Overcoming Vaginal Dryness During Sex

Many of us will experience vaginal dryness during sex at some point in our lives. It can happen at any stage, but it is especially common in women between 51 and 60 years old, often due to menopause and other hormonal changes. Vaginal dryness is uncomfortable and can make having sex or masturbating unpleasant and even painful. It can lead to uncomfortable moments during intimacy and can negatively impact relationships. The good news is that there are treatments available to help with vaginal dryness.

When everything is working in balance, glands in your cervix produce natural lubricants that keep your vagina moist. This moisture also keeps the area clean and healthy. A little bit of vaginal discharge is completely healthy and helps to keep tissues healthy and moisturized. During sex, two glands that are located at the entrance to the vagina, called Bartholin’s glands, produce moisture in order to provide vaginal lubrication. These glands are triggered when you become sexually aroused.

For some women, their Bartholin’s glands do not lubricate the area enough. This means that sex and masturbation can become unpleasant and painful. The reason for this is usually because of fluctuating estrogen levels. Some studies show that up to 25% of women in menopause experience vaginal dryness. If you have recently had a baby or are on certain medications, you may have also experienced vaginal dryness.

The skin in the vaginal area is very thin and delicate. If there is not adequate lubrication, any kind of friction can damage or irritate it. The pain can be lasting and can even bother you when you are not having sex. Simply sitting, standing, exercising, or going to the bathroom can become uncomfortable or even painful.

The good news is that there are treatments available to help with vaginal dryness during sex. If you are not menopausal, the easiest treatment is to use an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant just before having sex, or a vaginal moisturizer that is applied a few times per week. If you are menopausal, the first step is to make an appointment with your doctor or have an online consultation with a wisp doctor. They will most likely recommend one of these common treatments:

There are a few things that you can do at home to help increase vaginal moisture. Try to avoid using perfumed soaps or creams near your vagina that may irritate the delicate skin. Increasing foreplay before penetration also gives your body more time before sex for your natural glands to start producing their natural lubrication.

If you are suffering from vaginal dryness, regardless of your age or stage in life, you should contact a wisp doctor. They are convenient, discreet, and can prescribe treatments that are right for you. With wisp, you can take your healthcare into your own hands. Wisp also offers incredibly good deals on a variety of women’s healthcare treatments, including birth control, emergency contraception, STI treatments, yeast infection treatments, and UTI remedies.