During menopause vaginal dryness - thinning and drying of the vaginal walls - can cause uncomfortable, often painful sexual intercourse. As a woman's body passes through the various stages of aging, she typically begins to produce less estrogen, one of the key ingredients in natural female lubrication.
However, sex during this time, or even in postmenopause doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Many women, regardless of their age may experience vaginal dryness at some point in their life. While there are various remedies available to enhance natural female lubrication, some lubricants can often provide some relief, making sexual intercourse more pleasurable, and less uncomfortable.
Menopausal Dryness and Impact on Intimacy
In the years leading up to menopause, usually the perimenopause phase, women will notice that a sudden change in regular menstrual cycles will begin to fluctuate. In some scenarios, women will either skip a period or go several months without ever having a period.
As the perimenopause phase transitions into menopause, which is usually marked when a woman hasn’t had a period for around 12 months, a lot of bodily changes will begin to take place, one being natural sexual desire for their partners.
The change from perimenopause to menopause, which is usually around the age of 52 years in the United States may have a negative impact on sexual function. Decreased feelings of sexual drive can make it more difficult to feel aroused, and lower levels of estrogen may cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable and painful.
This isn’t an isolated experience. Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that more than a third of women in perimenopause, or those in postmenopause often experience sexual difficulties, including a lack of interest in sex and difficulty having an orgasm.
What’s more, the number of women having regular intercourse gradually decreases as they age. Only half of women in their 50s will continue having some intercourse, while only 27 percent of women over the age of 70 will continue having intercourse with their partner.
While sex can be healthy, for aging women who experience menopausal dryness, the discomfort can cause them to have less pleasurable moments, while hormonal changes might make it even harder for them to feel aroused or have an orgasm.
Effective Management of Vaginal Dryness
Finding suitable treatments for vaginal dryness can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort. While there are multiple remedies and treatments available, it’s advised to consult with a medical practitioner or healthcare provider for the best possible solution.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Vaginal Dryness
One of the most popular treatments for vaginal dryness, and menopause-related symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is also often referred to as estrogen replacement therapy or menopausal hormone therapy.
HRT is considered an effective treatment for vaginal dryness, which often has symptoms of itching, burning or painful intercourse. Treatment options include a vaginal tablet that contains a healthy dose of estrogen hormones, or a topical cream that can be applied directly to the vagina. Another option is an insertable ring, such as an Estring or Femring.
Depending on the schedule a person is assigned by a medical doctor, some products such as vaginal tablets may be taken every day for several weeks, while vaginal rings may be replaced every three months. Ointments and creams may be used daily, several times per week, for at least a couple of months, however, this may be different for each assigned treatment.
Non-Hormonal Alternatives and Moisturizers
Another possible option is non-hormonal tablets and moisturizing creams that can be directly applied to the vagina. This could potentially assist with some relief of vaginal dryness, and further enhance the production of natural lubrication on the vaginal walls.
Natural dietary supplements such as Femininity that contain a combination of vitamins and nutrients have been found to have a positive effect on natural female lubrication. Dietary supplements that contain high doses of Vitamins B, D, and E are most effective in some cases, while Omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids may also promote vaginal lubrication production.
Other supplements, including hyaluronic acid and products containing sea buckthorn oil, may assist with hydration of the skin and vaginal walls, promote estrogen production, and provide more nutrients for the vaginal walls.
Some over-the-counter products, including lubricants and moisturizers, may also provide some short-term relief. Some moisturizers have been specifically created to help treat vaginal dryness and may contain a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients.
Take A Look At How to Relieve Vaginal Dryness Caused by Menopause?:
Selecting the Right Lubricant for Menopause Dryness
Using a lubricant for menopause dryness is fairly normal and may assist in reducing discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Types of Lubricants: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lubricants are easily accessible and can be purchased over the counter.
- Silicon-based lubricants can often provide significant relief of vaginal dryness during intercourse.
- They offer short-term relief and can be applied when needed.
- Water-based lubricants can be applied before and during intercourse.
- Soothes persistent irritation in and around the vagina during sex.
Cons:
- Not all lubricants may be effective and can cause some irritation to the skin.
- Studies have shown that water-based lubricants can increase the transmission of sexually transmitted pathogens, such as HIV.
- Some lubricants may contain toxic chemicals and ingredients that can lead to an increased risk of irritation.
- Some lubricants may promote changes in the vaginal environment, including vaginal mucosa.
- The mixture of vaginal pH and some silicon-based lubricants may impact the quality of latex condoms, increasing the risk of transmissible pathogens.
Ingredients to Look for in a Lubricant
- Water: Water-based Lubricants can cause less irritation on the skin or damage condoms.
- pH: Although pH isn’t necessarily an ingredient, it’s advised to look for a lubricant with a pH level below 7, according to guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO). A high pH may affect the vaginal epithelium and may increase the risk of infections.
- Hydroxyethylcellulose: For couples looking to increase their chances of getting pregnant, hydroxyethylcellulose is an ingredient that helps to replicate the vaginal environment, and promotes sperm mobility.
Ingredients to Avoid in Lubricants
- Flavored lubricants: Some flavored lubricants may contain glucose, which can lead to yeast infections.
- Glycerine: Another ingredient that may trigger or increase the risk of yeast infections.
- Parabens: Lubricants that contain parabens may interfere with hormone signaling, and for non-menopausal women may impact their fertility.
- Synthetic fragrances: Any lubes that contain some sort of synthetic fragrance may only further increase irritation on the skin, especially in highly sensitive areas such as the vagina.
Best Lube for Menopause Dryness
There are a wide variety of lubricants available on the market, each with different ingredients and chemical structures. Depending on the needs of each person, buying the best lube will be different from person to person, however, the best lubricant for menopause dryness should have some of the following:
- Water-based: Lubricants that have a high water content are often easier to use and more effective during intercourse.
- Organic ingredients: A lubricant made from organic and natural ingredients will be the safest option for women struggling with vaginal dryness.
- Paraben Free: Avoid lubricants that may contain any type of paraben or glycerine, as this may increase the risk of irritation and interfere with hormone signaling in the vagina.
- Silicone-based: Another option is a silicone-based lubricant made from natural and organic ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or fragrances.
Alternatives for Lubricants for Menopause Dryness
Other possible alternatives for lubricants include:
- Ointments: Some vaginal ointments and moisturizers can help alleviate the discomfort of vaginal dryness. These topical ointments can be applied several days of the week, or before sexual intercourse.
- Aloe vera: Vaginal moisturizers that contain aloe vera are a suitable alternative, seeing that aloe vera has a high concentration of hydrating properties.
- Coconut oil: Pure organic virgin coconut oil may also relieve the discomfort of vaginal dryness and is easily accessible to everyone. Not all products may contain coconut oil, so it’s best advised to choose a product that is made from 100% coconut oil.
- Lotion: An off-the-shelf lotion can help with frictionless intercourse, however, try and use lotions that are free from any synthetic chemicals and ingredients.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Hydration and Diet Considerations
Changes in diet can significantly improve overall health, but more importantly, improve vaginal well-being and alleviate the severity of vaginal dryness. Some experts suggest eating foods that contain isoflavones, which helps to boost the body’s estrogen production. These foods include soya, soybeans, pulses, peas, beans, and multi-grains.
Lignans are another nutrient that can boost natural vaginal lubrication, and examples include some fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Some whole grains may contain a lower quantity of lignans.
A combination of various Omega fatty acids, such as 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids could potentially help promote vaginal well-being. Some products, such as oily fish, mackerel, salmon, and sardines are only among a list of various foods that contain healthy fats needed to promote vaginal health and lubrication.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
Although a healthy diet is advised during day-to-day, other harmful substances to avoid include:
Smoking: From the more than 7,000 different chemicals found in cigarettes, studies have revealed that nicotine and several other metabolites can create an imbalance in the vagina, leading to a less favorable environment for good vaginal bacteria, and increase the risk of infections.
Benzocaine: This ingredient is often found in over-the-counter anti-itch ointments, however, it can cause anogenital dermatitis, increased irritation, and itching around the anus and vagina according to some studies.
Douching: Although regular douching may be beneficial for some women, the American Public Health Association advises not to douche unless medically recommended.
Alcohol: Some research has found that excessive consumption of alcohol may further cause or increase the risk of vaginal dryness. One study has found that around 11 percent of alcohol users typically struggle to reach an orgasm.
Navigating Sexual Intimacy with Menopause Dryness
Psychological Impact and Pain Management
Menopause and other bodily changes can have some psychological impact on women. One study found that anxiety symptoms, which were independently related to the development of vaginal dryness were typically less frequent in sexually active females.
Depressive symptoms may also be associated with decreased libido, and there has been a connection between anxiety symptoms and higher subjective sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication. However, women may experience a decreased desire for intercourse, emotional satisfaction, and overall lower physical pleasure.
Communicating with Partners and Seeking Professional Help
An independent review suggests that women communicate physical discomfort with their partners and a medical professional to seek the necessary treatment. More than this, it’s important that women take the necessary steps to help themselves and find a suitable solution that provides them with the relief they require.
Additionally, understanding the various complexities of the situation would help to shed more light on the issue, allowing women to fully understand how they can deal with vaginal dryness, what are the health implications, and what are the necessary steps they need to take to alleviate vaginal dryness and further promote natural female lubrication.
Silent Struggle: Breaking the Taboo Around Menopause Dryness
Although vaginal dryness is a fairly common occurrence among many women, talking about these problems, either with a partner or a medical professional would help to provide more insight into the issue and what are the available treatments.
Common Misconceptions and Barriers to Treatment
Vaginal dryness only happens to postmenopausal women: Women of various ages may experience fluctuations of estrogen hormones. This could lead to some instances where younger women may experience vaginal dryness long before reaching the age of menopause.
Vaginal dryness is an isolated medical condition: Not quite. Women may experience various levels of menopausal symptoms, both on the severe or lighter side of the spectrum. This is however not an isolated event, and research suggests that between 64 and 84 percent of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness is untreatable: This is not true and is often a misconception for many women. There are multiple treatments and remedies available to help alleviate vaginal dryness and provide female lubrication.
Lifestyle changes won’t make a difference: Some lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, proper diet, and taking dietary supplements may improve the overall severity of vaginal dryness. More importantly, some experts suggest that staying sexually active may also be another potential treatment for dryness alleviation.
Empowering Women to Seek Help
One of the best ways to overcome the discomfort of vaginal dryness is to address the problem head-on. Instead of walking around the issue, women should communicate with one another about these shared issues, and how they can alleviate the discomfort they may experience during their day-to-day life or during intercourse.
Having access to the necessary resources, and talking to a medical professional can help encourage one another to find a suitable solution.
Sharing personal experiences may seem invasive to some people, and although it’s not necessary to provide too many personal details, openly talking to other females, including younger women will help to keep them informed and educated.
FAQs
What Is the Best Natural Lubricant?
Both coconut oil and aloe vera are considered to be some of the best natural lubricants. However, it’s advised to consult with a medical professional beforehand to ensure that these products are safe and don’t contain any synthetic ingredients that may cause additional irritation to the vaginal region.
What Is the Best Lubricant for Over 60s?
A water-based lubricant that is free from glycerine or parabens is best for people over 60. This can alleviate severe vaginal dryness and is safe to use on both male and female genitalia.
What Is the Best Lubricant for Over 50s?
Any lubricant that is free from synthetic ingredients, colorants, or fragrances is the safest option for people of various ages. However, it’s best to use a lubricant that contains natural ingredients and is predominantly water-based.
Can Coconut Oil Used as A Lubricant?
Yes, coconut oil may be used as a lubricant, however, it’s advised to only use pure 100% organic virgin coconut oil that is free from any synthetic ingredients. Additionally, an ointment or paste that consists of pure coconut oil may be used, however, it’s best to consult with an expert beforehand.
How Can I Increase My Lubrication During Menopause?
Regular exercise, staying sexually active and diet changes may have a positive impact on vaginal dryness. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to provide significant relief. A topical lotion made from natural ingredients may also help, or using a lubricant during intercourse.
Final Thoughts
Vaginal dryness is a symptom most women will experience at some time in their life, however, this isn’t an isolated event, and shouldn’t be something one should be struggling with in silence.
It’s important to know that there are a wide range of treatments available and that some remedies are non-invasive, such as in the case of taking dietary supplements. Additionally, using a topical lotion, or lubricant during intercourse may also help to alleviate vaginal dryness, and provide more comfort.
Moving away from the stigmas associated with menopause may help a person to discover that there are endless possibilities and that finding the right treatment will most likely depend on the severity of the vaginal dryness. Seeking help from a medical practitioner can further provide more insight, and potentially put a person on the right path towards finding the best possible solution.