Name: Vaginal Dryness | Article| Healthwords
Creator: Dr Roger Henderson
Published: 2021-06-11T07:23:21.506Z

If methods you have tried at home are not working, or the symptoms are really affecting you, if you have bleeding from the vagina or bleeding after sex, then book an appointment with your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

Learn about the importance of understanding your vagina, when it is dry and how to resolve this.

Vaginal Dryness | Article| Healthwords

If your symptoms are caused by low oestrogen levels, as in [menopause HRT](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/menopause-can-i-buy-hrt-from-the-pharmacy-308), your doctor may suggest oestrogen replacement cream. This can be applied directly to the vagina and surrounding genital area to help improve your symptoms. Depending on your preference, this also comes in the form of a small flexible ring and an applicator like a small tampon, as well as a cream. Topical oestrogen is not recommended if you have breast or endometrial cancer, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

What can my doctor do?

The hormone oestrogen helps keep the lining of the vagina moist and supple. [Vaginal dryness](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/vaginal-dryness-how-to-treat) is commonly affected by things that change or affect your hormone levels, such as the [contraceptive pill](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/combined-oral-contraceptive-pill-148), breastfeeding, [menopause](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/menopause) or having your womb removed ([hysterectomy](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/hysterectomy-857). Medical conditions like Sjogrens syndrome can also cause it.

Medications including [antidepressants](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/antidepressants-your-questions-answered-867) and [chemotherapy](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/cancer!8d1ba0bd-48f0-40fc-b111-3eece7a763cb#:~:text=of%20the%20cancer\)%2C-,chemotherapy,-\(strong%20medication%20is) can cause vaginal dryness. Lifestyle factors such as [smoking](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/smoking-vaping-and-the-risk-to-young-people-70), exercising excessively, stress and the use of perfumed or scented soaps or washes around the vagina can add to the dryness.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Replens MD Vaginal Moisturiser with re-usable applicator. (35g pack - up to 12 applications)

It is best to [stop smoking](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/quitting-smoking-how-to), avoid [stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/stress) and avoid perfumed or scented products in and around the vagina. Although tempting to ease discomfort, using oil-based products like [Vaseline](https://www.healthwords.ai/shop/products/vaseline-original-petroleum-jelly-100g) or petroleum jelly inside the vagina carries the risk of infection and can prevent condoms from working properly.

You can use products specifically made for the vagina, like vaginal moisturisers to help improve moisture levels. Water-based lubricants also help improve your symptoms during sex to make it more enjoyable.

How can I manage vaginal dryness myself?

[Vaginal dryness](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/vaginal-dryness-what-is-it) is a common problem that many women have at some point in their lives. It can affect women of all ages, but it is far more common in women who are post-[menopausal](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/menopause). It affects around 2 in 10 women under the age of 50. The symptoms of vaginal dryness can cause you to feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina. You may also feel pain or discomfort during sex and may need to pee more often than usual. Many of the symptoms of vaginal dryness can also be mistaken for other common infections such as [thrush](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/vaginal-thrush-what-is-it) and urinary tract infections. Vaginal dryness can also increase your risk of recurrent urinary tract infections ([UTIs](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/urinary-tract-infection-uti-487).

Menopause – Can I buy HRT from the pharmacy?

Menopause is individual to every woman, and treatment should be tailored to her individual symptoms and concerns as she goes through the change in hormones from her late-40s onwards.  

Every woman goes through it, but everyone experiences different symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity.  

Previously women would book an appointment with their doctor to discuss symptoms and treatment options, but some women have done their research and already think that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is right for them. 

To make access easier, there’s a proposal underway to make HRT available without a prescription, so you no longer need an appointment with your GP. It’s not quite that black-and-white, so let’s talk you through the proposed change to getting hold of HRT.

**Hot flushes** are the most common [menopause](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/menopause) symptom, with 3 out of every 4 women experiencing the sensation across their face, chest and body. It can cause some to feel uncomfortable, with sweating, dizziness and possibly palpitations.

Hot flushes come on suddenly at any time, and can last a few seconds or several minutes. Their unpredictable and all-consuming nature means they carry a high cost in terms of self-confidence, as it can feel embarrassing at work or social events.

[**Night sweats**](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/night-sweats) are a particular feature, sometimes leaving the bed linen drenched. They add to the [**insomnia**](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/insomnia) many menopausal women feel during the transition.

Dr Kandi - Menopausal Symptoms

Vaginal thrush is a common condition caused by a [yeast infection](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/yeast-infection) in the vagina and surrounding area. This infection is usually Candida albicans, and is also known as candida or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control but if conditions change then the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms of discharge and irritation.

This is more common in women than men, and affects the labia (the outer and inner lips to the vagina), but can spread to the groin, and can cause itching and irritation to the inside of the vagina. You may also experience vaginal discharge, which is typically thick, white, and doesn't have any particular smell.

In men, this can also affect the penis, causing candidal balanitis, and may cause some pain on passing urine.

## Who gets thrush?

Most women get thrush at some point in their life, but it is most common in women in their thirties and forties, and in those who are pregnant. It is not clear why some women are more prone to thrush than others. [Diabetes](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/diabetes-in-a-nutshell) and medical conditions that cause problems with the body's immune system increase the likelihood of it occurring. Other potential triggers include wearing tight clothing that prevents natural ventilation, taking antibiotics (about 1 in 4 women will have thrush because of this), using products that irritate the vagina, such as vaginal douches or feminine hygiene products, and having [chemotherapy](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/cancer!8d1ba0bd-48f0-40fc-b111-3eece7a763cb#:~:text=of%20the%20cancer\)%2C-,chemotherapy,-\(strong%20medication%20is). There is little evidence that using sanitary towels or tampons is a risk factor for developing thrush.

Although not usually thought of as a s[exually transmitted disease](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/sti-am-i-at-risk), thrush can sometimes be passed on to your partner after vaginal, oral or anal sex, during foreplay or by sharing sex toys.

Vaginal Thrush

The typical vaginal yeast infection [thrush](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/thrush) is vaginitis – an inflammation of your vagina. Both fungus and bacteria naturally live in your vagina, but when the fungus [Candida](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/candidal-skin-infection-symptoms-causes-and-treatments-459) albicans increases, it can cause thrush. Thrush affects around 75% of women at least once, while many women may suffer from recurrent thrush.

If you've never had thrush before and think you may have it, visit your doctor. Once you recognise your symptoms and know they're not serious, we'll help you deal with thrush independently at home. Thrush doesn't take long to clear up once you've started treatment. Treating thrush can be very difficult to choose which treatment is best for you.

The cervix is known as the neck of the womb, and is a narrow muscular opening connecting the vagina to the womb (uterus). Cancer can affect any of the cervix.

Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by certain strains of a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

The risk of cervical cancer is much reduced with both the UK’s [cervical screening](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/cervical-cancer-screening-470) programme and the HPV vaccination programme. It's a relatively uncommon cancer but receives a lot of attention as it is so easily prevented if early cell chances are caught early, and because it affects young women who are otherwise healthy and at low risk of other [cancers](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/cancer-294).

You may have been informed that a sexual partner or ex-partner has got an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and you may have been put at risk, so you require treatment. This can come as a shock, whether you hear it directly from your partner, an ex-partner texts you or you receive an anonymous text from a Sexual Health Clinic. 

But it’s better to know about this than be kept in the dark. STIs may or may not cause symptoms, but they can put you at risk of longer-term problems such as ongoing pain or infertility, and there are reliable treatments available. By getting treatment, even if you have no symptoms, this will protect you and future partners.

Dr Kandi - Sexual Health Testing

You may have been put at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you have had unprotected sex, the condom broke, split or slipped off during sex, or you have been told a partner has an STI.

STIs include [gonorrhoea](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/gonorrhoea), [chlamydia](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/chlamydia-296), HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. You may have no symptoms from these, or symptoms may take weeks or months to show.

It’s best to get this checked out, and the best place is to attend a [Sexual Health Clinic](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/finding-sexual-health-services-850). Look online for services near you, and know that it’s all confidential.

If a partner has said they have an STI, you need to get treated immediately and avoid sex until treated, otherwise, you can pass it back and forth to each other. Again, this is best done at a Sexual Health Clinic.

[Unprotected sex ](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/unprotected-sex)also leaves women at risk of pregnancy. You can buy a pregnancy test, and it can take up to 3 weeks after unprotected sex for any pregnancy test to turn positive.

Dr Kandi - Sexual health testing

Libido (Sex Drive): What is it & What Affects it?

Libido refers to your sex drive. Normal levels of libido and sex drive are different for each person and there is no standard that anyone should be compared to. Loss of libido is a type of sexual dysfunction and means a drop in your normal sex drive (not just lower than another person's).

It is a common thing for people to experience and can be due to many different things, such as fatigue, [stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/stress), symptoms of mental health conditions like [depression](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/depression), difficult personal circumstances, relationship difficulties, physical health conditions or side effects of certain medications.

Irregular periods describe as when you can’t predict when your period will come and the length of time between periods changes every month. Most women have their own "normal" - for most this is a period every 28 days, but some women bleed every 21 days, others every 35 days - this is the range of "normal".

The number of days of bleeding may vary - most women bleed for 5 days, but between 3 and 8 days is considered normal. An app can help you keep track of your rhythm, so you can get to know what's normal for you.

Oligomenorrhoea is the medical term for infrequent periods, and can cause a great deal of anxiety and disruption. It also has consequences if you’re planning to get pregnant.

Irregular periods may coincide with [heavy bleeding](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/heavy-periods) or painful bleeding.

Dr Kandi - Painful Periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding is either when you lose a lot of blood or you bleed for a longer period of time. This can be associated with the passage of blood clots and pain, and if it occurs every month it is known medically as menorrhagia. All in all, it can cause a considerable disruption to everyday life and a toll on your mental wellbeing. 

It’s hard to know what a “normal” period is and it is often difficult to know if your period is lighter, heavier or the same as other women. Signs that you are bleeding more heavily than others may include that you soak through a sanitary towel or tampon at least every hour, that you need double protection (towel and pad) that you need to change in the middle of the night and flooding through to clothes or bedding. It may also include bleeding for more than 7 days, passing large blood clots, and generally a disturbance to your daily activities, work, studies or relationship from bleeding. 

Progestogen-only pill: A daily contraceptive

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is a type of contraception. It contains a progestogen hormone. The hormone closely resembles the progesterone hormone produced by a woman’s ovaries.

Older (traditional) POPs contain either levonorgestrel (Norgeston) or norethisterone (Noriday).

Newer POPs contain desogestrel; brands include Cerazette, Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta. The POP is also referred to as the **mini pill** and **contains desogestrel.**

You might notice the area feels tight or itchy. It may be painful when passing urine, having sex or – for men – getting an erection. If it's around the anus, you may find it sore to pass a stool. 

At first, there may be nothing to see on the skin. Skin can become fragile and bleed if rubbed or scratched, and then feel very sore if it breaks down. It may form blood blisters or thickened areas with constant scratching. Later in the process, you may notice shiny white patches where it feels sore or itchy.

Warts are small fleshy growths or bumps with a hardened dry top, most often flesh-coloured, but can appear red if irritated. Several can appear in a cluster.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and spread by vaginal, anal, digital and oral sex or sharing sex toys. They are not harmful, and can disappear by themselves within a few months, but they become irritated and sore if they rub or catch on clothing, and some people are bothered by the appearance. You also put your partner or partners at risk of catching them if they are left untreated.

They may not cause you any bother, or you may be bothered by the appearance, and this can take its toll on your confidence and, inevitably, intimate relationships. Depending on their size or location, they may catch on clothes, or feel a bit sore, and they can sometimes itch or bleed.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection in women of child-bearing age - those between 15 and 44 years old. It isn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection although it is more likely to occur if you’re sexually active, especially with a new partner, if you smoke, use a copper coil (IUCD) for contraception, use bubble baths or feminine hygiene products, or if you have [heavy periods](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/heavy-periods). Having BV can also increase your chances of developing a sexually transmitted infection. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women have an episode of BV at least once in their life.

BV is usually harmless and can be triggered by sex or your period. It’s due to a disturbance in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Normally, this is well controlled with lots of ‘friendly’ bacteria (germs) which is normal but in BV the change in bacteria makes the vagina less acidic, encouraging growth of more bacteria called anaerobes that grow in an environment without air. It can also be triggered by overwashing or douching (washing inside of the vagina). This is because overwashing can clear away the ‘good’ bacteria, allowing for bad bacteria to grow. This is unnecessary as BV is not linked to poor hygiene or from being unclean.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection in women of child-bearing age - those between 15 and 44 years old. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection although it is more likely to occur if you are sexually active, especially with a new partner. Having BV can also increase your chances of developing a sexually transmitted infection.

BV is usually harmless and can be triggered by sex or your period. It can also be triggered by overwashing or douching (washing inside of the vagina). This is because overwashing can clear away the good bacteria, allowing for bad bacteria to grow.

Candidal Skin Infection Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Candida is a very common yeast causing a [thrush](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/thrush) infection. This gives rise to itching and soreness on skin around the genitals, and sometimes pain when passing urine. Warm damp conditions allow the yeast to grow, leading to a distinct bright red rash, often with small red bumps or pus-filled bumps around the edge. Soreness rather than itchiness distinguishes it from other causes of rash.

This is more common in women than men, and affects the labia (the outer and inner lips to the vagina), but can spread to the groin, and can cause itching and irritation to the inside of the vagina. You may also experience vaginal discharge, which is typically thick, white, and doesn't have any particular smell. Most people know it as thrush, but it's medically termed candidiasis, or candidal vulvovaginitis if it affects the vagina.

In men, this can affect the penis, causing [candidal balanitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/candidal-balanitis-male-yeast-infection-what-is-it), and may cause some pain on passing urine.

Endometriosis is a very common condition where deposits of the endometrium (the inner lining of a woman’s womb) grow outside of the womb, which can cause pain and other symptoms. The exact number of women with endometriosis is unclear because there are sometimes no symptoms, but estimates vary from 10% to 50% of women in the UK and it also frequently runs in families. It’s rare in women after the menopause. The endometrium consists of glands, lots of blood vessels and other supportive tissues and during the menstrual cycle, hormones cause the endometrium to thicken in order to nourish an embryo if a pregnancy occurs. 

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where there is repetitive irritation from the deposits that are present outside of the womb. These deposits vary greatly in size from tiny to large, and can cause inflammation, and eventually scarring. This causes parts of pelvic organs to stick together, increasing the sensitivity of nerves and leading to chronic pain. The cervix (the neck of the womb) is commonly affected. 

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. This can easily pass from person to person via unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, or sharing sex toys. Condoms help to prevent catching gonorrhoea.

This may cause no noticeable symptoms, or it can cause a yellow/green watery or pus-like discharge from the penis, vagina or rectum (back passage). It may cause pain on peeing, for women pain during sex, bleeding after sex or bleeding between periods, and for men, pain in the testicles. It can cause joint inflammation ([reactive arthritis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/reactive-arthritis-623), eye symptoms ([conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis) and, if left untreated, can cause infertility.

Given the high stakes and the fact that you may have no symptoms at all, it’s important to get tested regularly. This is especially important if you are aged 16 to 25, as this is the highest-risk age group. Get an STI test at the change of any partner (use condoms until you both get the all-clear) and at least once a year.

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in areas where there are sweat glands around hair follicles. It is a condition that often affects the armpits but can also affect the groin, under the breasts, and around the anus, as well other areas of the body too. It is a chronic condition that can cause both abscesses and scarring of the skin. The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown.

The symptoms are very painful lumps that range from blackheads to [boils](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/boils-864), cysts, or channels (called sinus tracts) that contain and sometimes leak pus. As it is a long-term recurrent condition that requires ongoing management it can cause quite an impact on an individual’s everyday life and can lead to depression.

Emergency contraception is given to those who have had unprotected sex, are not taking regular contraception and want to avoid pregnancy. It’s commonly known as the morning-after pill, but this isn’t accurate, as it's available for up to 5 days after any unprotected sex. But the sooner it’s taken, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy. 

It’s important to emphasise that this is not an abortion or termination of an embryo or foetus. The pill delays the release of a woman's egg, and the coil creates a hostile environment for sperm to fuse with a woman’s egg. It prevents a pregnancy, rather than ending a pregnancy. 

Your local sexual health clinic is best for all types of emergency contraception, but tablets are available on prescription from your GP, the emergency department and some pharmacies. 

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure carried out to remove a woman’s uterus (womb). There are many reasons why people have a hysterectomy, and it is a common procedure. Once the uterus is removed, a woman will no longer have periods and will not be able to get pregnant.  

Clotrimazole is an [antifungal medication](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/antifungal-medicines) and is used to treat common fungal infections like the bugs that cause [vaginal thrush](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/vaginal-thrush-what-is-it). Pessaries (also known as vaginal tablets) are a way to treat the local area affected by inserting directly into the vagina. Canesten is a branded version of clotrimazole pessaries. Clotrimazole pessaries are available over the counter in different strengths. Combination packs with [clotrimazole cream](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/clotrimazole-antifungal-cream) are also available.

You are never far from sexual health services in the UK. Dedicated clinics are there for phone consultations or visits, online services can post out testing kits for [sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/sti-am-i-at-risk), and your GP is also a source of advice, testing and prescriptions. 

Needs can vary widely, but most people request access to STI tests such as [chlamydia](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/chlamydia-296), [gonorrhoea](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/gonorrhoea), syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, [emergency contraception](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/emergency-contraception), regular contraception. They may offer hepatitis B vaccination if you are at risk, or emergency HIV treatment, if you think you’ve been exposed. They can also advise on safe sex, high risk behaviour, sexual assault or rape, and anonymous [contact tracing for a sexual partner or partners](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/sti-contact-510) if you have tested positive for an STI. 

Dr Roger Henderson

Chief Content Officer

Vaginal dryness is when your vagina feels sore, itchy or painful. This can cause discomfort when having sex or passing urine. It’s a common problem and can be caused by a number of conditions, medications and lifestyle factors. It’s not often a symptom of serious concern and there are several ways to prevent, manage and treat the symptoms.

Vaginal Dryness - What is it?

What causes vaginal dryness?

How can I manage vaginal dryness myself?

Pharmacist recommended products

When should I see my doctor?

What can my doctor do?

Related topics

Vaginal Dryness - How to treat?

Menopause – Can I buy HRT from the pharmacy?

Relief from Menopausal Flushes

Vaginal Thrush - What is it?

Vaginal Thrush - How to treat?

Cervical Cancer

STI Contact

STI – Am I at risk?

Libido (Sex Drive): What is it & What Affects it?

Irregular Periods

Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)

Progestogen-only pill: A daily contraceptive

Lichen Sclerosus

Genital Warts

Bacterial Vaginosis

BV

Candidal Skin Infection Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Endometriosis

Gonorrhoea

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Emergency Contraception

Hysterectomy

Clotrimazole Pessaries

Finding Sexual Health Services