Overview of Vaginal dryness

Key takeaways

• This rewrite is classified as sexual_health and focuses on overview of vaginal dryness.
• Vaginal dryness is common and can affect comfort, sex, urinary symptoms and confidence. It is often linked with hormone changes, but medicines, cancer treatment, breastfeeding, arousal difficulties, irritants and some health conditions can also contribute.
• Symptoms can overlap between common and serious causes, so assessment and testing matter when symptoms are new, persistent or worrying.
• Treatment options should be chosen after consultation; suitability depends on symptoms, examination findings, medical history and personal priorities.

Overview

Vaginal dryness is common and can affect comfort, sex, urinary symptoms and confidence. It is often linked with hormone changes, but medicines, cancer treatment, breastfeeding, arousal difficulties, irritants and some health conditions can also contribute.

Dryness can affect the vaginal lining, vulval skin and urinary tissues, so symptoms may include both sexual discomfort and urinary irritation.

Why it happens

Oestrogen helps maintain blood flow, elasticity and moisture in vaginal tissues. When hormone levels fall, tissues may become thinner, drier and more easily irritated.

Treatment and self-care

Lubricants, vaginal moisturisers and avoiding perfumed products may help. If symptoms persist, a clinician can check for infection, skin conditions, medicine effects or hormone-related causes before discussing treatment.

When to seek medical advice

See a GP if dryness lasts for a few weeks, affects daily life, or comes with unusual discharge or bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if symptoms are severe or you feel very unwell.

Sources

• NHS, Vaginal dryness: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/
  Relevance: NHS explains symptoms, common causes, self-care, hormonal options and when to see a GP for vaginal dryness.
• NICE NG23, Menopause recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations
  Relevance: NICE supports assessment and treatment options for genitourinary symptoms related to menopause.
• NHS, Menopause and perimenopause: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/
  Relevance: NHS gives patient guidance on menopause symptoms and support options relevant to hormone-related dryness.

Disclaimer

Educational only. Results vary. Not a cure.