Vaginal Dryness

What is Vaginal Dryness

A thin layer of moisture coats the walls of the vagina. This moisture provides an alkaline environment that sperm can survive in and travel in for sexual reproduction. These vaginal secretions also lubricate the vaginal wall, reducing friction during sexual intercourse.

As a woman ages, changes in hormone production can cause the vaginal walls to thin. Thinner walls mean fewer cells that secrete moisture. This can lead to vaginal dryness. Hormonal changes are the most common cause of vaginal dryness, but they aren’t the only cause.

 

Before & After Photos

Frequently asked questions

At LSG our registered nurses and medical aestheticians work with many women who are experiencing vaginal dryness and other related symptoms that affect sexual health, offering non surgical treatments. Pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, difficulty holding urine (urinary incontenance) are all symptoms that the vast majority of women suffer with. Thankfully, there is a revolutionary non surgical treatment called Viveve that takes less than 30 minutes to perform, has no downtime and is extremely effective.

After pregnancy, many women find that their vaginal canal and surrounding tissue stretches and doesn’t return to the same state as before childbirth. The stretching that occurs can damage the vaginal walls, perineum, and surrounding tissue which causes a decrease in vaginal health and function. This decrease in function often leads to symptoms comparable to those experienced during perimenopause.

A similar loss in vaginal function is experienced during perimenopause, menopause or other life events such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, breast cancer medications or even breast feeding. The reduced production of the hormone estrogen leads to the drying and inflammation of the vaginal canal and thinning of the tissues. This often causes discomfort or pain during intercourse, itching and dryness, and urinary incontinence. Fortunately, with vaginal rejuvenation treatments these ailments are treatable.

Perimenopause refers to the time before menopause when your body naturally starts to transition to menopause. This usually happens during your 40-50’s although its symptoms can start later. During this phase, many women start to experience menstrual irregularities, and may also start experiencing menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. The sign that peri-menopause is over, and you have reached menopause is having gone through 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and entails a variety of new symptoms in vaginal and sexual health due to the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a vital role in the control and development of female characteristics such as breast shape, body shape and hair growth. The loss in the hormone causes significant body changes for most women, thankfully most are treatable. The most common changes include:

  • Vaginal Atrophy– The lining of the vagina starts to thin and becomes less elastic. The thinning of the vaginal canal causes inflammation which could lead to urinary incontinence, dryness and itching.
  • Vaginal Dryness– Due to the decrease in estrogen levels and thinning tissue the vaginal canal is unable to produce lubrication. This causes itching, discomfort, and sometimes vaginal infections.
  • Pain During Intercourse– Also known as dyspareunia this effects many women and is triggered by the loss of estrogen and the bodies inability to produce lubrication.
  • Urinary Incontinence– The thinning of the lining of the urethra, and weakening of the surrounding pelvic muscles are the cause of urinary incontinence. The two main risk factors for developing urinary incontinence are vaginal childbirth and increased age.

 

When it comes to treating common menopausal symptoms or other symptoms and affect sexual health, there are a myriad of options available. At LSG, we specialize in Viveve –  a non surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that has extremely high satisfaction rates. Unlike other procedures, the treatment takes less than 30 minutes to perform, and has no downtime. The superior results, too, speak for themselves. Want to find out more? Contact LSG to have all of your questions answered.

Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort in the vaginal and pelvic regions. Vaginal dryness can also cause:

  • burning
  • loss of interest in sex
  • pain with sexual intercourse
  • light bleeding following intercourse
  • soreness
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • that don’t go away or that reoccur
  • vaginal itching or stinging

Vaginal dryness can be a source of embarrassment. This may prevent women from discussing symptoms with their physician or partner; however, the condition is a common occurrence that affects many women.

Falling estrogen levels are the chief cause of vaginal dryness. Women begin to produce less estrogen as they age. This leads to the end of menstruation during a time called perimenopause.

However, menopause isn’t the only condition that causes a decrease in estrogen production. Other causes include:

  • cigarette smoking
  • breastfeeding
  • depression
  • excessive stress
  • immune system disorders, such as Sjogren Syndrome
  • childbirth
  • rigorous exercise
  • some cancer treatments, such as radiation to the pelvis, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy
  • surgical removal of the ovaries

Some medications can also reduce secretions in the body. Douching may also cause dryness and irritation, as well as some creams and lotions that are applied to the vaginal area.

 

Methods we use to treat

The vaginal rejuvenation treatment is a non-surgical procedure which is a much safer alternative to surgical procedures like vaginoplasty and labiaplasty. It also offers more long-lasting benefits than Kegel exercises. It is perfect for women who are still in their childbearing years or who are experiencing menopause and who will benefit from a gentle treatment. The vaginal and labial rejuvenation procedure is also a good choice if you experience intimacy issues due to a lack of self-confidence. With just one session, you can achieve the desired results, allowing you to experience the joys of womanhood.

Products & Treatments we offer

Related Videos