The problem of vaginal dryness can in fact be solved not only by applying the special lubricating gels available in pharmacies, but also by resorting to more "innovative" and equally safe solutions.
and symptoms accompanying vaginal dryness typically include itching and burning at the opening of the vagina and its lower third, associated with pain and sometimes small bleeding during sexual intercourse.
it also causes unfavorable changes in the bladder, urethra and all the structures involved in the elimination of urine.For this reason, vaginal dryness can be accompanied by urination disturbances and an increased incidence of cystitis.
Estrogen levels typically decrease in menopause and in the years preceding it, but also due to cigarette smoking, after surgical removal of the ovaries, during breastfeeding and as a side effect of anticancer therapies (such as chemotherapy, hormonal or radiation) For example, some anti-estrogenic drugs used to fight breast cancer, such as arimidex, can cause vaginal dryness, which is also common among those taking certain allergy, cold or depression medications.
Vaginal dryness can be caused by "insufficient sexual arousal, for various psychic or relational causes.
Excessive and unjustified use of vaginal douches contributes to altering the normal ecosystem of the vagina, promoting the onset of inflammatory phenomena with a sensation of dryness and itching.
The same can be said for deodorants, perfumes and various types of sprays used for intimate hygiene.
Vaginal dryness is a typical symptom of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease in which dryness also affects the eyes, airways and mouth.
Finally, even periods characterized by severe psychophysical stress, such as a particularly restrictive diet, intense physical activity or major social, family, work, sentimental problems, etc., are typically accompanied by vaginal dryness.
Not surprisingly, the same conditions often become responsible for irregular cycles and amenorrhea; the reason is obvious: such intense stress-inducing stimuli create a temporary and reversible block at the hypothalamic level, "turning off" the reproductive aptitude and with it the maturation of the follicles.
Vaginal dryness can be effectively treated with vaginal estrogen therapy, a safe remedy that requires a prescription. Instead of intervening with the classic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), in fact, specific estrogen-based medicines can be applied directly into the vagina; in this way the absorbed hormonal quota (<2%) is minimized and testosterone levels, which are very important for sexual desire, are not negatively influenced.
Vaginal estrogen therapy can be undertaken in various forms; it is possible, for example, to resort to applications of a cream with the aid of a special device, insert rings to be replaced approximately every three months or apply a small capsule in the vagina two or three times a week. Local estrogen therapy is generally well accepts, helps the vagina regain optimal lubrication, normalizes the bladder and vaginal ecosystem (reduces the risk of vaginitis), and lacks the side effects typically associated with HRT (ie it does not increase the risk of breast cancer).
However, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary when vaginal dryness is accompanied by other typical menopausal disorders, such as intense or moderately severe hot flashes.
To solve the problem of vaginal dryness during childbearing age, if there are contraceptive needs, the contraceptive pill can help. Sometimes, however, it is the pills themselves, especially the ultralight ones, that decrease intimate lubrication; even in this case, it is possible to defeat vaginal dryness by applying the aforementioned vaginal products based on estrogen.
In the pharmacy, there are special lubricants to be applied directly on the vaginal opening or distributed on the partner's penis; these must be strictly water-based (the oily ones, in addition to being potentially harmful to the latex of the condom, can upset the normal vaginal ecosystem) .
There are also some moisturizing preparations capable of restoring the normal lubrication of the environment for two or three days.
Vaginal Dryness: Natural Remedies and Supplements
Among the supplements and natural remedies indicated in the presence of vaginal dryness, soy and its derivatives (miso, tofu, tempeh, soy milk), black cohosh, isoflavones and other phytoestrogens (generally isolated from the same soy or clover) stand out. Red). The latter mimic the activity of endogenous estrogens, but with a much lower "intensity of action"; for this reason, they are traditionally recommended not only to improve vaginal dryness, but also to resolve the other typical symptoms of menopause.
As for nutrition, it is advisable to avoid drastic diets, keep the intake of liquids high and meet the need for fats, including essential ones (cholesterol, present exclusively in animal fats, is essential for the synthesis of sex hormones ).
aggressive; simply lukewarm water and some clinically tested cleanser at pH 3.5-5.5 on the external genitalia).
