What causes vaginal dryness and when to consult a physician?

Vaginal dryness is a complaint that occurs with changes in the moisture and elasticity balance of the vaginal tissue. The person may describe this as pain during intercourse, stinging, tenderness, burning, itching or irritation in daily life. While it is periodic and mild in some people, it can significantly affect the quality of life in others.

Although this complaint is most frequently mentioned during menopause and approaching menopause, breastfeeding, some medications, stress, frequent vaginal infections, dermatological diseases and hormonal changes may also accompany the condition. Therefore, it is important to evaluate it without attributing it to a single reason.

What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?

The feeling of dryness may be accompanied by burning, stinging, itching, tenderness, pain during intercourse, irritation or slight spotting after intercourse. In some people, a burning sensation while urinating or a feeling of frequent urination may also be present. Examination is important because these symptoms may be similar to genital changes due to infection, dermatological problem or menopause.

What is its relationship with menopause?

The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can cause thinning of vaginal tissue, decreased elasticity and a feeling of dryness. This picture is sometimes discussed under the title of “genital complaints related to menopause” or genitourinary menopause syndrome. However, not every vaginal dryness is explained by menopause; Age, birth, breastfeeding, medication use and accompanying diseases should be evaluated together.

For complaints during menopause for genital complaints related to menopause and menopause treatment titles can also be examined.

When should a doctor be consulted?

If dryness lasts longer than a few weeks, causes pain during intercourse, causes burning or stinging in daily life, is accompanied by foul-smelling discharge, bleeding, intense itching or urinary complaints, it is necessary to consult a physician. Especially if there is bleeding, evaluation should be planned without waiting.

What is evaluated during the examination?

During the interview, the duration of the complaint, menopause status, medications used, birth and breastfeeding history, whether there is pain in sexual life, and accompanying symptoms such as discharge or itching are discussed. If necessary, an evaluation is made in terms of infection, dermatological diseases and hormonal changes.

What should be taken into consideration before using products at home?

Perfumed products, vaginal douche, occasional use of creams or antibiotics can increase irritation or hide the underlying cause. If the complaint is obvious, it would be better to get a medical evaluation first. The physician may discuss moisturizers, lubricants, local treatments or different options depending on the person’s condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vaginal dryness only occur in menopause?

No. Menopause is one of the common causes, but breastfeeding, medications, infections, stress and dermatological problems may also accompany the complaint of dryness.

If it causes pain during intercourse, is it normal?

Pain should not be considered normal and ignored. Evaluation for dryness, infection, skin disease, or other causes is required.

If there is bleeding, is it necessary to wait?

No. If there is bleeding along with vaginal dryness, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.

Resources

1. NHS – Vaginal dryness
2. The Menopause Society – Vaginal health after menopause

This article has been prepared for general information purposes. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment or personalized medical advice. If you have any complaints, consult your doctor.