Vaginal dryness may be one of the most common causes of pain during sex and it can easily lead to a decrease in interest in sex for women. The good news is that vaginal dryness is a problem that is usually very easy to resolve.

Some of the prescription treatments for vaginal dryness include:

• Topical creams
• Oral medications
• Rings and patches

There are also non-prescription estrogen creams, foams, suppositories, and "film", all of which are inserted in the vagina and usually work by providing added lubrication. These are usually kept near the "family planning" section in your pharmacy (near the condoms and lubricants).

However, if you're only complaint is vaginal dryness, often the least expensive, least invasive, and quickest solution is the use of a personal lubricant.

There are dozens of different lubricants available at drugstores and online pharmacies that are safe, easy to use, and will provide immediate relief from vaginal dryness.

An added benefit of using personal lubricant to deal with vaginal dryness is that many people find additional lubrication increases sensitivity and makes penetration sex more fun.

There are a variety of medications that can cause vaginal dryness.

Some medications lead to vaginal dryness by altering estrogen levels, while others can directly dry out the mucous membranes. Some types of medications that can lead to vaginal dryness include:

• Cancer treatments (e.g. Tamoxifen)
• Treatments for Vaginosis (e.g. Metrogel)
• Antihistamines (which dry out the mucous membranes)
• Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections
• Anti-depressants (e.g. Effexor)
• Medications for ulcers and high blood pressure

There are several possible causes for experiencing vaginal dryness. Figuring out what is causing vaginal dryness is a good first step to finding a solution.

A decrease in estrogen is probably the main reason for vaginal dryness, a decrease in estrogen levels will reduce the amount of vaginal lubrication, as well as a thinning out of the vaginal lining, making it less elastic. Decreases in estrogen can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• After childbirth and while breast feeding
• Menopause and perimenopause
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Surgical removal of ovaries
• Cigarette smoking
• Decreased sexual activity

Other common causes of vaginal dryness include:

• Chemical allergies
• Prescription medications
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Pelvic surgery
• Stress
• Decreased arousal
• Chronic yeast infection
• Vaginal bacterial infection
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Vaginal trauma
• Benign or malignant tumor

If your body isn’t producing enough natural vaginal lubrication you may experience vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can feel different for different women but generally feels like itching and irritation. It can make sex painful or impossible, and can even make other activities difficult.

Many women experience vaginal dryness and even live with the irritation and/or pain for many years without speaking to a doctor. Because vaginal dryness may be a sign of some underlying health concern, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about it, even if it's something that doesn't happen very often. Below you'll find more information about vaginal dryness.

Causes of vaginal dryness

There are several possible causes for experiencing vaginal dryness. Figuring out what is causing vaginal dryness is a good first step to finding a solution.
Read more about causes of vaginal dryness.

Medications that cause vaginal dryness

There are a variety of medications that can cause vaginal dryness. Some medications lead to vaginal dryness by altering estrogen levels, while others can directly dry out the mucous membranes.
Read more about medications that cause vaginal dryness.

Treatments for vaginal dryness

While vaginal dryness may be one of the most common causes for pain during sex and can certainly decrease a woman’s interest in sex, the good news is that vaginal dryness is a problem that is usually very easy to resolve.
Read more about treatment for vaginal dryness.