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MENOPAUSE AND VAGINAL DRYNESS

Menopause can bring about a number of changes in a woman's body, vaginal dryness being one of them. This might seem like a minor irritation when compared to the other problems associated with menopause. But a lack of moisture in the vagina can badly affect your sexual life.

Issues related to vaginal dryness
Menopause can often lead to problems like lack of lubrication and thinner, less elastic vaginal walls. The result is vaginal dryness and dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse. Discomfort, irritation, bleeding and tearing of the vaginal tissues during intercourse are also caused by lack of lubrication.

Estrogen and vaginal health
The hormone estrogen, which protects and nurtures the vagina by maintaining its elasticity and lubrication, is produced in a woman's ovaries. This production decreases as a woman ages thereby leading to a thinner, less flexible and drier vagina which in turn results in painful sexual intercourse.

What to do?
If you suffer from vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse, the first thing you should do is to keep aside your inhibitions. Talk to your partner so that he can understand you better and co-operate with you. Consult your healthcare provider to get medical help to treat vaginal dryness. Remember that you are not alone. Manage menopause and the related problems with confidence by getting timely help.