Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women during and after menopause, although inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur at any age. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) — thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen.

A thin layer of moisture coats your vaginal walls. When you're sexually aroused, more blood flows to your pelvic organs, creating more lubricating vaginal fluid. But hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle, aging, menopause, childbirth and breast-feeding may affect the amount and consistency of this moisture.

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Vaginal dryness may be accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

• Itching or stinging around the vaginal opening and the lower part of the vagina
• Burning
• Soreness
• Pain or light bleeding with intercourse
• Urinary frequency or urgency
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

When to see a doctor

Vaginal dryness affects many women, although they frequently don't bring up the topic with their doctors. If vaginal dryness affects your lifestyle, in particular your sex life and relationship with your partner, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Living with uncomfortable vaginal dryness doesn't have to be part of getting older.

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Conditions that contribute to vaginal dryness include those below.

Decreased estrogen levels

Reduced estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness. Estrogen, a female hormone, helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. These factors create a natural defense against vaginal and urinary tract infections. But when your estrogen levels decrease, so does this natural defense, leading to a thinner, less elastic and more fragile vaginal lining and an increased risk of urinary tract infection.

Estrogen levels can fall for a number of reasons:

• Menopause or the transition time before menopause (perimenopause)
• Childbirth
• Breast-feeding
• Effects on your ovaries from cancer therapy, including radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy
• Surgical removal of your ovaries
• Immune disorders
• Cigarette smoking

Medications

Some allergy and cold medications contain decongestants that can decrease the moisture in many parts of your body, including your vagina. Anti-estrogen medications, such as those used to treat breast cancer, also can result in vaginal dryness.

Sjogren's syndrome

In an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome, your immune system attacks healthy tissue. In addition to causing dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjogren's syndrome can also cause vaginal dryness.

Douching

The process of cleansing your vagina with a liquid preparation (douching) disrupts the normal chemical balance in your vagina and can cause inflammation (vaginitis). This may cause your vagina to feel dry or irritated.

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Diagnosis of vaginal dryness may involve:

• Pelvic exam. Your doctor visually inspects your external genitalia, vagina and cervix and inserts gloved fingers into your vagina and rectum to feel (palpate) your pelvic organs for signs of disease.
• Pap test. Your doctor collects a sample of cervical cells for microscopic examination. He or she may also take a sample of vaginal secretions to check for signs of vaginal inflammation (vaginitis) or to confirm vaginal changes related to estrogen deficiency.
• Urine test. If you have associated urinary symptoms, you'll provide a urine sample to be analyzed for urinary conditions.

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Consider using a lubricant or moisturizer

Before, or in addition to, using vaginal estrogen therapy, talk with your doctor about over-the-counter products, such as those below, to help remedy vaginal dryness.

• Lubricants (Astroglide, others). Water-based lubricants can keep your vagina lubricated for several hours. Choose products that don't contain glycerin. You apply the lubricant to your vaginal opening or to your partner's penis before intercourse.
• Moisturizers (Lubrin, Replens, others). These products imitate normal vaginal moisture and relieve dryness for up to three days with a single application. Use these as ongoing protection from the irritation of vaginal dryness.

Before using complementary or alternative treatments, such as vitamin therapies or products containing estrogen, talk to your doctor about the product's safety and effectiveness.

Pay attention to sexual needs

Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you aren't sufficiently aroused. Make time to be intimate with your partner and allow your body to become adequately aroused and lubricated. It may help to talk with your partner about what feels good. Having intercourse regularly also may help promote better vaginal lubrication.

Avoid certain products

Avoid using these products to treat vaginal dryness because they may irritate your vagina:

• Vinegar, yogurt or other douches
• Hand lotions
• Antibacterial or fragrant soaps
• Bubble baths or bath oils

Also avoid using scented or perfumed products, including toilet paper and detergents.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com