Normally vagina is moist. Vaginal lubrication is caused by the fluid secreted by the glands in the vaginal wall. The lubrication increases during sexual arousal due to increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. It is also increased in pregnancy, during child birth, during menstruation due to hormonal changes.

Symptoms:

• Vaginal itching.
• Burning sensation in the vagina.
• Dryness.
• Pain during sex.
• Bleeding with sex.

Causes of vaginal dryness:

• Decreased estrogen level: Estrogen is the hormone which maintains the vaginal lubrication. The estrogen levels are decreased in these conditions leading to vaginal dryness

1. Menopause.
2. Perimenopause.
3. Breast feeding.
4. Child birth.
5. Surgical removal of uterus.
6. Immune disorders.
7. Cancer therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy
8. Smoking.

• Medications: Some anti depressants can decrease the vaginal moisture.
• Antiestrogen medications used to treat breast cancer.
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Vaginal douching.

Tests and diagnosis

• Medical history.
• Pelvic examaintion.
• Urine test.

Treatment

• Vaginal estrogen therapy. It can be given in several forma like vaginal creams, vaginal rings, vaginal tablets
• Vaginal lubricants like K-Y or Astrolide gel can be used. These are water based vaginal lubricants.
• Vaginal moisturizers like Replin or Lubrin can be used.

Prevention

Avoid using vaginal irritants like vinegar, hand lotions, soaps, bubble baths.