True or False: Winter causes vaginal dryness.
False! While there was an English midwife who purported the theory of ‘winter vagina‘, vaginal dryness is actually caused by hormonal changes. Low levels of estrogen during menopause or after childbirth, the side-effects of certain medications, insufficient arousal, and mental health issues like anxiety can all play a role in drying you up.
When estrogen levels drop, it causes the vaginal tissue to become thin, fragile, and dry making sex uncomfortable and painful. Itching and burning frequently occurs; dryness also increases the likelihood of infections as well, as torn tissue is a breeding ground for bacteria. In case you are experiencing some dryness, speak to a medical professional. For natural options, read below —
1. DIY Lubricants
From Nagaimo yams to egg whites, DIY lube ingredients have a large range of acceptable ingredients. OIls such as grape seed, olive, sweet almond, sunflower or coconut are all great options. Coconut and sweet almond taste better than avocado; if you’re using condoms, try aloe vera instead which won’t cause them to rip unlike the heavier oils. Make sure to avoid petroleum jelly and baby oil, and if you must experiment with scented essential oils, be very light-handed.
2. Herbal Supplements
What your body can’t make, you can always take!
Black Cohosh is an herbal supplement most commonly used for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats but also for vaginal dryness. Along with its phytoestrogenic properties, it can also benefit those who suffer from heart palpitations, tinnitus, vertigo, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and irritability.
Maca root has been used to rectify hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and loss of energy, libido and depression by Peruvians for centuries.
Vitamin A, B and E supplements and beta-carotene are also shown to aid in the production of lubrication — you can get betacarotene from carrots, dark-green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash.
3. Dietary Changes
Certain foods have been shown to forge a healthier vagina; did you know a diet high in fatty acids can help you get wet? Raw pumpkin, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and fish (particularly salmon, mackerel and tuna) are all great options high in fatty acids. The phytoestrogens in soy help keep your vagina lubricated as well so reach for the avocados and apples or order in Asian food and get anything with edemame, tofu, tempeh, and miso.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your hormones in check and even counter some of the negative effects caused by hormone imbalances. If yoga or the treadmill is too much, doing sets of kegels can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve blood flow to your vaginal tissues, which increase lubrication and moisture.