact us today! Call our Marietta or Nashville office or book your appointment online.
