Vaginal Dryness

You may notice less natural moisture, friction, burning, stinging or soreness around the vagina or vulva. Sex, tampon use or an examination can feel uncomfortable, and some people notice itching or tiny cracks in the skin. Dryness may also make urination sting when urine touches irritated tissue.

Vaginal dryness is not usually an emergency, but arrange a medical assessment if it persists, disrupts sleep or sex, or comes with bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, sores, fever, severe pain or difficulty passing urine. New bleeding after menopause needs prompt clinical review.

The causes below are listed alphabetically, not by likelihood. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can thin and dry vaginal and vulval tissues as oestrogen changes. Menopause may bring dryness alongside hot flushes or changing periods. Perimenopause can cause symptoms while periods are still occurring. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency can reduce ovarian hormone production earlier than expected. Irritants, some medicines and reduced arousal can also contribute.

A clinician may ask when dryness began, whether periods or medicines changed, and whether sex or urination is affected. They may inspect the vulva and vagina for fragile, inflamed or irritated tissue. Depending on the discharge or examination findings, a swab or urine test may be considered. Tell the clinician about bleeding, pregnancy possibility and any products used on the area.

Treatment is matched to the finding. Avoiding fragranced washes and using a vaginal moisturiser regularly may help ongoing dryness; a water-based lubricant can reduce friction during sex. If low oestrogen is contributing, a clinician may discuss Vaginal Oestrogen Therapy. Hormone Replacement Therapy may be considered when dryness occurs with wider menopausal symptoms, after reviewing medical history and preferences. An infection, skin condition or medicine-related cause needs its own treatment.

Wash the vulva gently with lukewarm water or a mild unscented product, and avoid douching and perfumed sprays. Choose breathable underwear, change out of damp clothing and stop any product that causes burning. Use lubricant for sex if friction is uncomfortable. Keep follow-up appointments when symptoms continue or return.

Related symptoms can include burning, itching, painful sex, light spotting after friction, urinary urgency or repeated discomfort when passing urine. These features do not identify one cause by themselves; their timing and examination findings help guide assessment.

Track triggers, period changes, products and urinary or sexual symptoms before an appointment. A clinician can distinguish tissue changes from infection, irritation or another condition and discuss options that fit your health history. Read about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and Vaginal Oestrogen Therapy for focused information.