Vagina dryness (VD) is one of the reasons some ladies do not enjoy sexual intercourse. The pains this dryness causes, over time, build up fear in the mind.
As it persists, intercourse becomes an obligation done in pains and confusion.
Indeed, the vagina makes itself ready for penetration once everything is right. Foreplay, diet, nutrient level, hormones, low stress and more which we will touch here are the variables.
The fact is that sometimes, mere looking at someone you love and have sexual connection with could even make a lady wet.
There is this wetness in the vagina that makes sexual intercourse delightful.
Unfortunately, ladies who have vagina dryness hardly get this ecstasy.
Causes Of Vagina Dryness?
Vaginal dryness affects both pre- and postmenopausal women at any age.
A 2019 study says more than half of postmenopausal women aged over 51 years suffer from mild or severe VD.
This could happen because of specific changes in menopausal hormonal regulation linked to the decreasing level of oestrogen.
Also, it is true that around 17% of premenopausal women aged 17–50 years do experience problems with a sexual intercourse, due to vaginal dryness and painful sex (1).
Another 2018 study, reports that the prevalence of vaginal dryness increases from 19.4% among all women at baseline (ages 42-53 years) to 34.0% between ages 57-69 years (2).
This categorically explains the relationship of the wetness and reproductive health.
According to studies there are different reasons a lady could experience this dryness of the vagina.
1. Changes In Hormone Regulation
Hormonal regulation changes by low and/or decreasing level of oestrogen usually occurs in peri- and post-menopause.
Also, this happens during breastfeeding. Both are physiologic processes that cause dryness of the vagina.
2. Intensive Vaginal Douching
If you douche, this is a reason to reconsider how often you do it or even stop totally.
Douching makes the vagina dry and affects the secretion.
3. Immune System Disorder
An immune system that is not functioning as it should, will mistakenly attack the secretory glands.
Often, this leads to reduced secretion and causes irritation, soreness, and pain.
4. Surgical Removal Of Ovaries
When the ovaries are removed there is also a reduction in the secretion that happens.
5. Dehydration
If you take very close look at the discharge that comes from the vagina, you will notice there is an amount of water in it.
As a result, you need sufficient liquid intake for proper vaginal lubrication.
Study says the whole body dehydration may strongly contribute to the Sicca syndrome including VD and headache amongst others (3)
6. Stress
Unfortunately, there is a level of stress the body will get that will affect the hormones.
The earlier cited study says psychologic factors play an important role in VD development and secondary complications.
One of such factors is stress.
Furthermore, significant stress overload and anxiety negatively impact both libido and vaginal lubrication.
7. Less Foreplay
Yes! Not engaging in foreplay before sexual intercourse gives no time for secretion to happen.
For instance, it is evident that not enough foreplay before sex frequently causes VD in both—pre- and postmenopausal women.
Tell your man not to be in a hurry. If you are a man reading this, please, try and take the process stage by stage.
Foreplay prepares a lady’s vagina for intercourse.
8. Decreased Blood Flow To The Vaginal Walls.
Here is another reason exercise is essential for a woman’s reproductive organs to work better.
When you exercise, the heart pumps blood to every part of the body adequately.
“Some studies have demonstrated that a lack of lubrication may be caused by significantly decreased blood flow to the vaginal walls.
“This could be as a result of excessive primary vascular dysregulation and secondary vasoconstriction (e.g. due to cancer treatment).
“Other factors are ageing, abnormal metabolism related pathologies such as diabetes, and changes in vaginal innervation also augmenting vasoconstriction and promoting vaginal dryness.”
Symptoms Of Vagina Dryness
The major symptoms of VD are skin irritation, burning, itching and/or simply discomfort in the vagina ( not because of bacterial infection).
However, a lady needs to see a gynaecologist for proper diagnosis.
Does Vagina Dryness Affect Fertility?
There is no specific research linking VD to infertility.
As fortunate as this may sound, we know that there is a level of wetness that is needed for the sperm to swim freely to the egg.
See How Boosting Your Cervical Mucus Boosts Fertility
On the other hand, we know that the semen is slimy and could provide a vehicle for the sperm to the egg.
But a woman being wet inside contributes to the speed at which the sperm travels to the egg.
This is the reason the wetness is part of a woman’s make up in the first place.
Also, VD could motivate the use of lubricants. Some researches say lubricants could contain some compounds that could affect semen motility (4).
Furthermore, we also know that hormonal imbalance affects fertility. Remember that this is one of the cause of VD.
Remedies Of VD
Here are few things you can do to make the vagina wet
Increase Water Intake
Take water as often as possible. Experts recommend that men should take at least 3 litres of water per day. That is over half of your 5-litre-gallons. Women should take at least 2.5 litres.
However, this intake recommendation depends on the body need and level of activity.
Use Lubricants Lubricants
Artificial lubrication with the vaginal moisturising gels is one of the most effective treatments against vaginal dryness.
However, ensure you read the label of the lubricants and research on the components. This will help you ensure that none affects sperm motility.
One of the natural lubricants that we know is Goron Tula and you should add it to your diet.
We recommend that you rely more on nature since the body understands these natural compounds better.
Boosting Immune System
We are in an age that requires that you feed your body immune bosting nutrients. This is because you are exposed to toxins and antibodies daily.
Adding enough vegetables and fruits to your diet will help bring in nutrients that promote good cervical mucus.
These foods will also help lower stress level and balance your hormones.
Lower Stress Level
First, identify the stressors and eliminate them. This will help ensure that your hormones are in check.
Every woman needs to keep their hormones in check. Lowering stress level is one way to ensure this.