I can't get wet enough during sex and it makes things painful.
If you’re like us, you’ve experienced the stigma around talking and learning about sex and admitting your curiosity. In these articles, we hope to add excitement and enjoyment in your life, by answering the sexual health questions you're too afraid to ask. Have additional questions? Contact our friendly "sexperts".
Many women experience vaginal dryness and need extra lubrication in order to fully enjoy a healthy personal and intimate life.
During sexual excitement, the vaginal walls moisten and secrete a clear slippery fluid that can aid in the ability and comfort of vaginal penetration. The vagina also normally secretes a thin layer of clear fluid throughout the day to aid in overall health and wellness of the vagina and vulvar tissues. The amount of vaginal lubrication produced may change in the same woman and at different stages of her life.
Vaginal and vulvar dryness can increase the likelihood of infection and cause pain for many women. Adding a daily vaginal moisturizer or using sexual lubricant during intercourse can help decrease discomfort and prevent small rips in the genitals, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections.
When normal levels of estrogen lower or stop in the body (due to natural occurrences like menopause or from various medical treatments) the vulvar, clitoral, and vaginal tissues become thin and dry. This is called vaginal atrophy, and it can cause the genital tissue to be more prone to pain and inflammation.
Atrophic vaginitis
Is when the vulvar or vaginal tissue becomes inflamed and an infection occurs.
Many postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy but are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about their pain. For many women, vaginal atrophy can lead to pelvic pain and pain with intercourse, which can significantly diminish a person’s sex drive. Vaginal atrophy can cause symptoms such as:
It is important to get the proper medical health care you need and speak to your doctor about any issues you may be experiencing. Healthy vaginal functioning can significantly increase your quality of life and relationships and it is also closely related to healthy urinary functioning.
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