Itching, a tight or burning feeling, discomfort when you sit for long or during intimacy: vaginal dryness is very common and rarely spoken about. Many women think it only comes with menopause, so they wait and say nothing. In fact it can appear at any age, and there is a lot that can help. Here is the simple version.
In one line
Vaginal dryness happens when the tissues of the vagina and vulva become thinner and less moist, most often because of lower oestrogen. It is common, it is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is worth talking about.
Why it happens
Perimenopause and menopause. As oestrogen falls, intimate tissues produce less natural moisture. This is the most common cause from the forties onwards.
After giving birth and while breastfeeding. Oestrogen stays low for a while after pregnancy, especially during breastfeeding.
Some medicines. Some contraceptive pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and cancer treatments can affect natural moisture.
Daily irritants. Perfumed soaps, intimate washes, douches and tight synthetic underwear can dry and irritate delicate skin. Stress and tiredness play a part too.
Other factors. Smoking and some health conditions, such as diabetes or lupus, can also play a part.
The signs
Dryness, itching or burning around the vagina and vulva, discomfort or pain during intimacy, a need to pee more often, unusual discharge, spotting or light bleeding, and urinary infections that keep coming back. Every woman feels it differently.
Gentle daily habits
Wash the vulva with water only, or a gentle soap free cleanser, never inside the vagina. Choose cotton underwear and avoid perfumed products on intimate skin. A vulva balm can soothe dry external skin, and a water based lubricant can make intimacy more comfortable. They do different jobs, and many women use both.
When to see a doctor
Please see a doctor if dryness does not improve or affects your daily life, if intimacy is painful, if you notice bleeding after intimacy or after menopause, or unusual discharge. Doctors have effective options, including treatments a pharmacist cannot give, and it is always worth asking.
Where we come in
The Soothing Vulva Balm by Baûbo is a certified organic balm for the vulva, the external intimate area, with coconut, sunflower, jojoba and avocado oils, beeswax and calendula, without added perfume or alcohol. It hydrates and soothes dry intimate skin. It is a care balm, not a lubricant, and should not be used with latex. To wash gently, the Baûbo Intimate Cleansing Bar is soap free. More in our vaginal health, perimenopause and menopause collections.
Your questions
Does vaginal dryness only happen at menopause?
No. It can happen at any age, after giving birth, while breastfeeding, with some medicines or in stressful periods.
Is a balm the same as a lubricant?
No. A balm cares for the external skin day to day; a lubricant is used during intimacy. Check that any lubricant is compatible with condoms if you use them.
Can it affect the bladder?
Lower oestrogen can also make some women need to pee more often. If you notice burning or pain when you pee, check our guide to burning when you pee and speak to your doctor.
Written with care by Banat Nareng. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Sources: NHS, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
