Vaginal dryness: solutions against intimate dryness

The vulva and vagina are naturally hydrated, which gives the mucous membranes an elastic and slightly moist texture, which is even more lubricated during sexual arousal. It often happens that dryness appears occasionally or continuously. How can you combat vulvar dryness, how can you relieve irritation after intercourse or even soothe itching? Does intimate dryness only occur during menopause?

A quick look at a subject that is far too taboo and yet concerns a huge number of women.

What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?

Many women come to us asking for solutions to vaginal dryness, often with a feeling of discomfort, the impression of no longer functioning normally, and with the desire to put an end to the pain caused by sexual intercourse. Rest assured, vaginal dryness affects 1 in 5 women before menopause and 1 in 2 after menopause.

Vaginal dryness is characterized by pain, irritation, and itching in the vagina . Pain can occur during sexual intercourse or when using tampons.

Know that you are not alone! So let's try to better understand what's happening in our bodies and find the most natural solutions possible to remedy it.

What is vaginal dryness?

Intimate dryness refers to the lack of lubrication that can occur in the vagina and vulva , causing irritation, itching, pain, or discomfort. Estrogen is the main hormone responsible for keeping the vagina and vulva hydrated .

What are the causes of this drought?

Vaginal dryness is observed when there is a decrease or cessation of production of this hormone by the ovaries .

Menopause causes a decrease in the production of estrogen, which plays a role in the production of vaginal lubrication . You can discover our natural treatments for vaginal dryness during menopause here. However, other factors such as certain medications, infections, gynecological problems, breastfeeding, pregnancy, or even hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also be the cause.

Other external factors can unbalance your intimate health:

• If you are taking hormonal treatment , particularly for cancer, depression, or skin treatments, this can lead to hormonal imbalance or severe overall dehydration leading to intimate dryness.

• Stress, surgery, or even irritation (unlubricated sexual intercourse / friction / tight jeans) can also weaken your sensitive vaginal mucous membranes and thus upset your balance.

• Also, overly aggressive intimate soaps or products not adapted to the fragile pH of your mucous membranes are often the cause of imbalances in the vagina and vulva! Note that vaginal dryness can increase your risk of gynecological infections, so it is important not to ignore it, while realizing that it is not necessarily dramatic.

What are the treatments for vaginal dryness?

To treat vaginal dryness , there are several solutions available:

• Vaginal and vulvar oils, lubricants, and moisturizing gels are commonly used and are generally available over the counter,
• The ovules , which are inserted into the vagina, can also help restore vaginal flora and reduce dryness,
• In some cases, the treatment is hormonal, particularly with hormone replacement therapy .

Our natural solutions against vaginal dryness >

👇 Here is the intimate routine against vaginal dryness that Gapianne offers you

1. Clean your intimate area to combat intimate dryness

We start by using a gentle cleansing gel that respects your intimate balance (be careful what you find, even in pharmacies some can often have a drying effect).

Choose Jho's organic intimate gel , which has a fluid, light, and soft odorless texture. This cleansing gel doesn't sting thanks to its pH adapted to mucous membranes, and its small pump will dispense the amount needed for your intimate shower into your hand.

I want the intimate gel

If you prefer a solid, more eco-friendly option, you'll love the Baûbo intimate cleansing bar ! It's a soap-free bar that soothes vulvar discomfort and is suitable for sensitive skin. The dermatological bar doesn't contain soda, the primary ingredient in traditional soap. That's why the Baubo cleansing bar will maintain your skin's balance without even needing to lather.

Discover the intimate cleansing bar

2. Moisturize her vulva to prevent vaginal dryness

Then apply a moisturizing intimate treatment which will rehydrate your vulva.

To do this, use Miyé's intimate gel , which will moisturize, protect and restore your vulva while adding a touch of freshness to your crotch. It does not run after application, and provides relief from the first application (as our customers say!), soothing minor discomfort related to irritation, the onset of mycosis, and even cystitis!

Discover Miyé intimate gel

If you experience irritation after sex, use Baûbo's vulva balm. This 100% natural, nourishing balm is perfect for easily moisturizing, softening, and soothing your vulva. Our customers are getting positive reviews: it helps a lot of people on a daily basis 😍

I want the essential Baûbo Balm >

3. Use a lubricating gel

Lubricant is life! Choose a natural lubricant, it will bring you more sensations and pleasure while avoiding irritations linked to friction .

We recommend Mylubie's water-based lubricant (compatible with sex toys 😉): it doesn't dry too quickly and doesn't leave an unpleasant sticky effect!

+ details on My lubie lubricant

If you're not using a condom, we recommend using a lubricating oil instead, as it provides a protective layer and lasts longer. My Lubie's CBD lubricating oil provides relief during intercourse and facilitates penetration in cases of vaginal dryness.

Mylubie lubricating intimate oil

💦 To better understand how to choose the lubricant or intimate oil that's right for you, don't hesitate to read our dedicated article .

4. Rebalance your vagina

Now we come to rebalance the intimate flora thanks to food supplements which strengthen your intimate balance.

Our vaginal flora is closely linked to our intestinal flora: the hormonal imbalances that you may encounter will disrupt your flora by modifying its pH. Then opt for the Miyé probiotic treatment which rebalances the vaginal and intestinal flora . It is recommended to take the treatment for 3 months, therefore to buy 3 bottles. To reduce the cost, use your -10% welcome discount offered via our newsletter 😉

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5. Hormonal rebalancing (in case of menopause or imbalance)

The hormonal fluctuations we experience during our cycles and throughout our lives as women can cause intimate dryness.

You can act on your hormonal imbalance by adopting a natural Endo Balance treatment in case of endometriosis, Ovastart in case of PCOS or Equilibre Féminin if neither of these two pathologies is diagnosed, or in case of Menopause.

Evening primrose oil against intimate dryness

According to the advice of Paola from Vulvae, (and validated with a midwife), you can also use evening primrose oil capsules , intravaginally.

Usually, these are capsules to be ingested, but you can use them intravaginally, like an ovule . Take one capsule every night before going to bed, for a period of 30 days. This method relieves discomfort and improves dryness problems! You can even track the capsules' effect using the Vulvae app .

If problems persist, it's recommended to review your daily routine or try natural products locally. First, you can educate yourself by consulting their guide on vulvar pathologies, then make an appointment with a gynecologist, midwife, or dermatologist to consider more advanced medical solutions.

A quick look at desire and lack of vaginal lubrication

Here we distinguish between lack of lubrication at any time of the day and lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse .

In the latter case, you need to try to understand where it might come from and promote communication within the couple . Hormones or treatments can, as we have seen, prevent satisfactory lubrication even though you or your partner feels desire and excitement, but that doesn't explain everything. In some cases, stress, personal concerns, disagreements, daily life, and lack of libido can have a strong impact on lubrication.

Likewise, if your partner is doing it wrong and you don't dare tell him or her or guide him. The first question to ask yourself is: do you really want to do this? If so, then make sure you look after your personal well-being, the health of your relationship, and communicate to better understand the causes of what may be holding your body back, without feeling guilty, because it can happen to anyone, at any age!

Discover all our sex oils >

Our solutions to avoid pain during intercourse

Refuse pain during intercourse

Being in pain isn't normal. While it's not dramatic, it can sometimes be truly painful and should be taken very seriously. Don't force yourself - talk to your partner about it.

Use lubricant . This gives you more sensation and pleasure while avoiding irritation caused by friction. If you don't use a condom, we recommend using a lubricating oil like the one from My lubie detailed above , as it provides a protective layer and lasts longer.

Relieve after intercourse

If you are wondering how to relieve irritation after intercourse, we recommend the natural brand that we have selected Baûbo , and its vulva balm rated excellent on Yuka, designed to preserve the balance of your body, a small soothing balm made for your vulva.

You will find multiple products suitable for vaginal dryness in our dedicated collection .

Consult a doctor

To find a caring doctor who specializes in women's health, you can consult our directory of doctors and practitioners recommended by the community. You can consult a sexologist (we recommend our partners mia.co ) or on the Hello Hédoné platform with our partner sexologist Gabrielle Adrian (sometimes one session can be enough to take a huge step forward and reconnect with your partner in a caring way).