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What Causes Vaginal Dryness During Menopause?
Question: I just turned 50 in April. My menstrual cycle ended in May. I don't think I have any other signs of menopause but, suddenly I am experiencing discomfort during sex and have an odorless discharge afterwards. I have only one sexual partner and we are both very conservative sexually. Is this my body just going through changes or is there something I can buy over the counter to somehow resolve this issue?
I am in good health, I eat right and exercise and have never been sexually loose.
I am in good health, I eat right and exercise and have never been sexually loose.
Brief Answer:
You may have a vaginal infection or perimenopausal changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
It is true than many women experience vaginal dryness as their estrogen levels fall during the perimanopausal period as well as when menopause has completed, which can cause vaginal discomfort during sex.
However, the fact that you are also expericing vaginal discharge and that your symptoms were of a relatively sudden onset, it is also possible that you have developed a vaginal infection causing your symptoms.
The two most common types of vaginal infections that occur in women are yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Both can develop spontaneously and are not related to sexual activity. Yeast infections classicly cause itching, and bacterial infections can be associated with odor, but in many cases simple irritation can be the only symptom.
If your discomfort is simply caused by dryness, there are over-the-counter products that you can use to moisturize the vagina. Replens gel is one brand of vaginal moisturizer that is available over the counter, and there are numerous lubricants that can be purchased that you can apply to yourself and your partner before penetration to increase your sexual lubrication. K-Y liquid is a good lubricant that does not cause irritation in most wine and is widely available.
I do suggest however, that if simple lubricants and moisturizers do not relieve your symptoms, that you visit a gynecologist for evaluation to make sure you do not have a vaginal infection, as the sudden onset of your symptoms are not as typical as menopausal vaginal skin changes usually have a gradual onset.
I hope my advice was helpful and that I was able to adequately answer your question today. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
You may have a vaginal infection or perimenopausal changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
It is true than many women experience vaginal dryness as their estrogen levels fall during the perimanopausal period as well as when menopause has completed, which can cause vaginal discomfort during sex.
However, the fact that you are also expericing vaginal discharge and that your symptoms were of a relatively sudden onset, it is also possible that you have developed a vaginal infection causing your symptoms.
The two most common types of vaginal infections that occur in women are yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Both can develop spontaneously and are not related to sexual activity. Yeast infections classicly cause itching, and bacterial infections can be associated with odor, but in many cases simple irritation can be the only symptom.
If your discomfort is simply caused by dryness, there are over-the-counter products that you can use to moisturize the vagina. Replens gel is one brand of vaginal moisturizer that is available over the counter, and there are numerous lubricants that can be purchased that you can apply to yourself and your partner before penetration to increase your sexual lubrication. K-Y liquid is a good lubricant that does not cause irritation in most wine and is widely available.
I do suggest however, that if simple lubricants and moisturizers do not relieve your symptoms, that you visit a gynecologist for evaluation to make sure you do not have a vaginal infection, as the sudden onset of your symptoms are not as typical as menopausal vaginal skin changes usually have a gradual onset.
I hope my advice was helpful and that I was able to adequately answer your question today. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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