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Think back: Whenโs the last time you had a roundtable about, um, vaginal dryness? Okay, itโs probably not the go-to topic blowing up your group textโbut (PSA) itโs officially time to talk about it.
Why? Because vaginal dryness is seriously common in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond (like, if you’re taking oral contraceptives or breastfeeding or experiencing stress)โand thereโs a major knowledge gap around the condition. Thatโs why board-certified OB-GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD, wants to shed light on the issueโfrom the causes to the most commonly occurring symptomsโand encourage some vagina dialogues.
Once youโve eased into the idea that vaginal dryness is not just a *you* problem, take note of Dr. Sekhonโs simple, holistic recommendations for a bit of reliefโlike small diet shifts, more frequent sexual activity (yep, really), and body care with high-quality, effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (which, FYI, you can find in Revaree, a hyaluronic-acid-packed vaginal insert thatโs clinically shown to improve dryness, relieve painful sex, and ease general discomfort, no matter what stage of life youโre in).
Keep reading to get the low-down on vaginal dryness and learn more about the benefits of hydrating inserts. Vaginal health has entered the chat.
What causes vaginal dryness?
If your vagina feels dry, irritated, or painful, decreased estrogen levels may be to blame. โEstrogen is a hormone that helps [support] vaginal health [by] maintaining the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues and lubrication,โ Dr. Sekhon says, โand its decline can lead to various changes, including dryness.โ This happens most commonly during perimenopauseโthe transition period before menopauseโand menopause, when your ovaries begin producing less estrogen, but it can occur at any age.
โIn younger women, vaginal dryness is often linked to factors such as hormonal imbalances, certain medications (like antihistamines and antidepressants), stress, excessive exercise, smoking, breastfeeding, [and] lack of arousal before sexual activity,โ she says.
In perimenopause and menopause, decreased estrogen levels cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, less elastic, and more susceptible to dryness and irritationโa condition known as vaginal atrophy. Whatโs more, โa lower estrogen level can lead to a higher vaginal pH, which reduces the vagina’s ability to ward off harmful bacteria and fungi, contributing to dryness and discomfort.โ
For postmenopausal women, vaginal dryness can become a chronic issue that’s often accompanied by thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, Dr. Sekhon says. โIn addition to the long-term effects of decreased estrogen, other factors like medical conditions, medications for chronic diseases, and overall health status can contribute to or exacerbate vaginal dryness in older women.โ
The bottom line? As you age, a whole host of factors can affect your vaginal health, so getting informed about (and a little relief for) whatโs going on is essential.
A guide to vaginal-dryness relief
Before you resign to an always-dry reality, take note of the simple ways Dr. Sekhon suggests supporting your vaginal health every day: Try to stay hydrated, avoid topical irritants like scented soaps and douches, and incorporate phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy and flaxseed into your diet. Oh, and donโt give up on pleasure time. โRegular sexual activity, with or without a partner, can help maintain vaginal health by improving blood flow to the area,โ she says.
Alongside these tips and tricks, Dr. Sekhon recommends vaginal inserts as an effective solution for managing dryness. โInserts deliver active ingredients directly to the vaginal tissues [to] provide targeted relief right where it’s needed,โ she says. โBy alleviating dryness and discomfort, vaginal inserts can greatly improve sexual comfort and enjoyment [and] can help maintain vaginal health, preventing atrophy and irritation.โ
For the highest level of hydration, she opts for inserts that contain moisturizers like hyaluronic acid. โ[Hyaluronic acid] can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrating agent for the vaginal tissues,โ she says. Plus, โit supports tissue repair and regeneration, which is beneficial for thinning and fragile vaginal [walls].โ
You can deliver a solid dose of hyaluronic acid straight to the source with Revareeโan easy-to-use, hormone-free vaginal insert from Bonafide Health thatโs recommended by over 7,500 doctors and formulated to ease dryness and improve comfort for all the dayโs activities (intimate ones included). According to Bonafide Healthโs chief medical officer and gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, โRevaree is a wonderful option as a first-line management tool, in addition to estrogen or as an alternative. It works by binding water, and likely through angiogenesis, [or] improving blood flow to the vaginal tissue.โ Just reach for the applicator-free, no-mess insert once every two to three nights, and sleep soundly knowing youโre supporting your vaginal health.
Ready to break the silence around vaginal dryness and finally reclaim some comfort (and maybe a little pleasure, please)? Use code WELL20 for 20 percent off your first month’s subscription of Revaree. Go ahead, text it to the group thread.
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