After menopause, more than 1 in 2 women are affected by intimate dryness. It is important to specify that this intimate discomfort does not only affect postmenopausal women, since 1 in 6 women will be affected by vaginal dryness, regardless of what period of life they’re in. All women can experience intimate dryness.

According to an IFOP study, 82% of women agree that vaginal dryness is a taboo subject, and almost 38% agree that it is not talked about enough.

Where does this physiological phenomenon come from that makes the intimate and amorous life of people with vulva’s so uncomfortable, and sometimes painful? How do we relieve these discomforts and overcome lubrication problems, to live our lives comfortably?

Here are our tips and our selection of intimate cosmetics to soothe vaginal dryness.

To understand the phenomenon of intimate dryness, it is important to know how the mechanism of vaginal lubrication works, so check out our blog post to find out . The vagina is an organ that naturally lubricates itself: its internal surface is lined with a mucous membrane and glands that allow the secretion of lubricating substances. Good lubrication makes sexual intercourse more comfortable and prevents any feeling of chafing and burning.

To explain the origin of intimate dryness, it is also essential to understand how the female menstrual cycle works and the impact it has on their daily life, a subject we have looked into in this blog post . Vaginal secretions change and vary according to the menstrual cycle, but also according to the periods of our intimate lives. This is why the woman experiences great variations in their intimate lubrication, regardless of their level of arousal.

Vaginal dryness is defined by the absence or lack of lubrication. Symptoms of intimate dryness can be characterized by itching, irritation, and burning in the vagina. One may also experience a low libido, hot flashes, and experience regular bleeding. The humidification/lubrication balance is then no longer ensured, and the mucous membrane loses its flexibility and thickness. While the vagina is not sufficiently moistened, it becomes painful during penetration, which can also disrupt sexual activity.

Women over 50 are particularly affected because during this time in life when menopause approaches, their body experiences a sharp drop in estrogen levels, the hormone that helps to lubricate the vagina. However, this phenomenon can also affect younger women, especially new mothers and pregnant women who experience large hormonal variations in their intimate life cycles.

In addition to the lack of sexual arousal in women, many causes can explain intimate dryness:

• The period of pre-menopause and menopause: during this period of life, the female body produces less estrogen, the hormone necessary for proper lubrication in the vagina. The lining of the vagina then becomes increasingly dry and pale. Vaginal dryness that occurs during menopause is associated with vaginal atrophy, which causes tingling, itching, and pain during intercourse, and can also affect the urinary tract and increase the risk of UTIs. Vaginal atrophy affects more than 50% of postmenopausal women.

• The period of childbirth, breastfeeding, and postpartum: during these periods of great hormonal variations, vaginal dryness is a perfectly natural and normal phenomenon and should not cause concern.

• Hormonal contraception: under hormonal contraception, the body's production of estrogen and progesterone is replaced by synthetic contraceptive hormones. These cannot completely recreate the functions of the hormones produced by the body, and therefore cannot fully assist in natural vaginal lubrication.

• Hysterectomy: During surgical removal of the uterus, the cells that produce vaginal secretions can be completely removed, which can cause vaginal dryness.

• Drug treatments: certain drugs or treatments such as those prescribed for infertility, cancer (especially breast cancer), hypotension, fibroids, antihistamines, and anti-depressants block certain bodily functions, and in particular, the mechanism of natural lubrication which dries out the vaginal mucosa.

• Excessive douching: the vagina has the ability to self clean, which is precisely the reason for vaginal secretions and discharge. Douching can imbalance its proper functioning and cause intimate dryness.

• Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome: it is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the exocrine glands that produce body fluids, which in turn leads to a decrease in the production of secretions and alters the functioning of the Bartholin glands.

• Diabetes: A high blood sugar level can eventually damage the body's small nerves and vessels, which can harm the glands of the uterus and dry out the mucous membranes.

Despite the discomfort associated with intimate dryness, it is essential to maintain a fulfilling sex life, since regular intimate intercourse helps intimate hydration and vaginal lubrication function properly. However, it is a question of providing comfort and care in romantic relationships, whether with suitable cosmetics, treatments prescribed by specialists, or sexual practices that aim to make the moment more comfortable.

To remedy vaginal dryness, it is essential to moisturise the intimate area with suitable products. This moisturisation will help the vagina regain its intimate balance and encourage it to produce natural vaginal secretions. For this, there’s nothing better than a little boost with the daily use of water-based intimate lubricants . At YESforLOV, the moisturizing natural lubricant has been specially formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide the intimate area with proper care. For maximum hydration, we have also developed the natural and organic lubricant enriched with aloe vera, a hydration boosting ingredient that also helps to heal mucous membranes that have been damaged due to intimate dryness. Finally, the natural and organic seaweed lubricant formulated without glycerine can be the solution for all people who cannot tolerate glycerine or glycerine derivatives. To learn more about the presence of glycerine in intimate lubricants, here is the blog article dedicated to it .

In general, do not forget to make time for connection during your intimate relations. Foreplay is an essential part of your sexuality, guaranteeing good natural lubrication. You can also practice slow sex or tantra , gentle practices that can boost female arousal and awaken lubrication .

If the causes of vaginal dryness are hormonal or drug-induced, following a precise diagnosis made by a doctor, the latter may suggest hormonal treatment, such as taking estrogens. This treatment can be applied directly into the vagina, orally, or via patches. He can also suggest taking hyaluronic acid.

Finally, to prevent vaginal dryness, it is important to have good local hygiene but not too frequent or excessive, without using products that are too aggressive. To find out how to maintain good intimate hygiene, here is our blog post dedicated to it. Alcohol and tobacco should be avoided , and it is recommended to wear underwear made of soft and natural materials such as cotton, so you don’t disturb the balance of the intimate flora.

What you need to remember is that intimate dryness can affect every woman, whatever her age, long before menopause. Intimate dryness should not be a taboo subject and it is essential to establish healthy communication also during moments of intimacy, so that sexuality does not suffer.

We obviously advise you to contact a specialist (midwife or gynecologist) or a general practitioner to solve and prevent vaginal dryness according to its causes. If you need advice on choosing the right lubricant for you, don't hesitate to write to us.