Natural cure
For centuries people have used natural remedies to cure all kinds of ailments. Today we have modern medicine to turn to, but many people still prefer to keep things as close to nature as possible. Unfortunately some companies have jumped on that bandwagon to try and sell snake oils as natural cures, while it has been proven to be extremely harmful to ingest these products. Even in its most natural form, some plants can be very harmful or downright toxic for people to ingest. When we look at something like female dryness, or vaginal dryness, it becomes even more pertinent to know what you are putting into your body, and to avoid certain things completely.
Breathable pads
Although breathable pads are designed to keep you dry and comfortable, Anion pads are slightly different in that regard. Yes, their pads are breathable, and they do keep you dry. But they keep you dry in the right places. Because of the anion strip built into each individual sanitary pad, these help with female dryness due to keeping the body’s natural balance through the technology of the anion strip. The negative ions makes sure that no harmful bacteria will grow, but it also helps the good and natural bacteria to thrive. This is what ultimately helps your body to fight off any harmful bacteria that might be present. But even with cutting edge technology, it can only do so much. Since female dryness can have many different causes, that also needs to be explored.
Causes
Female dryness may have many different causes, ranging from a decrease in hormone levels, to a side effect of certain medications. Female dryness is typically linked to menopause. What many people do not understand is that female dryness does not only affect a women’s sex life, but also her daily routine. It can cause pain when you are sitting, peeing, exercising, and even just walking. Female dryness occurs when the tissue in your vagina is thin and not properly moisturised. Vaginal atrophy normally happens during menopause. Female dryness does not affect a lot of women, and only about 17% of women between the ages of 18 to 50 complain about experiencing female dryness. Therefore it is not only reserved to women who experience menopause. The main cause of female dryness is due to a decrease in oestrogen levels. Other causes may be breastfeeding, birth control in its many forms (pills, injections, implants), chemotherapy, hormone therapy, diabetes, antidepressants, antihistamines, ablation and sterilisation, Sjogren’s syndrome, or using questionable practices in and around the vagina for ‘scent control’ or ‘rejuvenation’.
Natural cures
Although there are many over the counter medications and treatments available, some women still prefer to keep it natural. Non-binary people and transgender men also seek treatment, and will often feel too embarrassed to go to a doctor or a pharmacy to seek help. Female dryness, or vaginal dryness, can often be treated without the help of a doctor. It should be noted, however, that if the problem persists or gets worse, then the help of a physician should be sought.
To start off with, you should probably make some lifestyle changes that could be contributing to female dryness. If you are a smoker, now would be a good time to stub out that nasty habit. Not only to help with female dryness, but for many other health risks as well. Smoking decreases oestrogen levels, and it also increases the risk of developing vaginal atrophy.
The next thing is to stay away from perfumed products. This includes things like soaps, powders, and deodorants. Remember that you should also just wash your vulva, and never wash your vagina. That is why douching is so bad for you. Since the vagina is so highly absorbent, perfumed or edible lubricants can be a big cause for female dryness.
Next up is exercise. Yes, not everyone has time to go to the gym or run around the block a couple of times, but you do need to make time to work some physical activity into your day. It is not only a way to fight female dryness, but also good for your overall health. Lastly, keep yourself well hydrated. This will do your body as a whole a world of good.
There are some natural lubricants that you could use, such as jojoba, coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E gel. Probiotics are also very good to help alleviate the symptoms of female dryness.
One of the most natural ways to cure female dryness is through sexual stimulation. This does not need to take place with a partner. Sexual stimulation helps to maintain muscle tone and promotes blood flow to the vagina. If you do, however, have a partner, it is highly recommended to use a water-based lubricant. It is also recommended to lengthen the time of foreplay to ensure that your vagina builds up the necessary natural lubricant before intercourse. If female dryness still persists after all of the above actions and remedies have been tried out, then it is time to swallow your pride and go to the doctor.
What nature gave us
You may have heard that olive oil is a good natural lubricant. But this can be a bad idea for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it may cause breakouts, irritation, and even lead to infections. Secondly it can damage latex condoms, which will cause tearing or breakage. If you are using a condom to prevent pregnancy, this puts you at risk. If you are using it to prevent passing on a sexually transmitted disease, this can have life-changing consequences. Although studies have found evidence of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich effects of olive oil, it simply does not stand to take the chance. Plus imagine cleaning up afterwards.
The next natural lubricant for female dryness is coconut oil, which has shown to be a wonderful natural lubricant. Again, this is not advisable to use during intercourse where latex condoms are used. The effectiveness of coconut oil as a lubricant for female dryness is based on anecdotal evidence though, so there are still many who see the use of such as risky. There are also people who may have an unknown allergy to coconut oil, so it is wise to do a patch test before using it in the most vulnerable part of your body. If you experience itching, swelling, irritation, or discomfort, then you might have an allergy towards coconut oil, and it is thus not recommended for use as a natural lubricant.
Vitamin E gel seems to be the winner thus far, as the gel moisturises the vaginal canal just enough to keep discomfort at bay, and has no negative effect on condoms if you should become intimate with your partner. It is obviously also good for you, and it is especially good for women who cannot use hormone therapy, or do not want to use hormone therapy. It is probably the best out of all the natural cures that there is.
Next up we have something that is used in many different ways to mend the human body. Aloe vera has very strong moisturising and medicinal properties, and is known to support healthy skin renewal. This includes the vagina. Since aloe vera encourages collagen syntheses, it can effectively treat female dryness, and is easy to apply. Some women use a mixture of aloe vera gel and fresh milk, but this should be done with caution if you have a milk allergy or any dairy sensitivity.
You don’t always have to insert any type of gel or oil into the vagina to combat female dryness, and can sometimes start by eating fruits and vegetables that is rich in vitamin C. It is crucial in the formation of collagen,which is of course essential for strong and healthy skin. You can look to fruits such as clementines, kiwis, cherries, and Roma tomatoes. Vegetables with a lot of vitamin C is bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Flaxseeds, or perhaps better known as linseeds, are amazing sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which increases the production of the compound that regulates oestrogen levels. Linseeds can be added to food through incorporating the seeds as is or as an oil, or flaxseed powder can be mixed with hot water and enjoyed as a drink. But only once a day, since too much of a good thing can turn out to be bad for you.
Often found in cosmetic products such as anti-ageing creams, jojoba oil increases suppleness and improves elasticity. This is done by the oil forming a delicate lipid layer, binding moisture into the skin, but not sealing it. It also stands to mention that jojoba oil contains antioxidants, beta carotene, and vitamin E.
In conclusion
If you experience female dryness, it is always a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Even though you may feel that the conversation is going to be awkward, your doctor has heard it before, and there is nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you choose to go with a natural cure, discuss your options with your doctor, as they will be able to help you make the right choices. If you do go with an oil or a gel, you should strongly consider wearing a panty liner to avoid staining your underwear and clothes.