Vaginal dryness can be a painful and irritable symptom of menopause and breastfeeding.
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Vaginal dryness, also known as vaginal atrophy, is caused by a change in the hormone levels in a woman’s body.
The symptoms include soreness around the vagina, pain and discomfort during sex and needing to urinate more often.
Oestrogen is the female sex hormone. It’s produced in women of childbearing age to keep the vagina lubricated and its pH levels balanced. A lack of oestrogen causes the lining of the vaginal walls to become thinner and drier, causing pain and itching. A lack of oestrogen also causes the vaginal walls to become less stretchy, making sexual intercourse painful.
It's usually affects women going through the menopause, due to the lower levels of oestrogen produced by the body.
Levels of oestrogen also fall after childbirth and continue through breastfeeding, and this can cause vaginal dryness.
One study found that up to 67% of women were affected by vaginal dryness a year after going through the menopause. The same study showed that over 70% of women experience some form of vaginal dryness six years after the menopause.
After giving birth, oestrogen levels in the body drop and remain low for several months if you’re breastfeeding. 46% of new mothers report having vaginal dryness.
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When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Vaginal dryness is usually caused by low levels of the female hormone, oestrogen. Levels of this hormone are low during and after the menopause, after childbirth and during breastfeeding and during some cancer treatments. They can also be affected by some contraceptive pills.
If you’re unsure about the cause of your vaginal dryness it’s best to talk to a clinician about your symptoms and experiences, as this will ensure that you get the right treatment.
Vaginal dryness can be both painful and irritating.
The symptoms of vaginal dryness include:
Vaginal dryness itself isn’t usually dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable and frustrating. The effects can be difficult to deal with psychologically and lead to low mood and irritability. It may also get in the way of activities like swimming and playing sports.
Vaginal dryness can have a big effect on your enjoyment of sex. It can lead to painful and uncomfortable sex as well as bleeding afterwards.
It’s always a good idea to seek medical help for vaginal dryness in order to rule out any other health concerns such as UTIs.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Effective treatment of vaginal atrophy with an ultra-low-dose estradiol vaginal tablet. Obstetrics and Gynecology, [online] 112(5), pp.1053–1060. Available at: [Accessed 16 Nov. 2021].
Reproductive Health. [online] Available at: https://gpifn.org.uk/reproductive-health/ [Accessed 16 Nov. 2021].
Prevalence and association between objective signs and subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Menopause, 23(10), pp.1139–1145.
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