Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Discussing sexual health – or even simply mentioning sexual organs – is a topic most people shy away from. As awkward as it may be to talk about, especially with your doctor, the reality is there are many common issues that exist. 

Take, for example, vaginal dryness. Nearly 20 percent of adults experience vaginal dryness before menopause and an additional 50 percent report dryness after menopause. 

Susan Chambers, M.D., practices obstetrics and gynecology at INTEGRIS Health Lakeside Women’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. “Premenopausal women can get relief from vaginal dryness from lubricants and moisturizers as they still have their own natural estrogen production,” she explains. “Peri and postmenopausal women get pain and dryness for two main reasons all related to no or low estrogen production. These are lack of moisture from our own vaginal secretions and the lack of elasticity and flexibility of the vaginal wall tissues making the vagina more of a rigid tube than an elastic organ.”

Because vaginal dryness is so common, women are continually looking for ways to reduce the pain, discomfort and emotional toll that comes with this dryness.

There are two ways to treat vaginal dryness – estrogen supplements or by using moisturizers and lubricants. While many commercial products exist to help the vagina stay moist and hydrated, women have shown more interest in searching for natural remedies, including olive oil and coconut oil. This blog will focus on natural ways to alleviate vaginal dryness while shedding light on chemicals commonly found in lubricants.

What causes vaginal dryness?

The vagina needs moisture and hydration to stay healthy and elastic. It relies on a type of clear, white or off-white fluid called vaginal discharge to clean and lubricate the area.

Typically, the vagina remains moisturized by this fluid, but many women have vaginal tissue that more easily becomes dry.

Vaginal dryness has many causes, but most cases are attributed to the following three circumstances: 

• Age: As women age, the vagina becomes less elastic and more prone to dryness due to changes in the amount of vaginal fluid produced. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, helps the production of vaginal fluid. Estrogen levels decrease the older you get, especially when reaching menopause.
• Low estrogen: Aside from age, there are other factors that contribute to low levels of estrogen, including issues with your pituitary gland, kidney disease, Turner syndrome and eating disorders such as anorexia. Over time, low levels of estrogen can lead to vaginal atrophy, which occurs when the normally thick vaginal walls become thin and dry.
• Cancer treatment: Women who receive cancer treatment, whether it’s chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, are more prone to dryness and inflammation.

Additional causes of vaginal dryness include breastfeeding and medications such as allergy drugs, cold medicines and antidepressants.

Vaginal dryness can be present at any time, but most women notice it during sexual intercourse due to the friction that occurs. 

The dryness can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from pain and itching to a lack of interest in intimacy. 

Understanding vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

Whenever treating vaginal dryness, it’s important to understand the difference between moisturizers and lubricants, as both have their roles in providing symptomatic relief.

In short, moisturizers provide long-lasting relief (usually the entire day), while lubricants may only last minutes or hours.

Vaginal moisturizers

A moisturizer works by increasing moisture in one of two ways – by trapping moisture to keep it from escaping or restoring lost moisture. When it comes to vaginal dryness, a vaginal moisturizer can be used either on the vulva (external moisturizer) or inside the vagina (internal moisturizer) to keep tissues hydrated.

Vaginal moisturizers can be applied as creams, gels or a suppository (a dissolvable pill inserted into the vagina. These products are used three to five times a week to improve vaginal health.

Typically, vaginal moisturizers are either hydrating moisturizers that increase water in the vagina or natural oil moisturizers that help soothe the vagina. Hydrating water moisturizers are sold as gels (administered via a vaginal applicator) or suppositories. Oil moisturizers are sold as balms, oils or suppositories. 

Vaginal lubricants

Lubricants, on the other hand, provide increased moisture during sexual activity to decrease symptoms associated with vaginal dryness. Lubricants can be applied to a finger, sex toy or penis to help reduce friction and make for a more comfortable experience. In some cases, women use lubricants in addition to moisturizers. 

Vaginal lubricants fall under three categories: water-based, silicone-based or oil-based.

• Water-based: As the name suggests, water is the primary ingredient. Water-based lubricants can dry out quickly, requiring the need for constant reapplication. However, they’re less likely to irritate the skin.
• Oil-based: Oil-based lubricants can be used for massages or foreplay on the vagina’s exterior. Natural, unrefined plant-based oils are also safe for use inside the vagina. Avoid synthetic (petroleum jelly) inside the vagina. Oil lubricants last longer because the skin doesn’t easily absorb oils. Oil breaks down latex, though, and shouldn’t be used with condoms.
• Silicone-based: Lubricants using silicone last longer and have a more slick feel than water-based lubricants because they don’t dry up or absorb into the skin. However, they can be difficult to wash off and can leave a sticky film. Silicone-based products shouldn’t be used with silicone sex toys, as they can degrade the silicone. 

Natural cures for female dryness

For women who want to avoid chemicals or prefer all natural products, there are a few different options that can provide relief.

• Coconut oil: Coconut oil can coat vaginal tissue and prevent it from losing water that causes dryness. Opt for organic, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil.
• Hemp seed oil: Hemp seed oil contains omega 6 fatty acids, which can help soothe irritated skin.
• Grape seed oil: Grape seed oil creates a protective barrier to seal in moisture on or around the vagina. Grape seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce irritation.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is full of healthy monounsaturated fats that nourish and strengthen the skin to keep it healthy. Opt for unrefined, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil acts as an ideal moisturizer due to its ability to improve skin barrier function. It also works well for massages since it’s thinner than other oils mentioned above.
• Almond oil: Almond oil contains both vitamin D and vitamin E, two important vitamins found in most moisturizing creams and lotions. The presence of omega 9 fatty acids can also aid in skin repair caused by dryness.
• Aloe vera gel: Known for its ability to treat sunburn, aloe vera helps provide hydration and acts as a moisturizer. Applying a small amount on the vagina can help alleviate dryness. Aloe vera dries out quickly, so it shouldn’t be used as a lubricant – only as a moisturizer. 

It’s important to note oils can have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. Talk to your doctor before experimenting with these oils in sensitive areas of the body, such as the vagina.

Additionally, people with sensitive skin may find natural oils irritate the skin. Test your skin by applying a small amount of whichever oil you’re interested in using on a patch of skin. Then wait 24 hours or so and see if you notice any adverse reactions.

A little tends to go a long way with oil, so only use a few drops when starting out. Since oil lasts longer than other products, you can apply oils hours before sexual activities to keep the vagina moist and lubricated.

What not to use oils with

As helpful as natural oils can be for vaginal dryness, you should never use any type of oil or oil-based product with latex condoms. Oils will damage and break down the latex and increase the chances you get pregnant or become infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

Don’t use oil or oil-based products with sex toys as the oil can damage the materials in the toys.

When possible, use unrefined oils as they’re easier for the vagina to clear than refined or synthetic oils. Synthetic oils can stay in the vagina for days and increase the risk for infection.

Vitamins for vaginal dryness

• Vitamin D: This vitamin is abundant in sunshine and helps provide a stronger skin barrier to fight against vaginal dryness.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin, which comes in capsule form, helps improve blood supply to vaginal tissue to help with vaginal dryness. Vitamin E oil can also be used as a natural lubricant to increase comfort. Break open the capsule, add a few drops to your fingers and apply it to the vaginal area. 

What about chemical-based products?

Many moisturizers and lubricants found in stores contain ingredients and chemicals that may further irritate the vagina. 

For example, glycerin in water-based lubricants can lead to yeast infections – glycerin breaks down into sugar and causes more yeast to grow in the vagina.

There are other chemicals that can also cause irritation or infection. They can even cause fertility issues because of how they impact the ability of sperm to swim once inside the vagina.

Here is a list of chemicals in lubricants to be aware of:

• Nonoxonyl-9 (spermicide that can cause irritation)
• Glycerin (keeps lubricants slippery)
• Propylene glycol (keeps lubricants moist)
• Chlorhexidine gluconate (preservative that can cause irritation)
• Perfumes/fragrances
• Artificial flavors (in flavored lubricants)
• Capsaicin (used in warming lubricants)
• Menthol (used in tingling lubricants)

Don’t use petroleum jelly, lotions or massage oils as they aren’t meant for use inside the vagina. These products can change the pH level inside the vagina, making you more prone to developing an infection.

For more information on vaginal dryness or if you have specific questions on which products to keep your vagina hydrated, contact a primary care physician or an OBGYN.

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