Vaginal dryness: what to do?

Although many women are familiar with vaginal dryness, the topic is taboo. If the vagina is dry, it twinges in everyday situations such as sitting, running or cycling. Sexual intercourse or a bathroom visit can also be painful. All of this is a hassle, but can be treated.

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Authormedproduction GmbH
M.Sc. Biology, Specialist medical journalist
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Medical AdvisorDR. KADE
Medical Affairs

What causes vaginal dryness?

A dry vagina affects both older and younger women. It can be caused by physical, medical, but also psychological factors. Possible causes include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Menopause
  • Stress and mental strain
  • Hormonal contraceptives (especially the low-dose combination pill)
  • Chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy for certain cancers
  • Heavy consumption of alcohol and cigarettes

Every vagina produces fluid. This is normal and also important. It provides the right conditions in the vagina so that important bacteria can multiply. These include lactobacilli. Lactobacilli contribute to a healthy vaginal flora in which pathogens cannot spread. If, however, the vaginal lining is too dry, painful tears occur more frequently. This also facilitates infections by pathogenic micro-organisms.

Consulting a doctor is important in case of persistent pain, pruritus, and a very dry vagina. He or she will treat the symptoms and determine whether you suffer from a vaginal infection. Certain symptoms, such as a change in discharge or a burning sensation while urinating, can provide additional clues. If you are unsure, a self-test can also help to determine if and what type of vaginal infection you may be suffering from. It does, however, not replace a visit to the doctor.

4 tips

to alleviate vaginal dryness

Prolonged and frequent bathing and swimming, especially in heavily chlorinated water, can dry out and irritate the skin in the genital area.

Alkaline soaps or shower gels may disrupt the protective acid mantle of the skin. This also applies to intimate care products, depilatory creams and perfumes.
In general, all cosmetic substances that could cause skin irritation should therefore be avoided in the genital area.

Women with a dry vagina should preferably use sanitary pads instead of tampons during their period to avoid further aggravating the vaginal dryness.

Excessive intimate hygiene, use of perfumed intimate wash lotions, and regular use of moist toilet paper permanently disrupt the skin’s natural protective mantle in the long run and can irritate and dry out the skin in the genital area. Soft, dry toilet paper is better suited for vaginal dryness. Intimate wash lotions, intimate sprays and other intimate care products should be avoided in general.

What helps against vaginal dryness?

Dry skin in the genital area is a sensitive issue. It is understandable that nobody likes to talk about it. It influences both your own well-being and your love life. For sex may be uncomfortable and painful for women with vaginal dryness. This is because the vagina is not moist enough and easily becomes sore, which can result in burning pain.

The reasons for a dry vagina can be very different and individual. To treat them properly, you need to know the cause. In case of persistent complaints and existing illnesses, a consultation with the doctor is a must. Do you suffer from stress or experience significant emotional strain? Are you undergoing a cancer treatment, or do you suffer from a chronic illness such as diabetes mellitus? The answers to these questions will determine the correct treatment.
Depending on the cause, various remedies are available with which you can help yourself.

The KadeHydro moisturising gel (KadeHydro Befeuchtungsgel) with hyaluronic acid provides initial relief from symptoms such as burning sensation, pruritus and soreness. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of our skin. The KadeHydro moisturising gel (KadeHydro Befeuchtungsgel) can improve the skin sensation in the intimate area. If necessary, it can be applied repeatedly. Thanks to the pleasant lubricating film, it also provides an enjoyable feeling during sex – also with a condom. Since it contains no hormones, it is also suitable for pregnant women. It can also be used by breastfeeding women or women who cannot receive hormones because of an illness.

KadeHydro products for vaginal dryness

The KadeHydro moisturising gel with hyaluronic acid provides initial relief from symptoms such as burning sensation, pruritus and soreness

KadeHydro
Moisturising gel

  • for burning, pruritus and soreness
  • for pain during sexual intercourse
  • forms a pleasant lubricating film
  • hormone-free
  • free of perfumes and dyes

Vaginal dryness?
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Who is affected by vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is an issue across each age. Both young and older women are affected. The causes, however, differ in most cases. The menopause can lead to a dry vagina in older women.

Hormone levels undergo changes in women shortly before, during or after the menopause. Their body produces less oestrogen. This results in a thinning of the vaginal lining and decreased release of fluid, which favours a dry vagina. It becomes more sensitive and also more susceptible to infections such as vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal dryness: a typical problem in meno­pause in addition to hot flushes and mood swings

Vaginal dryness occurs increasingly during the menopause due to the declining oestrogen production.

A dry vagina, however, is just one of many symptoms during menopause, as oestrogens regulate biological processes throughout the body. Femikliman uno is especially for women who suffer from hot flushes and mood swings due to decreasing production of oestrogen.

  • The effectiveness of black cohosh has been demonstrated in many studies
  • it is well-tolerated
  • vegetarian
  • plant-based
  • hormone-free

MANDATORY INFORMATION
KadeFungin® 3 combi pack, vaginal tablets and cream. (KadeFungin® Kombi-Packung)
Active ingredient: clotrimazole.
Areas of application: Infections of the vagina and external genital area by yeasts (usually Candida albicans). The cream contains benzyl alcohol and cetostearyl alcohol. Please see package leaflet. For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Last revised: 12/2023 DR. KADE Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH, Berlin

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