Women should know about Vaginal Dryness and its Treatment

Vaginal Dryness

Every woman faces vaginal dryness at some point in their life. It is a condition that occurs when the moisture level drops down from the vaginal lining. The lining of the vagina is always lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. This fluid is essential to keep the vagina healthy, thick, and elastic. Vaginal dryness can occur at any stage of life and cause great discomfort and irritation. Lack of vaginal moisture can also impact your sex life heavily.

Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs due to a drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen a female hormone is essential and plays an important role in maintaining the moisture level in the vaginal lining.

Vaginal dryness is most often observed in women after menopause when the female hormones like estrogen start to decline. Many women experience vaginal dryness as a symptom of the aging factors and try to ignore it, without seeking any treatment. Every woman should consult their doctor if they experience any discomfort or pain during sexual penetration. Luckily, there are a lot of treatment options available for vaginal dryness.

What causes dryness of the Vagina?

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms of menopause. However, many other factors can contribute to vaginal dryness in women at any point in age. Some of the causes are mentioned below;

  1. Vaginal dryness is a precursor of low estrogen levels in the body and during childbirth and breastfeeding conditions the level of estrogen declines leading to vaginal dryness.
  2. Women suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy sessions and radiation therapy
  3. Surgical removal of the ovaries due to tumor or disease.
  4. Consuming anti-estrogen medications which are prescribed if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
  5. An autoimmune disorder like Sjogren’ssyndrome which causes swelling of the tear as well as the salivary glands also promotes vaginal dryness by infecting the tissue lining of the vagina.
  6. Medicines that are taken during cold, are helpful in drying up the eyes and the nose. However, their adverse effects can also dry up the linings of the vagina.
  7. Antidepressants consumed by women can cause vaginal dryness in women and lead to side effects from a sexual point of view. The symptoms may cause a drastic drop in libido, and reaching orgasms.
  8. Smoking is also known to contribute to vaginal dryness, as it has been found that women who aggressively smoke tend to achieve menopause at earlier ages.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of vaginal dryness:

Dryness of the vagina can cause symptoms that may include burning, intercourse pain, itching, dryness, irritation, and discomfort in the vaginal area. Any of these symptoms faced by women for a prolonged period of time should not be ignored and one should immediately consult their doctor or gynecologist.

Your doctor may ask you about your past health and analyze your symptoms, their duration. After knowing your symptoms the gynecologist will conduct an examination around the pelvic region and check for any redness or thinning of the tissue or lining of the vagina. This examination will also eliminate other possible causes of vaginal dryness like urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence. The doctor may also ask you to undergo a Pap test for a better diagnosis.

Medical treatment:

Vaginal dryness is a result of the decline in a female hormone called estrogen. Estrogen therapy can help get rid of such problems by relieving vaginal symptoms. Estrogen therapy is best suited because through the topical application the drug is absorbed at a lower rate reducing the risk that can happen when estrogen is consumed in the form of a pill. There are quite forms available as topical estrogen therapy which includes.

Topical estrogen cream: there are so many formulations available, which contain estrogen in cream and can be applied directly around the vagina region. Scientific studies have shown that estrogen cream is effective when curing the dryness issue. These creams have proven to reduce the symptoms of dryness, burning, and itching of the vaginal area

Vaginal ring. This is another formulation that contains a flexible ring where it can be easily inserted into the vagina. This ring is known to release the estrogen in very low amounts over a period of time and help relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness.

Vaginal tablet: These dosage forms are designed to be inserted directly into the vagina with the help of an applicator. The dosage form contains estrogen which is slowly released in the presence of vaginal fluid.

However, every woman should consult their doctor regarding estrogen therapy, especially those who have previously experienced a case of breast cancer. Estrogen therapy is to be taken with caution in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Off-The-Shelf Treatments:

Off-The-Shelftreatments include the use of lubricants. The lubricants are available in two forms which include water-based lubricant or oil-based lubricant. Doctors recommend the use of water-based lubricants over lubricants that have a high dosage of oil in them. Because oil-based lubricants can cause irritation and breakage of condoms during intercourse. Lubricants are available over the counter and help in treating vaginal dryness by moisturizing the inner lining of the vagina.

Home remedies:

  • One can prevent vaginal dryness from happening by adopting certain lifestyle changes and including good foods into their diet which includes the following
  • Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for vaginal dryness. Smoking has anti-estrogenic effects that can cause a decline in the levels of estrogen. Estrogen is known to play an important role in lubricating the vagina.
  • Doing regular exercise boosts up the blood circulation in the body and helps maintain normal hormonal balance.
  • Consuming at least 2-3 liters of water daily and keeping you hydrated, to retain the moisture levels in the body.
  • Regular sex- Practicing regular sex can help increase the blood flow to the vaginal tissues, and stimulate moisture production during arousal.

Using skin-friendly compounds:

  • The tissue present in the vagina is very delicate and contains good bacteria’s that help clean the bad things naturally and maintains the pH of the vaginal fluid.
  • Using products like harsh soaps, fragrances, and other dyes can irritate the vaginal tissue promoting vaginal dryness. So, try to inhibiting the use of these products to prevent vaginal dryness.
  • Also, using clingy synthetic materials as your undergarment can promote vaginal dryness by restricting the movement of air. Try using cotton and skin-friendly undergarments that soothe your vagina by promoting airflow.

If you are also facing problems with vaginal dryness, try to keep it lubricated all the time by following all the mentioned parameters above. A lubricated vagina can make you feel good, fresh, young and can also protect you from harmful bacteria.

Read Also:

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Opiates

A Loved One Addicted to Opiates? Here Are Common Signs

If you've been paying attention to the news, you already know that the opioid crisis in the United States has reached critical mass. In some areas, opioid overdoses increased by 70 percent in just over a year's time. The opioid epidemic now touches the lives of millions of everyday Americans. As a result, the chances that you know someone with opioid addiction have increased astronomically. For anyone concerned that their loved one might have a problem, it's important to recognize the early warning signs of opiate use. That's what this article is for. Below, you'll learn a few basic things to look for when trying to determine if a loved one has an opiate problem. With any luck, you won't need this information, but preparedness and awareness are always important. Physical Signs of Opiate Use : When dealing with opioid abuse, there are two major categories symptoms can fall into: physical and behavioral. Let's tackle the former first. One major and obvious physical warning sign to look for is needle marks. Often, an addict will start to use drugs intravenously, which means they're injecting it. This will usually leave clear signs of use at the injection point, which is very often the major artery in the arm. Beyond the clear physical appearance of abuse, addicts will often suffer from other physical ailments. One prominent side effect is "nodding," which means that the user falls asleep suddenly and at inappropriate times. If your loved one frequently drifts off mid-conversation, this can be a sign there is a more serious problem under the surface. Other than the two unmistakable signs above, physical signs of opioid use are hard to spot. Other symptoms like constricted pupils and flushed skin can be attributed to many other things, so it's best not to worry about them alone. However, if they're paired with needle marks and nodding, there is cause for concern. Behavioral Signs of Opiate Use : The behavioral side effects of opioid abuse can be tough to spot because they closely resemble side effects caused by other common ailments like depression, stress, and anxiety. But since they're so often paired with physical signs, you'll most likely be able to tell the difference. Withdrawing from social activities is a big early warning sign. If your loved one suddenly retreats from social groups or things they once enjoyed doing, it can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Isolation is one of the earliest and most clear indicators that something is up. Mood swings and drastic behavior are also something to look for. If someone is acting highly out of character, breaking the law, and engaging in unusually high-risk behavior, something is probably wrong. All in all, behavioral shifts can be hard to hone in on, but drastic changes are almost certainly a sign of something worse. Even if it isn't an opioid addiction, it's always worth checking in with a loved one if their behavior changes unexpectedly. There are treatment centers like SMC Recovery that specialize in opiate addiction rehabilitation. Reaching out to a facility such as this can provide you with the resources and expertise you need to determine if your loved one requires medical follow-up. What's Next? Now that you're familiar with some basic signs of opiate use, you can stay vigilant when it comes to keeping loved ones safe. Addiction is a notoriously difficult problem, but there's always hope. People recover every day. If you or a loved one has an opiate problem, don't give up. With the help of professionals, friends, and family, no obstacle is too tall to scale. Stay strong, and with a little help, recovery is well within reach. Follow our blog for more health-related news and updates. Read Also : 5 Reasons Why It’s Not Too Late To Get Help Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits

READ MOREDetails

Essential Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The advantages of coconut oil are on everyone's tongue. It is a special blessing from God as it has many benefits. It has uncountable uses, some people use coconut for better hair growth, few people apply it on the skin for moisturizing purpose, some of them add them in scented candles for aromatherapy and last but not least few people add coconut oil in their smoothies and diet to enjoy its magnificent health benefits. Coconut Oil Kills Bacteria : Coconut oil is anti-microbial oil that fights against bacteria, viruses or micro-organisms. Coconut oil has saturated fat that contains lauric acid as fatty acids which are known for their ability to fight against bacteria. If you add coconut oil to your diet, it combines with enzymes to form monoglyceride which enhances the property of coconut oil to kill bacteria such as Candida Albicans or Staphylococcus Aureus. Coconut oil Promotes Heart Health : The saturated fat in coconut oil increases the number of High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) is good cholesterol responsible to carry fat lipids to the liver so that they can be removed. These fat lipids are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol that can build in your arteries and can lead you to experience high blood pressure issues. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol fights against low-density lipoproteins cholesterol which reduces your chances of experiencing cardiovascular diseases. Coconut oil Improves digestive system : Do you know that coconut oil can help you improve your digestive system? Coconut oil makes your gut flora healthy by fighting against bad bacteria and maintains a healthy environment. Coconut oil also fights against bacteria that cause a decrease in stomach acids which helps indigestion. Tip: By adding omega fatty acids while taking coconut oil in your diet will enhance the result. Coconut Oil and Weight loss: Eating coconut oil can play an effective role in helping you to lose weight. Coconut oil improves your immune system because the chain of lauric acid in the coconut oil fights against bacteria and creates a hostile environment. Coconut oil also contains energy creating abilities and it naturally reduces your appetite that further aids in maintaining blood sugar level. In addition to this, the caprylic acid in coconut oil also helps in improving thyroid function, contributes to burning fat and controls heart rate. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it also helps in avoiding or treating stomach ulcer. Type ii Diabetes : As discussed prior that coconut oil helps in regulating blood sugar level. Similarly, coconut oil reduces the risk of diabetes type two. When your body stops accepting insulin and energy from glucose. Coconut oil promotes the production of insulin in cells which provides continuous energy by preventing insulin resistance. Coconut Oil Helps In Preventing Alzheimer Disease : Our liver is responsible to produce ketones which provide energy to our brain. The energy source for brain cells is derived from glucose by the help of insulin that is produced by the brain itself. People experiencing form Alzheimer brain loses their ability to produce insulin. However, the Medium-chain triglycerides MCT's in coconut oil increases the production of ketones by the liver which provides energy to the brain to improve its function. In addition to this, if you have a weak memory, the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil will also improve your recalling power as the brain cells get stronger. Coconut Oil for Anti-aging : Coconut oil is antimicrobial oil that promotes the level of antioxidants in the body which further aids into the slower aging process as it reduces oxidative stress on the liver and promotes better liver function. Healthier liver leads to a healthier body and skin. Prevent Osteoporosis By Using Coconut Oil : Free radicals and oxidative stress are two causes of osteoporosis. Many people use coconut oil as a natural remedy for osteoporosis because it promotes absorption of calcium by gut flora which saves them from loss of bone structure and increases bone volume. Coconut Oil for Hormone Imbalance : To balance hormones, one should reduce the intake of sugar and grain and load up on healthy fats. Therefore, the saturated fats in coconut oil have a positive effect on estrogen levels. It can be one of the best fats that can be taken during menopause. Hope this evidence would help you to make a wise decision of taking coconut oil in your diet. Read Also : 8 Home Gym Systems You’ll Want To Try Out All That You Must Know About Prenatal Vitamins Choosing A Diet Based On Your Personality Type

READ MOREDetails
Weightlifting

5 Common Weightlifting Mistakes Women Should Avoid

When it is time to take a new path with our fitness and healthy lifestyle, we want to look at all the possible options that we can do. It doesn't matter what kind of diet that we do, or the method that we choose; we just want to get there as fast as we can. That is the bit of the problem though; we tend to find shortcuts or cheat our way through it. Depending on the weight loss goal you are trying to achieve, you have to be religious about the factors that you are about to go through. Your daily habits will change, and it takes discipline on yourself. When it comes to weightlifting, it becomes more of a technical issue on the approach or method. There are certain programs out there that everyone can follow, but it might not be right for you. #1.The Weight Is Too Light Ok let us say you want to retain some muscle mass, but want to lose the excess calories off your body, you have to lift heavy to maintain the size that you packed in. In result, you have a leaner muscle which also improves the muscle stamina in the long run. Nowadays it is a common misconception always to lift light just enough to lose some pounds. In case you must know, lifting heavy can boost your testosterone levels which are a key for a faster metabolism. It is, however, true that women don't supply testosterone as much as men do, so take it into consideration to have minimum increments with your lifts. I also know that women are afraid to have a masculine physique after a series of lifting weights. That is not entirely accurate because it will depend on your diet as well if you are going to pack some muscle within the time scheme. You are going to lose weight faster than you thought. Use all precautions if you must (weightlifting belts, lifting shoes, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, etc.) #2.Decreased Intensity Your heart rate has to be on a fast pace for your body to burn the fat. It won't happen if your intensity is only up to par, rather than putting all your best efforts in each of your workouts. Why do you think CrossFitters appear lean all the time? The reason behind is that their movements are time-based and they always move with very minimal rest; which leads me to my next point. Read also: How To Lose Your Weight With Venus Factor If it would help you, some athletes wear waist trimmers to retain or increase their body temperature during their workouts. You might be too tired from work to intensify your gym session. #3.Overextended Rest Periods Having a minimum rest interval improves your cardiovascular conditioning, enable you to increase your performance every week. Unless you are powerlifting that requires more rest times per set, you only need 60 seconds for you to increase your heart rate and burn fat faster. If you notice, HIIT programs have minimal rest intervals, and it is almost perfect for fat and weight loss goals, and it only requires a couple of minutes with your session. Supersets are highly recommended if you are focusing on increasing muscle size and losing pounds. Your blood will continuously run through the muscle group, and burn all the fat surrounding that area. #4.Relying On Certain Equipment Let’s look at it this way, it may be a psychological aspect but there are times that we only focus on individual gym machines, and we get too comfortable with it. It might improve your performance and your mood if you take away some familiarities and habits in the gym. Read also: What Are Popular Mind And Body Exercises Available At A Gym? Try other equipment and facilities that are available for you to add to your arsenal of workouts. It will uplift your enthusiasm each day knowing that, you have tons of other things to do in the gym. It is fun to mix up your training regimen once in a while, although; don't do it too often. #5.Wrong Supplementation It is critical that you have the right supplements to help you achieve optimal results. Certain thermogenic fat-burners will continually pump your heart and your blood throughout the day that can instantly burn the fat in your body. If it is your goal to stay leaner, then I suggest that you use it. BCAA's are also a great additional supplement for you. It prevents the catabolic process from happening; instead, it regulates the anabolic condition so that you don't overuse your muscles while you are training. That is all that you need to know to remedy the weightlifting problems that you might encounter along the way. Just follow the simple guidelines, so that you will be able to avoid the mistakes that people do most of the time. Weight loss is not to be treated lightly – it is a different approach, and you have to be prepared for anything that can happen.

READ MOREDetails