Understanding Vaginal Dryness: How to Increase Lubrication

Vaginal dryness is a common issue that many women face, and it can cause discomfort, pain during intercourse, and affect overall quality of life. By understanding the reasons behind vaginal dryness and exploring ways to increase lubrication, women and vagina owners can find relief and improve their intimate health.

Causes of Vaginal Dryness

1. Hormonal Changes:

• Menopause: As women approach menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to thinner vaginal tissues and less natural lubrication. This is a natural part of aging, but it can be managed.
• Postpartum and Breastfeeding: After childbirth and while breastfeeding, hormonal fluctuations can cause reduced estrogen levels, resulting in dryness. It's a temporary phase but can be uncomfortable.
• Menstrual Cycle: Hormone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, and some women may notice dryness at certain times, particularly just before or after menstruation.
  
  

2. Medications:

• Antihistamines: While great for tackling allergies, antihistamines can dry out mucous membranes, including the vagina.
• Antidepressants: Some medications for depression can affect sexual desire and lubrication.
• Hormonal Treatments: Certain hormonal medications, such as those used in cancer treatments, can lead to vaginal dryness.
  
  

3. Lifestyle Factors:

• Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can impact hormone levels and reduce sexual desire, leading to dryness.
• Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow and reduce estrogen levels, contributing to dryness.
• Insufficient Foreplay: Inadequate arousal and foreplay can lead to insufficient natural lubrication.
  
  

4. Medical Conditions:

• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome can cause dryness in various parts of the body, including the vagina.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and reduced blood flow, affecting vaginal lubrication.
  
  

5. Use of Certain Products:

• Harsh Soaps and Douches: These can disrupt the natural pH balance and irritate the vaginal tissue.
• Scented Products: Scented tampons, pads, and toilet papers can cause irritation and dryness.

Solutions for Increasing Lubrication

1. Lubricants:

• Water-Based Lubricants: These are safe, effective, and easy to clean. They are ideal for most people and compatible with condoms and sex toys. We recommend Yinn or YES. 
• Silicone-Based Lubricants: These last longer than water-based lubricants and are good for water activities, but they can be harder to clean and may damage silicone sex toys.
• Oil-Based Lubricants: These provide long-lasting lubrication but can weaken latex condoms and may cause infections if not cleaned properly.  We recommend Yinn or YES. 
• Organic Lubricants: Made from natural ingredients, organic lubricants can be gentler on sensitive skin and free from synthetic chemicals and preservatives, making them a popular choice for those looking to avoid potential irritants. 
  
  

2. Hormonal Treatments:

• Topical Estrogen: Available as creams, rings, or tablets, these can help restore vaginal tissue and lubrication by increasing estrogen levels locally.
• Systemic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This can be effective for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, but it's essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
  
  

3. Lifestyle Changes:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall hydration, including vaginal moisture.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in phytoestrogens (found in soy products, flaxseeds, and whole grains) can help manage hormonal balance.
• Quit Smoking: Reducing or quitting smoking can improve blood flow and estrogen levels, aiding in lubrication.
  
  

4. Sexual Activity:

• Regular Intercourse or Stimulation: Engaging in sexual activity can increase blood flow to the vaginal area, promoting natural lubrication.
• Extended Foreplay: Ensuring adequate arousal and foreplay can help increase natural lubrication during sexual activity.
  
  

5. Stress Management:

• Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety, positively impacting sexual health.
  
  

6. Avoid Irritants:

• Choose Gentle Products: Opt for unscented, hypoallergenic products and avoid harsh soaps, douches, and scented personal care items.
  
  

7. Yoni Eggs:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Yoni eggs, typically made from jade or other semi-precious stones, are used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which can enhance sexual health and potentially improve natural lubrication. However, it is essential to use these safely and follow proper hygiene practices. Browse our range of Kegel weights here. 
  
  

8. Yoni Steaming:

• Herbal Steam Therapy: Yoni steaming involves sitting over a steaming pot of water infused with herbs like chamomile, rosemary, and mugwort. Proponents believe this practice can enhance vaginal health, balance hormones, and increase lubrication. However, it's important to approach yoni steaming with caution, as there is limited scientific evidence supporting its benefits, and improper use can cause burns or infections. Browse our vaginal steam resources here. 

Vaginal dryness is a manageable condition with various underlying causes and effective solutions. By understanding the factors that contribute to dryness and implementing appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes, women can enhance their comfort and sexual well-being.

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach based on individual needs and circumstances. Integrating natural methods such as organic lubricants, yoni eggs, and yoni steaming should be done thoughtfully, ensuring safety and personal suitability.

Awaken the strength, power and pleasure within the vagina by devoting seven days to a consistent yoni egg practice. This course offers everything you need to know to implement an empowering yoni egg practice for improving pelvic floor function and enhancing internal pleasure. This course is best for beginners to intermediate yoni egg users and anyone with a yoni egg who doesn't know where to start. Sign up now for a one-off payment of $97AUD.