Living With Menopausal Vaginal Dryness

As women enter menopause they begin to experience many well known symptoms, one of the most common is vaginal dryness which is about the most distressing.

This is a result of the thinning of the vaginal mucosa leading to loss of elasticity. This is due to decrease in estrogen which helps to maintain lubrication of the vaginal wall during childbearing years.The most common symptoms of vaginal dryness are:soreness, itching, burning, pain or light bleeding during sexual activity. Approximately sixty percent of women experience vaginal dryness during menopause.

Vaginal dryness is very often not discussed as women express a sense of embarrassment as it often decreases sexual desires which ultimately interferes with relationships. For this reason many women suffer painful sexual activity rather seeking professional help.

Treating Vaginal Dryness.

It is important that women realize that menopause does not mean that the desire for intimacy is at an end but that with help their lives are just beginning or so to speak. Many women refuse the use of estrogen or progesterone due to their association with cancer. For these women there are natural ways of relief. The following are highly encouraged;

Drink lots of water daily unless contraindicated. This helps to moisten the vaginal mucosa.

Insert a lubricant like K-Y jelly into the vagina prior to sexual activity. This also moistens the vaginal wall thus preventing pain and bleeding during sexual activity.

Kegel Exercises is also encouraged. This firms up the vaginal canal and enhances orgasm.

Include soy products in your diet which are natural sources of estrogen.

Those women who are not afraid of using estrogen will find relief in many forms of estrogen therapy.

Vaginal estrogen cream is inserted into the vagina. This raises the levels of estrogen in the blood by its easy absorption.

Vaginal estrogen ring is placed in the vagina. this releases a consistent dose of estrogen.

Vaginal tablets inserted in the vagina are absorbed in a similar manner like that of the estrogen cream.

Always remember to consult with your physician prior to the use of any medications or dietary supplements.