How can vaginal dryness be prevented?
To prevent vaginal dryness, it's first and foremost important to maintain good hygiene of the genital area, but this shouldn't be too frequent or carried out with aggressive products unsuited to the pH of this area. As we explained in our previous article on vaginal dryness, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Cleaning it internally would disrupt your vaginal flora and thus promote vaginal dryness, fungal infections, etc.
It's also advisable to wear cotton undergarments and pants that don't sit too close to the body, to avoid rubbing this area. It's also important to avoid wearing underwear at night.
Alcohol and tobacco should also be avoided, as should the use of certain medications.
Finally, it's important not to neglect non-penetrative sex during intercourse, as it promotes natural lubrication, and avoids overly rapid penetration.
What treatments are available for vaginal dryness?
First of all, it's worth noting that vaginal dryness is the leading cause of pain during intercourse. This can lead to a fear of penetration, which in turn results in a lack of lubrication and a drop in libido.
But as we saw in our previous article on vaginal dryness, there can be other repercussions too. So it's important to take them into account quickly to treat the problem.
First of all, to diagnose vaginal dryness, turn to a health specialist who will conduct an interview, to find out more, as well as a clinical and gynecological examination. You may also need to take a vaginal swab or have a blood test to determine the cause of the vaginal dryness.
Several treatments are then available, depending on the case and the cause:
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Use of lubricants during intercourse
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Vaginal moisturizing cream or gel, usually applied locally for one or two weeks
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Hormone replacement therapy: taking estrogen to compensate for the decline in estrogen levels (particularly during the menopause). To be used locally, directly in the vagina, orally or in patches.
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Hyaluronic acid ova to moisturize and heal the vaginal mucosa, promoting tissue reconstruction. To be used twice a week
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Internal cannulas to moisturize the inside of the vagina
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Laser treatment, which regenerates vaginal cells in just a few sessions. A tube is placed at the bottom of the vagina, projecting waves that have an effect on the vaginal wall, removing all dehydrated mucosa. It also stimulates the vaginal mucosa to produce more collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastic fibers. However, these sessions are costly (around 300€ per session, with 4 sessions required) and are not reimbursed by social security.
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Finally, in certain situations, the doctor may prescribe an injection of botulinum toxin.
There are also natural treatments:
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Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizer
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Evening primrose oil can also be used
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Coconut oil is antibacterial and highly moisturizing.
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Calendula soothes, softens and regenerates the skin
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Centella asiatica is repairing and healing, and is used in oil form to treat dry skin.
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Borage oil contains omega 6 and is highly moisturizing. It can be taken as an oral capsule or applied topically.
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Sage essential oil, rich in phytoestrogens, promotes lubrication.
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Hops also act as estrogens (to be avoided if you've had cancer, like sage).
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Eating oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, etc.) and oils (olive, flaxseed, walnut) helps moisturize the mucous membranes, as they contain fatty acids, particularly omega 3 and 6.
In all cases, don't hesitate to talk to your partner, your pharmacist or a specialist doctor. Our menstrual panties will help you avoid drying out your vagina even more during your period!
