Vaginal Dryness

is a common condition in women. Although it is most common in women who are postmenopausal, vaginal dryness can occur in women of any age.

Some women have uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal dryness, such as pain with sex, burning vaginal discomfort or itching, or abnormal vaginal discharge, while others have no symptoms at all.

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for vaginal dryness. If you think you have vaginal dryness, talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is right for you.

Estrogen helps to keep the vagina moist. Vaginal dryness occurs when the ovaries produce a decreased amount of estrogen. This can occur at certain times in a woman's life, and may be permanent or temporary. Times when less estrogen is made include:

As you near menopause or after menopause.

After surgical removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy of the pelvis for cancer.

After having a baby, particularly if you breastfeed.

While using certain medications, such as tamoxifen, danazol, medroxyprogesterone (Provera® or DepoProvera®), leuprolide (Lupron®), or nafarelin. When these medications are stopped, estrogen is produced normally again.

Cigarette smoking also affects the moisture in the vagina, and can make vaginal dryness worse.

For more information about Vaginal Dryness visit these sections of the website:

- Causes Of Dryness -