Some women with acute vaginal dryness say it feels like sandpaper is lining the most intimate area of ​​their body… Others say it gets so acute that cracks form in their vaginal walls. Here are some natural topical remedies to treat excessive vaginal dryness.

Forgive me for these painful and destabilizing images!

Unfortunately, more than half of women suffer from vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness at some point in their lives, especially after menopause – and this condition can be a serious barrier to intercourse. In addition to pain or bleeding during intercourse, symptoms that can occur at any time include vaginal irritation, vaginal tenderness and itching, as well as painful urination and/or urinary incontinence.

The most common causes of vaginal dryness

Women, young and old, are all affected by Vaginal dryness. The reasons can be physical, medical, but also psychological. Possible causes are:

• Menopause
• Stress and mental tension
• Hormonal contraceptives (especially the micropill)
• Diseases like diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis
• Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and anti-hormonal treatment for certain types of cancer
• Heavy consumption of alcohol and cigarettes
• Hormonal imbalance

Oral hormone replacement therapy improves vaginal lubrication…but it is expensive by increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer.

Also, if you (or the woman you love) have problems with vaginal atrophy and vaginal drynessyou are certainly looking for remedies to deal with the problem without taking such risks.

After much research and reading, I came across the book by Laurie Steelsmith, ND, LAc, co-author of Great Sex, Naturally. She discusses in her book several safe and effective natural therapies that alleviate the problem. And you don’t even have to swallow pills, since the remedies she recommends are applied topically.

Read also : The best natural remedies for urinary tract infections

Vaginal atrophy and dryness…

Vaginal atrophy and dryness are defined as “the decrease in size, reduction in elasticity, thinning or increased fragility of vaginal tissues, accompanied by a reduction in the natural lubrication of the vagina”.

As the protective barrier of the vaginal mucous membranes breaks down, the risk of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) is increased…cracks or sores in the vaginal walls may occur…and there is a increased risk of vaginal yeast and bacterial infections. Obviously, this can make sex unbearable for a woman (and surely uncomfortable for her partner).

If your only symptom is a mild vaginal dryness that makes intercourse a little uncomfortable, you will probably only need to use a personal lubricant just before sex. You will find in organic stores and specialized pharmacies 100% natural lubricants with Aloe Vera.

However, for more severe symptoms of acute vaginal diseaseit’s probably best to try regular applications of a topical product that will make the vagina more comfortable, healthy, lubricated, flexible.

Acute vaginal dryness, natural topical treatments

If you suspect that you have bladder diseaseYour first step is to see your gynecologist, primary care physician, or naturopath to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options that would be safe and effective for you.

The natural remedies for vaginal atrophy and dryness that Dr. Steelsmith most often recommends to her own patients come in the form of vaginal suppositories. They help to restore the integrity of the protective barrier of the mucous membranes of the vagina.

Don’t let the thought of suppositories faze you – they’re small and slippery and they’re easy to insert. All you have to do is gently place the suppository in your vagina at bedtime and leave it on overnight. (You may need to wear panties.)

With your doctor’s approval, you can try any of the following natural treatments, suggests Dr. Steelsmith. If you don’t get relief within a month, try the other for a month…or try both for a month. Typically, improvement is seen within a few weeks. If suppositories help, your doctor may recommend that you continue using them for as long as you want.

Typical dosage : One suppository placed in the vagina at bedtime each night, then every two or three evenings after two weeks.

Vitamin E suppositories

These effects work by stimulating the lining of the vagina and vulva, increasing protective hydration and decreasing the risk of infection. Vitamin E suppositories are safe. They are sold over the counter in many health food stores and online here for example.

Black cohosh and wild yam suppositories

This type of combination product does not contain hormones. However, black cohosh has active components that may have mild estrogen-like effects on your tissues.…while wild yam may have progesterone-like effects and estrogen-like effects. These two ingredients help improve vaginal lubrication and promote healthy vaginal tissues. These suppositories are available from licensed naturopathic physicians.

Although you can find them sold online without a prescription, they are best used under medical supervision because they may not be suitable for people with medical history such as breast or uterine cancer, blood clots, liver disease, seizure disorder, stroke or protein S deficiency.

When to consult?

Each vagina forms a fluid. This is completely normal and also important. It creates the conditions in the vagina for the multiplication of important bacteria. Among these are the lactobacilli. Lactobacilli contribute to a healthy vaginal flora in which pathogenic germs cannot spread. However, if the skin of the vagina is too dry, painful tearing occurs more often. Thus, pathogenic germs can also cause infections more easily.

If pain, burning sensations (vulvodynia), itching and a very dry vagina persist, it is important to consult a doctor. He will treat the symptoms and also examine if there is a vaginal infection. Some symptoms such as flow change or a burning sensation when urinating may provide further clues. If you’re not sure, a self-test can also help you find out if you have a vaginal infection and, if so, what it is. However, it does not replace a visit to the doctor.

If your acute Vaginal Dryness continues despite the above natural treatments, ask your doctor about the prescription topical hormone therapies only, suggests Dr. Steelsmith. Another option will be vaginal suppositories containing DHEAa hormone that relieves vaginal dryness while boosting libido and energy and reducing stress.

Another possibility is a natural vaginal estrogen cream or suppositories containing estriola type of estrogen that is much weaker – and less likely to cause side effects than estradiol and other estrogens commonly used in hormone replacement therapy.

Although women with a history of breast cancer or any other estrogen-related cancer probably shouldn’t use DHEA or estrogen, for many other women these hormone therapies offer safe and effective ways to overcome their excessive vaginal dryness.

Simple answers to frequently asked questions about vaginal dryness: