Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Treatment Options

A happy, healthy vagina produces a thin layer of clear fluid that lubricates the vaginal wall, keeping it thick and elastic. When production of that natural lubricant declines, it can cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to pain or discomfort during sex, an increase in yeast infections and more frequent urinary tract infections.

Vaginal dryness can occur in women of any age. The good news is that it’s not something you’re destined to live with. You can manage and overcome it with the help of your provider and simple lifestyle changes.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is often caused by a drop in estrogen levels. The female hormone estrogen helps maintain natural lubrication. When estrogen levels drop, for one reason or another, one effect is the vagina loses its natural fluid, thins, and becomes less elastic.

Reasons for decreased estrogen production include:

• Perimenopause, menopause, surgical menopause
• Taking birth control pills
• Taking anti-estrogen medications
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer

Menopause is a common cause of vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels, which may lead to sexual discomfort and reduced libido. Learn everything you need to know about navigating menopause and other symptoms related to menopause here.

Other Causes of Vaginal Dryness

Other causes of vaginal dryness include:

• Side effects from allergy and cold medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and asthma medication (Don’t stop taking any prescribed medication without talking to your provider about ways to reduce sexual side effects.)
• Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that may cause inflammation of the salivary and tear glands and walls of the vagina
• Stress
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcohol
• Douching
• An allergy to highly fragranced personal products, detergents, fabric softeners or toilet paper

Contact your Moreland provider if your vaginal dryness lasts for more than a week or if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Severe vaginal itching
• Persistent vaginal swelling
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding after sex
• Abnormal vaginal odor
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Do you have more questions? We can help! Too Embarrassed to Ask? Women’s Health Questions Answered

Diagnosing and Treating Vaginal Dryness

About half of all women in various stages of menopause experience vaginal dryness, but only about 1 in 5 of them will seek treatment.

Regardless of your age, don’t be afraid to discuss vaginal dryness with your Moreland OB-GYN, whose job is to help keep you healthy, safe, and comfortable. Take a deep breath, and remember you are not alone.

Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to check for changes in your vaginal wall and infection before recommending treatment. Treatments for vaginal dryness are available by prescription, over the counter, and through home remedies.

Prescribed Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Since a common cause of vaginal dryness is low estrogen, your doctor may prescribe topical, low-risk estrogen therapy to promote vaginal lubrication and improve the thickness and elasticity of your vagina. These may include:

• Vaginal ring – Your doctor inserts a soft, flexible ring into your vagina. The ring steadily releases a low amount of estrogen into your vaginal tissues and lasts for about three months. At that point, you would return to your doctor to have it removed and a new ring inserted.
  
  
• Vaginal tablet – You apply this medication using an applicator, similar to a tampon, to insert a low-estrogen tablet into your vagina. Like the vaginal ring, it releases a low dose of estrogen into your vaginal tissue.
  
  
• Vaginal cream – You apply this prescription also using an applicator to insert cream containing a low dose of estrogen into your vagina.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter option to help with vaginal dryness, including:

• Personal, water-based lubricants to use when you have sex. (Oil-based lubricants can irritate and lead to condom breakage.)
  
  
• Vaginal moisturizers like Replens and Luvena, which you insert with an applicator every few days help replenish your vagina’s natural moistness for continuous comfort.

At Moreland OB-GYN, we offer a variety of safe and trusted vaginal lubricants, which we sell in our clinics. Your provider will be happy to take the time to discuss which lubricant will be best for you. You can purchase the lubricant at your appointment, which will be handed to you discreetly in a bag. 

Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Making small but intentional lifestyle changes can help alleviate vaginal dryness and support overall vaginal health. Try these simple, effective remedies to promote natural moisture and comfort.

• Engage in sexual activity regularly, whether by yourself or with a partner, to increase blood flow to the vaginal area and naturally stimulate moisture production. Arousal plays a key role in vaginal lubrication, so taking time for foreplay and relaxation can make a difference.
  
  
• Prioritize adequate foreplay and arousal during sexual activity to stimulate moisture production and enhance comfort.
  
  
• Avoid douching and personal hygiene products that contain fragrances and dyes, as they can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance and cause irritation.
  
  
• Wash your vaginal area using only warm water—harsh soaps and cleansers can strip natural moisture and lead to dryness.
  
  
• Wear cotton underwear to allow your vagina to “breathe” and reduce irritation from synthetic materials.
  
  
• Avoid thongs and clingy synthetic fabrics, which could trap moisture and worsen vaginal irritation.
  
  
• Incorporate foods rich in phytoestrogens into your diet, such as soy, nuts, seeds, berries, and tofu, to help support hormonal balance and vaginal health.

Are you experiencing vaginal odor? Learn more about vaginal odor in this helpful article.

How Long Does Vaginal Dryness Last?

If your vaginal dryness is caused by non-estrogen-related factors, your vagina should return to a normal, healthy state shortly after you’ve identified and stopped the behavior that may be causing the dryness.

If you are a breastfeeding mother, you may experience vaginal dryness for as long as you continue nursing, but this can be improved with the at-home or physician supported treatments mentioned above.

For women who are experiencing perimenopause or menopause, your vaginal dryness may persist, and you should seek the help of your gynecologist who can help with vaginal dryness.

How Moreland OB-GYN Can Help with Vaginal Dryness

At Moreland, we know that every woman is unique. Our approach is to examine the whole health picture regarding a woman’s health. We evaluate physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, and familial conditions and work toward helping each unique patient achieve holistic, balanced well-being.

For our clients going through the menopause transition, we look at how changes that come with menopause and aging affect a woman’s life. We’re proud to have three North American Menopause Society (NAMS)-certified Menopause Practitioners on staff, dedicated to supporting women through every stage of this journey. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and care you need to age gracefully and live your best life.

Learn the five qualities the best OB-GYN’s share.

Overcoming Vaginal Dryness