Vaginal dryness
Natural lubrication produced by the glands at the neck of the womb (the cervix) keep the vagina supple, moist and healthy. During sexual excitement the two glands at the entrance of the vagina produce extra moisture to aid sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dryness is a common issue, often associated with menopause (affecting more than half of women after menopause). However, it can also occur at other stages of life, with a variety of factors contributing to the condition, including:
- Endocrine therapy
- Breastfeeding
- Your normal monthly cycle
- Anxiety
- Side effects of medication
- Surgery (including oophorectomy, hysterectomy or GRS surgery)
- Dermatological conditions (such as Lichen sclerosus)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Lifestyle factors
If vaginal lubrication is poor, even gentle friction can cause pain or discomfort which can feed into a cycle of loss of sexual desire. In many cases, vaginal dryness can cause pain and discomfort during daily activities, such as sitting, standing, exercising, or urinating, significantly impacting quality of life. Around 17% of women aged 18-50 experience problems with vaginal dryness during sex, even before the menopause takes place.1
Reference
- Women's Health Concern. Vaginal Dryness. Women's Health Concern. October 2023. Available at: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/25-WHC-FACTSHEET-VaginalDryness-OCT2023-B.pdf. Accessed March 6, 2025.
