Vaginal atrophy: when the vagina is too dry
Vaginal dryness - also known medically as vaginal atrophy - is often noticeable through burning and itching in and around your vagina. However, those affected suffer most from problems and pain during sexual intercourse. In studies conducted by the NAMS (North American Menopause Society), more than half of all women and their spouses stated that they were increasingly avoiding sex for fear of pain. Their ability to orgasm is then also impaired by the fear of pain. In addition, the dry vaginal mucosa tears more easily, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Normally, your vaginal mucosa produces its own lubricant in special glands. This consists of a variety of different substances, the composition of which varies over the course of your cycle and depending on your lifestyle and state of arousal. However, for many women this process no longer works satisfactorily. The following factors can be responsible for this:
- Menopause
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Hormone intake
- Certain medications (including antibiotics)
- Psychological causes (stress, anxiety)
The cause is often a lack of the hormone oestrogen produced by the ovaries or a disruption to the bacterial environment of your vagina. However, this can be damaged not only from the inside, but also by overly well-intentioned hygiene. Intimate hygiene products and perfumes can attack your vaginal flora and irritate the mucous membrane. In addition to using personal lubricants, it makes sense to investigate the causes of vaginal dryness and remedy them if possible.
Various personal lubricants for vaginal dryness
Ointments, creams and personal lubricants can help women who suffer from vaginal dryness to enjoy their sex life again. However, you should discuss the use of hormone-containing ointments with your doctor. Moisturizing creams and lubricants on different bases without hormones can be used without hesitation and offer an effective solution to avoid dryness and pain. Which one you choose - water-, oil- or silicone-based - also depends on whether it is intended for use with or without a condom or for the use of toys.
Under no circumstances should you use alternative personal lubricants such as Vaseline if you suffer from vaginal dryness - these will dry out your vagina! Women who do not suffer from a dry vagina often do not notice the negative effects of unsuitable personal lubricants. However, if your vagina is already dry and sensitive, you should make sure you use a suitable, well-tolerated personal lubricant!
Water-based personal lubricants are often very well tolerated. Unlike oil-based variants, these are usually also compatible with latex condoms. To be on the safe side, you should always check the packaging again! Silicone-based lubricants last longer without drying out. However, stains are more difficult to clean and can damage silicone toys. If you want to have fun with your partner a little longer without having to reach for the tube again, a silicone-based gel is the first choice.
A lubricant specially designed for vaginal dryness is KadeFungin moisturizing gel with hyaluronic acid. This is hormone-, perfume- and dye-free and can also be purchased from pharmacies. It is not only intended to make sexual intercourse more enjoyable, but also to soothe irritated mucous membranes and can therefore also be used daily to relieve itching and burning.
Other particularly skin-friendly, water-based personal lubricants are
- "Aqua" from Orion, which can also be used with silicone toys without any problems.
- Just Glide "Waterbased", whose skin compatibility has been rated as "very good".
- Ritex "Hydro Sensitive Gel" for particularly sensitive skin and Ritex "BIO Lubricant" and Joydivion's "BIOglide", which are based on organically grown, vegan raw materials. All these products are low in additives.
These personal lubricants focus on the most important thing: making love play really "smooth" again. This means that the risk of irritating the mucous membrane is particularly low.
Aloe vera and coconut oil are among the few lubricant substitutes that are considered safe. Aloe vera is not only non-irritating and natural, but also promotes regeneration, relieves itching and counteracts fungal infections. Aloe vera is used, for example, in the product Durex "Care", which was specially developed for use in cases of vaginal dryness and burning or itching.
Silicone-based personal lubricants were viewed critically by Stiftung Ökotest. This is because they can potentially disturb the pH value of the vagina. However, if you want the fun to last longer, Ritex Fertility Gel performed particularly well and is therefore also suitable as an alternative to water-based personal lubricants for anyone who does not want to have children.
What you should bear in mind
If you have persistent, excessive problems with vaginal dryness and increased pain or bleeding, or if there are no known causes such as the menopause, you should consult your doctor. Find out whether the underlying problem should be treated. There may also be an undetected infection behind it. In the worst case, your problems could otherwise become even worse. Once everything has been clarified, you can enjoy some quality time with your partner or alone with your little helper of choice despite vaginal dryness!
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