Vaginal dryness

Causes and risk factors

The blood vessels of the vagina normally secrete a thin clear fluid in the vagina which lubricates the vaginal area .Hormone estrogen plays a major role in maintaining the vaginal area lubrication. Decrease levels of estrogen leads to vaginal dryness; hence it is more commonly seen during menopause. Breast feeding, surgery on the ovaries, cigarette smoking, alcohol and certain immune disorders are certain other contributing factor for vaginal dryness. Douching is the main cause of vaginal dryness. Stress and use of certain medications also contribute to the same.

Clinical presentation:

Itching, discomfort and burning in vagina are the cardinal symptoms. The women complaint of dyspareunia (painful coitus).Discomfort on wearing innerwear’s is other common symptom of which the women complaints of. Itching leads to social embarrassment and also aggravates the complaint. On examination swelling and redness of the labia majora and labia minor can be seen. Involvement of vulva leads to vulvovaginitis.

Investigations:

Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination of the vagina carried out by the gynecologist. In order to confirm the diagnosis certain investigations can be advised. Routine blood test, urine routine and Ultrasonography or the abdomen and pelvis are the investigations suggested.

Treatment:

For vaginal atrophy estrogen in form of cream or tables is main line of treatment. Use of moisturizers, lubricators and vitamin E oil is recommended. Maintaining of good vaginal hygiene and safe sexual practice is necessary. Use of irritating agents and douching at vaginal region must be avoided. Use of acidophilus supplement, intake of garlic avoiding intake of alcohol, refined food are the measures which needs to be implemented in diet.

Other Modes of treatment:

Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.

Recent update:

Studies have shown that diet rich in soy flour and flaxseeds prevents vaginal dryness.