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Vaginal Dryness

Dryness of the Vagina, medical name - Atrophic Vaginitis

Dry vagina or atrophic vaginits is a very common condition that 95% of all women experience at some time in their lives. It may occur in women who are nursing, receiving chemotherapy, radiation, are experiencing withdrawal of estrogen, physical illness or it can just be the natural aging process.

As we age the vaginal tissue, made of many cell layers, begin to thin out and become less elastic. This is caused by the natural decrease in estrogen levels, which ends all together after menopause. The drop in estrogen level causes less vaginal lubrication to be produced by the body. The woman experiences vaginal dryness, sensitivity, sometimes itchiness, tenderness or swelling and general discomfort. Other contributing factors that may cause vaginal dryness are: stress, certain medication such as antibiotics, yeast overgrowth and infection.

Sexual intercourse may become difficult for a women with vaginal dryness.
However, there are easy steps to help women with this condition. To be
successful with these healthful suggestions, one has to be open minded. You
will have to release all your inhibitions of touching yourself. Keep in the
back of your mind that a sexual person is a healthier and happy person.
Steps to help vaginal dryness:
1. Get reacquainted with the most intimate part of your body in your own time
and place. Wash your hands. Keep your nails short. Put a moisture lotion (
k-y jelly maybe used) on your fingertips. Gently explore the area between the
vaginal lips and around the vaginal opening. If you want to do more exploring
of your body insert one finger and see how the tissue inside your vagina
feels. This exercise may help discover new ways to excite your body to
increase more lubrication.
Share this touching technique with your partner. Guide your partner in
stroking you and giving you pleasure.
2. Vaginal Lubrications: K-Y jelly, Vitamin E Oil (do not use if you are
taking Coumadin) Astro-glide, and cold pressed castor oils maybe helpful.
They can be placed directly into your vagina and provide quick and temporary
lubrication Do not use a lubricant with an antiseptic.
3. Daily exercise. Yoga is one of the best exercises for vaginal dryness:
Several of the positions helps to strengthen vaginal muscles
4. Drink more water than usual each day. Eight glasses of water or more is
recommended. Check with your doctor before your start with the additional
fluids.
5. Do not take baths, only showers.
6. Meditation: helps to relieve stress and makes your body more relaxed.
7. Orgasm: Having at least one orgasm or more a week will help to stop or slow down vaginal dryness. Try it with a partner, or check out our tips in
SOLO PLAY.

Vaginal dryness can affect each women differently. It is important to
remember to contact your gynecologist or healthcare professional about your individual concerns.