Vaginal Dryness & Pregnancy
Pregnancy can change your body in many unexpected ways. If you are pregnant, you may already be well acquainted with extreme tiredness, morning sickness, fatigue, body pain, swellings in several parts of your body, changes in your taste and smell as well as many other changes. Not immune to all these changes is your vagina and one change, in particular, that you may not be aware of or that no one would have warned you about is vaginal dryness.
Vaginal changes like decreased moisture can be annoying at best, resulting in dry, itchy skin in the vaginal area and pain and discomfort during intercourse. While some expecting mothers face excess vaginal discharge, many others will have an extremely low supply of it, leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort.
“For most women, vaginal dryness during pregnancy is a difficult and embarrassing topic to talk about, however, better understanding it will help you address it.”
Should You Be Concerned About Vaginal Dryness during Pregnancy?
“If you experience dryness in your vagina, any itchiness, burning sensation, or any kind of discomfort in your vaginal region you should be concerned and visit your gynecologist at your earliest convenience to get it checked out.”
What Causes Dryness During Pregnancy?
The vaginal epithelium – the mucous membranes located in the uterus and vaginal canal, is responsible for the secretion of mucus into the vagina and keeping it moist. The vaginal epithelium, however, depends on estrogen levels to maintain and continuously lubricate themselves. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise sharply especially during the first and third trimesters. The oestrogen imbalance reduces mucus production in the vaginal epithelium and the cervix, resulting in a dry, itchy vagina.
“The fluctuation of hormones during pregnancy causes disruption in the smooth functioning of this mucous membrane, which ultimately results in vaginal dryness.”
“Vaginal Atrophy can be a big CHANGE in a woman’s life. The good news is that there is now a natural and non-hormonal option to take on these CHANGES head on.”
How to Treat Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness while you are pregnant, you should inform your doctor about it, as it is important to rule out other possible, more serious causes of the dryness. Your doctor will also be able to recommend an appropriate treatment for you. Having said this, there are a few simple remedies that can be taken at home to reduce the impact or prevent the dryness from occurring. Some of the remedies include the following:
Staying hydrated: Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will help keep all your tissues lubricated, including those below the belt. Mucus is 90% water, so it will help the vagina stay lubricated.
Lubricants: Short-acting water-based lubricants can be used to overcome the problem during sex. Many women turn to personal lubricants to help to reduce the pain that happens during sex. The problem is that lubricants don’t provide a long-term solution, and vaginal dryness doesn’t magically disappear when you’re not having sex. The reality is that burning, swelling, and itching can bother you all day long. So, while lubricants may be adequate for the immediate sexual encounter, in all likelihood, you won’t feel like yourself until you find a solution that helps relieve your chronic dryness.
Moisturizers: For many women, vaginal dryness is a problem all the time, not just during sex and many can achieve instant relief simply by using a vaginal moisturizer. Moisturisers are designed for regular use to hydrate the vaginal tissues and can be used every day or two to three times a week. They have the major advantage, over lubricants, of providing long-lasting hydration and relief of dryness and not just during sex.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant with proven benefits in preventing aging of vaginal tissue and reducing inflammation. You can apply Vitamin E oil or purchase a good quality vaginal moisturizer that already contains it as an ingredient.
Hygiene: You should maintain hygiene in the vaginal area by washing with mild soap, and then dry it completely with a towel because dryness in the vagina increases the risk of infection. Avoid using perfumed soaps, bubble baths, douches, and scented lotions to clean the vaginal area as this may further irritate your vaginal area.
Undergarments: Wear loose, soft, and absorbent cotton underwear. Avoid synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting underwear. This will worsen the condition, increase itching, and make the area sore. It is preferable to use the undergarments made of cotton.
Pelvic exercise: Pelvic exercises (also known as Kegels) can be very effective in promoting increased blood flow to the vagina, and they don’t pose any risk to the pregnancy.
Moisturisers vs lubricants. What is the Difference?
A final word…
Developing a routine with GYNATROF is the secret to preventing and overcoming vaginal dryness
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