Vaginal Dryness: Everyday Causes and Gentle Support

Vaginal dryness has a reputation as a “menopause thing.” It does become more common after menopause, but it shows up at every age: in your twenties on certain birth control, after a baby, during a stressful season, or just because you didn't get enough time to warm up. It's common, it's not a personal failing, and there's usually something that can help.

What dryness feels like

It isn't always obvious. You might notice:

• Discomfort, friction or a “dragging” feeling during sex.
• Itching, burning or soreness, even when you're not having sex.
• Light bleeding or spotting after sex.
• Needing to pee more often, or more UTIs than usual.
• Tampons or exams feeling uncomfortable.

Everyday causes

Not enough arousal time

Natural lubrication increases as you get aroused. If things move to penetration before your body has caught up, you'll feel dry even if nothing else is going on. This one is incredibly common, and it's the easiest to fix: slow down.

Breastfeeding and postpartum

After birth, and especially while breastfeeding, estrogen levels drop. Lower estrogen means thinner, drier vaginal tissue. It usually improves once breastfeeding slows or stops, but in the meantime, extra lubrication and patience go a long way. See Intimacy After Baby for more.

Perimenopause and menopause

In the years around menopause, falling estrogen affects the vagina, vulva and urinary tract. Doctors call this genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. Unlike some menopause symptoms, it tends not to go away by itself. The good news is that it's very treatable. We cover it in Menopause and Intimacy.

Birth control

Some hormonal contraceptives, especially certain pills, can affect natural lubrication and desire for some people. Not everyone notices it. If you started a new method and things changed, it's worth mentioning to your provider. We've got a longer piece on birth control and libido.

Medications

Antihistamines and decongestants dry out mucous membranes throughout the body, not just your nose. Some antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and acne medicines can have similar effects. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, pelvic radiation and anti-estrogen therapies, often cause significant dryness too.

Soaps, washes and douching

The vagina cleans itself. Scented washes, bubble baths, douches and wipes can disrupt its natural balance and dry out or irritate the skin of the vulva. Warm water on the outside is usually all you need.

Stress and exhaustion

When you're stressed, tired or distracted, arousal is harder to reach and your body produces less lubrication. That's biology, not a lack of attraction.

Other health conditions

Diabetes, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid problems and removal of the ovaries can all cause dryness. Smoking can also affect blood flow and estrogen.

Gentle ways to support your body

Use a good lubricant

Lubricant is for in-the-moment comfort during sex or touch. Pick something fragrance-free and gentle:

• Water-based lubes are easy to clean up and safe with latex condoms and toys. Our Hydro Glide Relief is pH-balanced, made with aloe and free of glycerin and coconut.
• Oil-based options last longer and feel silky, which many people with dryness love. Our Intimate Oil is just organic coconut oil and CBD, and Soothe is our hydrating, comfort-first oil. Remember that oils aren't safe with latex condoms.

Consider a vaginal moisturiser

A moisturiser is different from a lube. It's used regularly, a few times a week, to keep tissue hydrated day to day, regardless of whether you're having sex. Many people with ongoing dryness use both: a moisturiser for routine comfort and a lubricant for intimacy.

Skip the irritants

Switch to unscented soap (or just water on the vulva), cotton underwear, and fragrance-free laundry products. Avoid douching.

Give arousal time

More foreplay, more touch, less rush. It's free and it works.

Stay active and hydrated

Drinking enough water won't fix vaginal dryness on its own, but it helps your body overall. Regular sexual activity or arousal, alone or with a partner, also encourages blood flow to the area.

Patch test anything new

Intimate skin is sensitive. Try a small amount of a new product on your inner arm first.

When to check in with your provider

See a healthcare provider if:

• Dryness is ongoing or getting worse.
• You have itching, burning, unusual discharge or odour.
• You notice bleeding after sex or between periods, or any bleeding after menopause.
• Sex is painful even with lubricant.
• You've just started a new medicine and noticed changes.

There are medical options worth knowing about, including low-dose vaginal estrogen and other prescription treatments for menopausal dryness. They're safe for many people, and a provider can help you weigh them against your own health history.

You don't have to put up with it

Dryness is common, but discomfort shouldn't become your normal. For more ideas, read our longer guide to vaginal dryness remedies for every life stage, or take our homepage quiz to find the formula that suits you.

This article is general information and isn't medical advice. Please speak to a qualified healthcare provider about ongoing symptoms.