Why Do I Have Vaginal Dryness?

Issue No. 1: Sex Ed
Words - Diana McDonnell + Attia Taylor
Illustration - Khadija Ariana

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Vaginal dryness can happen when the skin on the inside of your vagina becomes thinner, dryer, and less stretchy. You may be experiencing vaginal dryness due to changes in the levels of estrogen and other hormones in your body. Estrogen levels can change due to menopause, certain medicines, and childbirth.  All of these changes can make it harder to get wet during sex. 

There’s good news! You can use lubricant during sex to have a more enjoyable experience. Most condoms come pre-lubricated, but adding more lube helps keep condoms from breaking and can make sex feel better. Remember to only use water-based or silicone-based lube with latex condoms.

Common Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness:

• pain with sex

• discomfort

• discharge

• burning

• itching

• dryness

• bleeding

How to treat vaginal dryness?

• use water-based lube to keep things slippery

• vaginal creams (apply 3x weekly)

• vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, or ring can be prescribed by a health care provider)

• sex (continue to masturbate and have sex if it is comfortable to keep the tissue healthy)

What causes vaginal dryness?

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing vaginal dryness, but the main cause is changes in the levels of estrogen and other hormones in the body.

• estrogen levels can change due to:

• childbirth

• menopause

• surgical removal of the ovaries

• certain medications