Vaginal dryness and pain can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with, and they can often be linked to hormonal imbalances or menopause. Fortunately, there are natural ways to find relief from these symptoms.
From dietary changes to home remedies and herbal supplements, there are many options available to help ease the discomfort and restore balance. By understanding the causes and exploring natural treatments, you can find the relief you need without the use of harsh medications or treatments. In this article, we’ll discuss a few natural ways to find relief from vaginal dryness and pain.
Causes of vaginal dryness and pain
There are a number of factors that can contribute to vaginal dryness and pain. We’ll cover the most common causes of this condition below. Hormonal changes – As we age, hormonal imbalances are likely to become a factor at some point in our lives.
Vaginal dryness and pain can be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance, particularly during menopause:
Health conditions: Certain health conditions can also lead to vaginal dryness and pain, including diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Medications: Certain medications, particularly those used to treat high blood pressure and depression, can contribute to vaginal dryness and pain.
Dietary changes to reduce pain and dryness
Eating a healthy diet rich in fibre and probiotics can help to keep your vaginal microbiome healthy and prevent bacterial and yeast infections. A healthy diet can also help to reduce pain and vaginal dryness. Foods to include in your diet to ease dryness include:
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is rich in soluble fibre, which can help to naturally soothe and hydrate the skin, including the skin in and around your vagina. Bananas – Bananas are rich in fibre, which can help to soothe the discomfort caused by vaginal dryness.
Yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of probiotics and prebiotics, which can help to preserve the bacterial balance in your vagina and reduce dryness.
Home remedies to reduce pain and dryness
There are a number of home remedies that can help to soothe the discomfort and dryness caused by vaginal changes:
Hydration: The first step towards easing pain and dryness is hydration. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and prevent further discomfort. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these can further dehydrate the skin.
Paraffin wax: Paraffin wax treatments are a popular at-home remedy for moisturizing the skin and easing dryness.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E can be used as a topical cream to soothe the skin and prevent dryness.
Basil leaves: Basil leaves can be crushed and used as a topical treatment for vaginal dryness.
Herbal supplements to reduce pain and dryness
Certain herbal supplements can also be used to reduce pain and dryness caused by changes in the vaginal skin:
Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a flowering plant that can be used as a natural remedy for vaginal dryness.
Black cohosh: Black cohosh is a flowering plant that has been shown to provide pain relief, reduce dryness, and help the skin to regenerate and heal.
Natural lubricants to reduce pain and dryness
Using a natural lubricant can help to ease pain and dryness caused by changes in the vaginal skin. If you use a personal lubricant, however, it’s important to select one that is safe for use in and around your vagina.
Popular brands of personal lubricants include Lelo and Doctors Rehydrate. There are also many homemade remedies that can be used as a vaginal moisturizer. These include aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
Pelvic floor exercises to reduce pain and dryness
Pelvic floor exercises can be used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and restore balance to the vaginal microbiome. Exercises can help to reduce pain and dryness caused by hormonal changes and menopause.
Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine and make sure to schedule them around your menstrual cycle. It’s important to avoid exercising while menstruating to avoid irritation and pain.
It’s also important to choose the right exercises for you and your current level of fitness. Consult your doctor before starting a routine to ensure you don’t have any underlying conditions that may interfere with the exercises.
Tips for finding relief from vaginal dryness and pain
There are a few tips you can follow to find relief from vaginal dryness and pain. Try a lubricant – Using a lubricant can help to ease the dryness and discomfort caused by changes in the vaginal skin.
Avoid fragrances and dyes – Certain ingredients in beauty products, such as fragrances and dyes, can irritate the skin and disrupt the bacterial balance in the vagina. Use clean, non-irritating products
- Be sure to use clean, non-irritating products on your skin, such as soaps and cleansers, to avoid bacterial growth. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Acetaminophen has been shown to provide relief from pain caused by vaginal dryness and changes in the skin.
Recommended Read: Identifying the Signs of a Healthy Sex Life and How To Achieve It
Conclusion
Vaginal dryness and pain can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with, and they can often be linked to hormonal imbalances or menopause. Fortunately, there are natural ways to find relief from these symptoms.
From dietary changes to home remedies and herbal supplements, there are many options available to help ease the discomfort and restore balance. By understanding the causes and exploring natural treatments, you can find the relief you need without the use of harsh medications or treatments.
