Vaginal dryness in the field of gynecology is called atrophic vaginitis. This is a common problem that many girls and women face, especially during menopause. This unpleasant symptom causes many problems, including pain during sexual intercourse, the appearance of a secondary infection, and discomfort.
Why does vaginal dryness appear during sex, and how to deal with this problem?
Causes of atrophic vaginitis
Gynecologists identify a huge variety of different causes that provoke vaginal dryness. At the same time, they argue that such a problem can be a consequence or a cause of a more serious pathological process.
The most common factors that cause vaginal dryness are:
- menopause is the main and most common reason, caused by a decrease in the production of estrogens during this period, which are responsible for hydration and acidity of the vagina;
- decreased production of hyaluronic acid - it is this substance that is responsible in the human body for maintaining skin elasticity, muscle tone, and so on, and as a result of a decrease in the production of this acid (most often worsens with age), the mucous membranes of the vagina begin to dry out;
- insufficient mucus production, which often occurs while taking various medications;
- any kind of stressful situations that cause hormonal imbalance, causing disruptions in the menstrual cycle, decreased libido, burning and dryness in the vagina;
- taking complex oral contraceptives, especially for tablets that contain only progesterone;
- Sjogren's syndrome - inflammation of the lacrimal and salivary glands and glands of the mucous membranes, which leads to a reduction in mucus secretion;
- allergic reaction to skin care cosmetics (shower gels and soaps), it is advisable to select intimate gels with a pH level no higher than 5.5;
- douching - scientists have already proven that this procedure is not only ineffective or harmless, but also dangerous for the health of the organs of the woman’s reproductive system, as it disrupts the natural microflora of the vagina;
- premenstrual syndrome, which is caused by an increase in the production of gestagens that suppress estrogens.
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How does it manifest?
Gynecologists identify symptoms that will help recognize vaginal dryness:
- burning sensation in the perineum;
- the appearance of itching in the vaginal opening and labia;
- discomfort during sex, which may be accompanied by pain;
- minor bleeding caused by the formation of microcracks and wounds on the vaginal epithelium.
During sex, you may notice the absence of natural lubrication, even after strong arousal, or its minimal amount.
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Diagnosis and treatment
The first step is to find out the exact cause of vaginal dryness. To do this, you need to visit a gynecologist, who, after carefully studying the symptoms, examining and collecting smears, will be able to make a diagnosis.
If dryness does not arise from serious pathological conditions and processes, then to eliminate it it is enough to follow several recommendations:
- a balanced diet that includes legumes and omega-3 acids;
- hygiene of the external genitalia using special intimate gels without soap and alkali;
- giving up bad habits, which may result in poor blood circulation in the vaginal area;
- psychological stability with a minimum of stress and depression.
Getting rid of vaginal dryness during and after menopause without the use of medications is very problematic. Therefore, the best option is to visit a gynecologist to select the most suitable medications.
To alleviate your condition and get rid of discomfort during sex caused by vaginal dryness, you can use non-hormonal lubricants and lubricants with a low pH level.
You can also use liquid vitamin E and rosehip oil as a lubricant. This product not only moisturizes the mucous membrane, but will also help heal microcracks and wounds and make the epithelium more elastic.
It has been proven that women who have sex regularly (at least 2-3 times a week) have significantly fewer vaginal problems than those who abstain.
Be sure to enrich your diet with plain water. Don't forget to drink water. On average, you need to drink at least 8 glasses of clean water per day, not counting liquid dishes, teas and other drinks. Add dishes with fatty fish to the menu.
What happens if the disease is not treated?
Dryness itself as a symptom is not dangerous. But if the disease is not treated, the symptom will progress and can provoke a number of diseases and unpleasant manifestations.
We have already mentioned constant headaches. If the disease is not treated and dryness is not eliminated, the patient does not get enough sleep, becomes irritable, feels depressed and overwhelmed.
If the disease is not treated, a person temporarily loses the ability to distinguish odors.
The overdried mucous membrane, covered with microcracks, is most susceptible to the harmful effects of infectious agents; accordingly, people increasingly suffer from viral diseases.
If you do not try to get rid of the annoying symptom and do not begin to treat this condition in a timely manner, the mucous membrane may begin to thin out, which will lead to its atrophy. And this, in turn, will cause damage to the nasal bones.
A feeling of dryness in the nasal cavity is not as harmless a symptom as it might seem at first. Therefore, the question is: “How to get rid of severe dry nose?” quite relevant.
Treatment with hormones
Atrophic vaginitis often occurs during menopause and is caused by hormonal changes and disruptions. If vaginal dryness is associated with decreased hormone levels, estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy is prescribed.
Gynecologists identify several groups of drugs for vaginal hormone therapy during menopause and premenopause. Among them:
- vaginal suppositories, which are prescribed in a course until symptoms disappear completely;
- vaginal creams with a special applicator for comfortable oral administration of the drug;
- an estrogen ring, which is inserted directly into the vagina and takes its shape, which allows estrogen to better penetrate directly into the tissue (this ring must be replaced every three months).
To obtain an effect that does not disappear after a couple of weeks, it is necessary to undergo a full course of hormonal therapy. But usually a positive result is observed after several days of treatment.
This quick effect occurs due to improved blood flow to the pelvic area. As a result, the vaginal walls gradually increase, the amount of natural lubrication increases, and discomfort and pain during sex are eliminated.
Video
After the examination, 15 ml of blood is drawn. To isolate the plasma and separate it from the red blood cells, a tube of blood is placed in a centrifuge. The resulting plasma is a gel, which is injected around the circumference into the vaginal walls.
Expert comment:
“I always perform the PRP procedure around the entire vaginal mucosa.
To increase vaginal sensitivity and orgasm intensity, I pay special attention to working on three areas rich in nerve endings. This is the well-known zone G, and the little-known zones A and K.”
Vladislava Gladysheva, plastic surgeon, specialist in aesthetic gynecology.
For 2-3 days after therapy, it is necessary to limit physical activity and avoid baths, saunas and swimming pools.
Prevention of atrophic vaginitis
Unpleasant discomfort and pain caused by vaginal dryness can be prevented by following simple recommendations:
- give preference to natural underwear made of cotton fabric;
- healthy lifestyle and no bad habits;
- drinking enough liquid;
- regular sex life;
- refusal of douching, which leads to serious gynecological pathologies;
- elimination of any diseases of the reproductive system;
- proper hygiene of the genitals and the use of panty liners without fragrances, which need to be changed regularly;
- minimizing the use of tampons;
- selection of the right care products, not aggressive;
- the correct diet, which contains a minimum of pickled foods, pickles and sweets, and a maximum of vegetables and fruits, sea fish and vegetable oils.
Almost every girl faces the problem of vaginal dryness during sex. However, the reasons are completely different, and cases are individual. It’s better not to risk your health and consult a gynecologist.
The effect after correctly performed plasma therapy
Women with vaginal dryness are satisfied with the results after the first procedure.
Injections can not only relieve dryness and burning in the vagina. The mucous membrane becomes elastic, elastic, healthy. The youth of tissues is restored.
PRP therapy does more than just relieve unpleasant symptoms. It has a healing effect and restores the structure and function of the vagina to the physiological norm.
The volume of tissues around points G, A and K increases, and after the procedure they become more sensitive. With sexual intimacy, these zones actively respond to stimulation, achieving orgasm becomes easier, and the orgasm itself becomes brighter.
The volume of the vagina decreases, collagen thickening of its walls occurs, which also has a positive effect on sensitivity and general well-being.
Pathogenesis
The female body responds to most adverse conditions by changing the balance of hormones. This is especially noticeable during adolescence, during pregnancy or menopause. But sometimes, due to chronic pathologies, the endocrine glands and organs of the reproductive system produce secretory fluid unevenly.
If estrogen levels drop, biochemical, histological and functional changes begin in the urethra and vagina. The hormone is responsible for the production of collagen, which is involved in maintaining sufficient quality of vaginal tissue. If there is not enough of it, the stratified epithelium becomes thinner, smaller, and less elastic.
