(Katherine Lee/ Everyday Health) — Vaginal dryness can make sex painful and lead to other problems, like tears and infections. Many things can cause it, such as dehydration and aging, as well as emotional issues, like a lack of interest in sex. Luckily, there is no shortage of options for dry vagina relief to explore, so you can find the one that works best for you.
Anyone with a vagina can experience dryness, but it’s more common in those who have gone through menopause. Research shows it affects roughly 15 percent of women before menopause and 40 to 57 percent of post-menopausal women. And yet, most women with vaginal dryness do not talk about it with their healthcare provider.
The first step in treating vaginal dryness is figuring out what’s causing it, especially if a dry vagina is causing painful sex. A number of conditions can lead to a lack of vaginal lubrication.
Treatment for vaginal dryness depends on the cause. In general, Reed says, “Drink more water and avoid infections or anything that irritates the tissues.” (…)