Vaginal Dryness: A Major Disruptor of Intimacy What’s the Best Treatment?
Vaginal dryness can significantly affect the daily lives of many women. The lack of natural lubrication doesn’t just cause physical discomfort it can also interfere with sexual satisfaction and intimacy. In this article, we’ll delve into the key factors behind vaginal dryness: what causes it, the common symptoms to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, how to prevent it. We’ll also explore practical ways to enhance sexual wellness and effectively address vaginal dryness without the need for surgery, with minimal recovery time, and with satisfying results.
Led by our specialist Dr. Nueng, our program is designed to address the root cause of vaginal dryness safely and effectively, helping you feel like yourself again.
What is Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness refers to the condition where the vagina produces less or no mucus, resulting in reduced natural moisture. This mucus is normally secreted by the vaginal walls and plays an essential role in the vaginal environment, including during sexual activity.
When a woman experiences vaginal dryness, she may feel discomfort, itching, or irritation around the intimate area. Sexual intercourse can become painful or produce a burning sensation. Desire may decrease, and reaching orgasm becomes more difficult. These symptoms can even occur during routine activities such as sitting, exercising, or other forms of movement.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
- Hormonal Changes
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age but is most commonly seen in women with declining estrogen levels particularly during menopause. The drop in estrogen affects blood flow to the vaginal area, thinning the vaginal walls and making them less elastic. This condition is referred to as vaginal atrophy. It can also be common during postpartum and breastfeeding periods, in women with inflamed Bartholin glands, or those who’ve undergone hysterectomy or ovary removal. Hormonal birth control both oral and injectable can also contribute.
- Medication
Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and some types of birth control may reduce vaginal lubrication as a side effect.
- Stress and Anxiety
Emotional factors like stress and anxiety can interfere with sexual functioning. They may reduce arousal, lower libido, and make it harder to reach orgasm.
- Autoimmune Disorders
Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can affect moisture-producing glands not just in the eyes and mouth but also in the vagina causing dryness.
- Breastfeeding
For some women, hormonal shifts during breastfeeding can lower estrogen levels, leading to vaginal dryness.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation
Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy and radiation, can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to reduced vaginal lubrication.
- Harsh Soaps and Hygiene Products
Strong soaps, douches, or scented hygiene products can upset the natural vaginal balance, causing dryness and irritation.
- Insufficient Sexual Arousal
Lack of foreplay or sexual arousal can lead to inadequate natural lubrication during intercourse.
Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
- Itching, irritation, or a burning sensation around the vagina
- More frequent urination
- Burning feeling while urinating
- Possible urinary tract infections
- Decreased sexual desire and difficulty reaching orgasm
- Thinned, reddened vaginal walls; bleeding may occur after sex
- Inflammation and frequent abnormal discharge
How to Prevent and Relieve Vaginal Dryness?
Preventing or alleviating vaginal dryness involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, self-care, and sometimes medical intervention. Here are some strategies to consider:
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration supports overall health and helps maintain the moisture in the vaginal mucous membranes. Drinking enough water is key to keeping natural lubrication in balance.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytoestrogens can support vaginal health. Include foods like flaxseeds, salmon, leafy greens, soy, legumes, seeds, berries, and tofu.
Avoid Irritants
Harsh soaps, douches, and scented hygiene products can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products to reduce irritation.
Maintain Regular Sexual Activity
Frequent sexual activity or masturbation helps stimulate blood flow to the genital area and supports natural lubrication. Just ensure that sexual activity is consensual, comfortable, and pressure-free.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect sexual function. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily life, such as hobbies, exercise, meditation, or rest. Effective stress management supports hormonal harmony.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation, which benefits both general and sexual health.
Treating Vaginal Dryness
Around half of women going through menopause experience vaginal dryness. However, statistics show that only 1 in 5 seek treatment. Regardless of your age, don’t be afraid to consult a gynecologist specializing in aesthetic gynecology and sexual health. Their role is to help you maintain safe, comfortable, and healthy sexual well-being.
A pelvic exam may be performed to detect changes in the vaginal wall or infections. Blood tests might also be conducted to check hormone levels or other underlying health conditions that may be causing the dryness. From there, the doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment.
Here are some commonly used and effective treatments to alleviate vaginal dryness:
- Use of Lubricants
Lubricants in gel or liquid form are often used to replace natural vaginal secretions. Apply the lubricant directly to the vaginal area or to the penis before intercourse. This helps reduce pain during sex.
- Use of Vaginal Moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers are creams applied inside the vagina. They typically last longer than lubricants and are recommended for use 2–3 times a week. However, be cautious with oil-based products or petroleum jelly, as they may interact with condoms and cause irritation.
- Use of Local Hormone Therapy
This involves estrogen-based creams or vaginal tablets that release hormones directly into the vaginal tissue, enhancing natural lubrication and moisture.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is commonly prescribed to treat vaginal dryness caused by menopause. It can also alleviate other symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. However, because of potential side effects, it’s essential to consult a doctor first.
Where Should You Go for Vaginal Dryness Treatment?
If you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, lack of lubrication, itching, irritation, or discomfort during sex that affects your relationship, we recommend the GeniShockwave treatment program at Genitique Clinic.
Operated by Dr. Thanawan Sirisuk (Dr. Nueng) a specialist in gynecologic aesthetics and sexual health, as well as an international speaker—the clinic provides personalized care. Dr. Nueng performs all procedures herself, ensuring women are truly understood and cared for.
What is the GeniShockwave Program?
GeniShockwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (LiESWT) to enhance female sexual health. It addresses:
- Vaginal laxity
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sexual sensation
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
By delivering gentle sound waves to the vaginal tissue, GeniShockwave stimulates blood circulation and promotes the formation of new capillaries. This results in better natural lubrication, enhanced sexual sensitivity, and reduced pain during intercourse. It also helps with vulvar inflammation and pelvic pain all without surgery. Each session takes about 15 minutes, with minimal downtime.
What Does It Help With?
- Boosts natural vaginal lubrication
- Alleviates pain during intercourse
- Enhances sexual sensation
- Firms and tightens the vagina and labia
- Reduces urinary incontinence
- Improves bladder control
- Minimizes vaginal flatulence during sex
Results may vary depending on individual factors such as age, condition severity, and health status.
Who Is It For?
- Women experiencing vaginal dryness and needing more lubrication
- Women with decreased estrogen levels
- Postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy
- Women who feel pain during intercourse
- Women with vaginal looseness after childbirth
- Women experiencing urinary leakage while coughing or sneezing
- Women wanting non-surgical solutions for vaginal laxity
- Women looking to boost sexual sensitivity
- Women dealing with vaginal air sounds during sex due to weak pelvic floor muscles
- Women wanting to lighten the tone of their external genitalia
Who Is It Not For?
- Pregnant women
- Those with severe heart conditions
- Individuals with abnormal bleeding or anatomical disorders
- Women with active vaginal infections
- Individuals on nitrate-containing medications (consult your doctor)
Pre-Treatment Preparation
- Consult with the doctor for a full assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and evaluation of sexual dysfunction
- Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) before the session
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Get enough rest prior to the procedure
Treatment Process
- Shockwave energy is applied to the vaginal area to stimulate blood flow and new vessel formation
- You may feel mild tapping sensations but no pain
- The procedure takes only about 15 minutes
- You can return to daily life immediately afterward
- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed
Post-Treatment Care
- Drink plenty of water to support skin hydration and optimize recovery
- Avoid intense physical activity for a short period afterward
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the intimate area
- Attend all follow-up sessions as scheduled for best results
Frequently Asked Questions
For pricing of the GeniShockwave program at Genitique Clinic, please contact the clinic directly to inquire about ongoing promotions. Prices vary based on each patient’s specific condition and needs. It’s highly recommended to consult the gynecologist in person for a tailored treatment plan.
You may feel mild vibrations during the treatment, but it’s completely painless. No need to worry!
It depends on the individual’s condition. On average, 6 sessions over 3–4 weeks are recommended.
Many women begin to notice improvements within the first 2–3 sessions, with continued progress over time, depending on the individual’s body condition.
The effects of GeniShockwave can last up to 24 months, as it promotes internal rejuvenation by increasing blood flow and supporting new vessel growth. Some may not need frequent follow-up treatments.
Summary
Female sexual dysfunction, including concerns like vaginal laxity and dryness, are not minor issues they can deeply impact intimacy and relationships. The GeniShockwave program offers an effective, safe, and non-surgical solution for those wanting to restore their vaginal health and boost sexual well-being.
This program, under the expert care of Dr. Nueng, a seasoned gynecologist specializing in aesthetic and sexual wellness, delivers comprehensive and personalized treatment.
For more details or to schedule your private consultation, please contact us directly. We’re here to support you with compassionate care every step of the way.
Call Us: 062-924-4966
LINE: @Genitiqueclinic