With increasing age in women, she starts facing many problems, primarily related to the hormones. This is the onset of menopause. Amongst the numerous problems faced during menopause, vaginal dryness or vaginal atrophy is one of the few.

During this time, due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body, the balance between estrogen and the progesterone changes phenomenally. The estrogen level in the body drops suddenly.

One of the many functions of the estrogen in the body is to help the mucous membranes located in the uterus in maintaining the wetness in the vagina. The vagina remains oiled and damp as a result of the mucus membrane. Due to drop in the estrogen level, the production of mucous reduces, and the vagina loses its moisture. The walls of the vagina also get thinner. This causes vaginal dryness.

Though, in most cases vaginal dryness is due to menopause, it can occur at any age. The following are the reasons that could cause vaginal dryness :

• When the ovaries get surgically removed.
• Smoking
• Infection of the urinary tract
• Vaginal dryness occurs in lactating mothers. Due to breast feeding, the water is drained from the body; this causes dehydration of skin and the vaginal dryness. However, this problem is not faced by all lactating mothers.
• In diabetic patients, the body gets dehydrated due to frequent urination. This causes vaginal dryness.
• Too much of sexual activity or rape.
• If clothes are not cleaned properly and regularly, skin infection can occur which can lead to vaginal dryness.
• Having affected by sexually transmitted disease can result in vaginal dryness.
• If you are allergic to certain chemicals used in your cosmetics like deodorants, perfumes or even detergents.
• Radiation or chemotherapy.
• Use of anti depressant drugs.
• Excessive intake of antibiotics.
• Tampons dry away the vaginal moisture and can lead to vaginal dryness.
• If the woman is not aroused for sex, then the vagina will not lubricate.

Itching and burning sensation is felt in the vagina. Intercourse becomes painful as the vagina is dry. Most women abstain from sex during menopause, due to vaginal dryness.

The mouth of the vagina gets smaller, and the vaginal walls are dry. This causes friction at the time of intercourse and makes it a painful experience.

Some home remedies for Vaginal Dryness are:

• Drink ample water and fluid during the day. Drink 4 glasses of water in the morning, empty stomach. This will cleanse your body from bacteria and avoid infection. The body will be hydrated and you will get relief from vaginal dryness.
• Quit smoking immediately.
• Clean the vagina with mild soap and warm water every day. This will clean the bacteria and protect you from infection.
• Always use mild perfumes and deodorants. Do not use harsh detergents, bubble bath, soaps which dry your skin.
• If the vaginal dryness persists, in spite of trying the home remedies, consult your doctor. You may be advised to use anti bacterial cream or oral antibiotics depending upon your condition.