What is the problem? 

Similar to the breastfeeding phase, vaginal dryness is also common for women during the menopause. Many women only feel the dryness during sexual intercourse, while others experience it on a daily basis. The dryness is accompanied by other sensations such as tingling, itching or irritation. The symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary in severity and can range from mild discomfort to a significant disorder.

Vaginal dryness can make you more susceptible to yeast infections as the tissue loses its natural defenses. You may also be more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis, where the normal bacteria that normally live healthily in the vagina become unbalanced.

What are the reasons for this?

The reduction in oestrogen levels often causes the tissue of the vulva and vagina to become thinner, drier and less elastic, which is known as atrophy. During this time, vaginal secretion also decreases, which leads to reduced lubrication. Estrogen drops change the pH of the vagina, making the formerly acidic environment more alkaline, which can lead to increased irritation and the likelihood of vaginal infection.

What solutions are available?

Fortunately, there are several solutions. To improve comfort during intercourse, a conventional lubricant based on water and glycerine is already very effective. However, its effect is short-lived as it evaporates quickly.

Some polyacrylamide-based lubricants form a moisturizing film and last longer. There are also lubricants based on hyaluronic acid, which has a moisturizing and soothing effect. The healing properties of hyaluronic acid relieve the burning, tingling and irritation of the vulva associated with occasional vaginal dryness. This type of lubricant lasts longer than water-based lubricants and is applied one to two hours before intercourse.

If vaginal dryness is permanent and affects more than just sexual intercourse, there are also personal lubricants with a longer duration of action. They are usually hyaluronic acid-based and help to maintain the resilience and elasticity of the mucous membrane. Vaginal oestrogen therapy is also an option in the treatment of vaginal dryness and can be an alternative with a lower risk of side effects than hormone treatment due to the minimized absorption of the drug into the bloodstream. 

Ask your gynecologist for good advice. Don't hesitate to change products until you have found the right one for you. 

Note: Vaginal laser therapy is a technique that can alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Laser energy is used to treat the vaginal tissue and increase collagen production. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on this.