Dry vagina
Vaginal lubrication
The natural moistness of the vagina prevents its sides from rubbing against each other as you move about during the day. The vaginal moisture is also slightly acidic, and this helps to keep infections such as thrush at bay. This acidity is caused by the friendly bacteria that live in the vagina and help to keep it healthy.
Vaginal dryness before the menopause
Vaginal dryness before the menopause is mostly a problem during sex. It may mean that you are not sufficiently aroused which can occur for all sorts of reasons such as inadequate foreplay, feelings of guilt, fear or relationship problems. Also remember that men generally get aroused sooner than women, so your partner may be attempting penetration before you are ready, before good lubrication has occurred. Lack of lubrication is also common in breastfeeding women, because oestrogen levels are low, and in women with diabetes.
Vaginal dryness during or after the menopause
What to do about vaginal dryness before the menopause
What to do about vaginal dryness during and after the menopause
Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated:
Thursday, June 10th 2010
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Comments on this article
Posted by Suzanne on 08/01/2012 at 11:24
I found a product that helps when my vagina is dry. Its is called Astroglide Natural, you can get it online
Posted by Optional on 21/12/2011 at 08:05
I am a 52 year old female. I went into menopause at age 39. I took HRT for 10 years. All was fine. After taking no hrt's now, I am unable to have sexual relations at all. It is too painful. I tried the pencil like meds, but sometimes I forget when to take it, therefore does me no good.
Posted by Optional on 09/12/2011 at 04:05
I took black cohash for several years fir menopause hot flashes on the advice of a pharmacist and now have a fatty liver. To say the least I am disappointed in the advice given to me.
Posted by jay on 17/11/2011 at 05:02
I think this page was very informal andgace great info
Posted by Optional on 09/10/2011 at 01:06
Seriously? This is the most unhelpful website I have come across. People seeking answers for vaginal dryness and all you can say is use lube?? What is wrong with you? Obviously women use lube if they have this problem. Some assistance in getting rid of the problem is why they end up at this site. PUT DOWN SOME PROPER USEFUL FACTS PLEASE. Perhaps even just HINT at a possible diagnosis. Signed, frustrated
Posted by Optional on 12/09/2011 at 06:32
i had sex many a times but this time when i met my bf i was really excited so had sex very smoothly but after that when we again wanted to have the same day then my vagina was dry and was difficult & painful for sex so we could not then we tried doing for about 7-8 times the following day but we could not though we managed to do but it was not at all pleasurable for me because i was not wet at all..and now am not getting discharged i can feel its stuck up on the peak of my uterus and in every 2 minutes have to go to washroom because am feeling of urine but actually am not its a liquid mixed with discharge and also am feeling as if something is stuck up on the peak of my vagina...plz help me am not feeling good
Posted by Optional on 10/09/2011 at 02:04
Thank u for ur help since it was making it hard for me snd my partner now I feel more relax to know thay there iys something I could do about this dryness
Posted by kamini on 03/09/2011 at 02:53
when my hubby is ready to have sex at that time while inserting it is very hard and painful from 1 week same prblm my hubby is irritating why this is happening i can't understand
Posted by Optional on 07/08/2011 at 10:57
wife takes drug after breast cancer that takes away any trace of estrogen, very dry vagina. Wondering how much lubricant to use. Did like the tip on other available lubricants other than K Y.
Posted by Optional on 01/08/2011 at 07:57
I am searching for products over the counter to help vaginal dryness and increase libido. I've had a hysterectomy, on blood pressure,lexapro,wellbutrin,estrace,and oxycodone. The only way to reach orgasam is with a vibrator against clothing only once in a GREAT while. I am turned on by my partner, but dry and can't orgasm. My Dr. prescribed Premarin cream, but I can not afford this.
Posted by Optional on 29/07/2011 at 03:33
Been sexually inactive x 12 years. To be married soon. Had Total abd hyst and need good way to help with vaginal dryness that wouldn't detract husbands enjoyment.
Posted by Optional on 25/07/2011 at 08:18
i thought i'l never find a solution to my vagina dryness but i found it and even more answers to my health problems here on embarassing questions.com,now i'm happy and free
Posted by Optional on 25/05/2011 at 08:44
I have tried several lubricants to no avail. I am on an anti-depressant so I have no desire for sex and I cannot take estrogen because of migraines. I have a husband who very much wants sex and I cannot deny him this, but the pain is soooooo bad, I do not know what to do.
Posted by Optional on 02/03/2011 at 02:25
mine is s dry it hurts to wipe after peeing. id compair it to the sarah desert down there
Posted by rs091 on 18/02/2011 at 06:12
my vagina gets very dry half way through sex with my partner even though i feel very sexually aroused i just become really dry. I haven't been to my doctor as i feel rather embaressed. I am only 19 and feel this shouldn't be happening so young. I did buy some lubrication, however my partner doesn't like using it because it 'isnt me'.. I very often climax unless it has started to become painful, in which case i don't. Could anyone help me with what could be causing this, my partner gets very upset and thinks i am just not attracted, when that really isn't the case. And it is good to know there are lots of other women with simular problems pre menopause, i thought i was strange.
Posted by Optional on 12/02/2011 at 02:15
I would have liked a list of reputable creams and places to buy them.
Posted by I need help on 03/02/2011 at 09:00
Since year ago I feel my vagina is so dry all the time, even before and during the intercourse. After I had a baby we are using the condom for 2 years and 5 months. This makes so dry or something wrong to me, or this is early menopause but I am just 34 years old now it is too early and impossible . What I should to do. Give me some advise
Posted by Optional on 02/02/2011 at 08:09
my vagina doesnt produce lubrication anymore! its been like this for a while. and i get extremely aroused before/during sex (i even orgasm every time we do it!) before this i used to lubricate a lot! what is wrong now? would i be able to lubricate naturally (i.e. w/out KY Jelly and the like)?
Posted by susan on 30/01/2011 at 03:02
I had a complete hysterectomy Ovaries removed. I took HRT for 2 yrs. I quit taking them fear of breast cancer. I have been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. Dr does not want to give me estogen or any other hormones. Due to the plaque that may be in the arteries. I still have hot flashes, sweats. No libido. I do smoke also. Should I go on HRT at this time. My hysterectomy was 8 yrs ago. Medication that I am on Lexapro 20 mg a day. Medication for high blood pressure. Lisinoprl 10 mgs. metoprolol 15 mgs per day dOC put me on metitest 10 mg 1/2 every other day. that was to help with the libido. What is your reccomendation?
Posted by Optional on 28/01/2011 at 07:51
After my last period my vagina is dry which is new 2 me. Pls what is wrong
Posted by Optional on 09/01/2011 at 09:30
tried oestrgen cream and found it very good can you only get it on prescription.
Posted by Steph 91 on 08/12/2010 at 03:44
My problem is the total opposite... I am always really moist to the point that my partner always thinks that i want sex i find it really embarrassing and he doesn't believe me. Is there any explanation for this??
Posted by Optional on 28/11/2010 at 03:19
During sex my vagina drys up and becomes very irritable and it makes sex very painful. What's wrong with me?
Posted by Optional on 17/11/2010 at 11:24
I'm 29 trying to have a baby but im dry what is the best lubrication to use?
Posted by lady a on 27/10/2010 at 03:09
my vagina is dry all the time and it didn't use to be dry...and i was wondering if anyone new how to make it not be dry...i cant even have sexwithout it being dry...
Posted by Optional on 10/10/2010 at 08:27
my wife has breast cancer here cycle of chemotherapy completed in April,2009, since tamoxifen started. here sex libido is too low. I want to know, is sex is safe for both of us?. and is there any harm to use water based lubricant for dry vagina?
Posted by Sundari on 18/09/2010 at 08:35
i had very very dried vagina. if my boy friend enter male organ my vagina gets dried and fully over tight.
Posted by SJT on 11/09/2010 at 12:28
This comment is for TEE Have you been tested to find out if you allergic to your husband ? It is possible to be allergic ! You need to talk to your Dr. about your problem ! Good Luck !
Posted by Anonymous on 09/09/2010 at 03:30
Even though I use a lubricant, I still get vaginal tears. What type of medication can I get to help heal these tears?
Posted by Optional on 09/09/2010 at 03:19
When I try to have sex my vagina is very dry and I use a lubricant but still experience soreness after intercourse. I apparently experience tears in my vagina and wonder if I need a special applicator to make sure that my vagina is getting lubricated throughout. Is there an applicator that will ensure that I am fully lubricated?
Posted by www.dryvaginasex.com on 15/08/2010 at 12:58
Hello, I have also experienced this serious problem and have found a few books which I do recommend to my friends and clients. I am a counsellor and have encountered this serious problem with some of my clients. I did some research and applied some of the techniques as described in the books on my website at www.dryvaginasex.com and they have given some pleasant outcomes. Hope that you also find a similar experience of from the reading. Please write on my blog to let me know what you found.
Posted by Optional on 05/08/2010 at 10:40
hi ive a daughter of 15 months!i recently started seeing a guy and when we get to haveing sex i dry up half way through which is getting to be very frustrating for both of us especially me as i feel like its my fault everytime it happens!im also on the pill might that be causing it???please help me get my sex life back
Posted by Desiree on 31/07/2010 at 01:29
I was easily lubricated in the beginning of my pregnancy. I am currently 35 weeks and I have had trouble getting lubricated for about 3-4 months. Is this normal? Will this problem remain after my baby is born?
Posted by Optional on 22/07/2010 at 03:25
After 10 years of menopause am now suffering extreme vaginal/vulvar pain. hopeing Vagifem will help, but worried about side effects.
Posted by Optional on 21/07/2010 at 11:17
I got all what i needed and i will suggest to others this site,thank you very much it was a good explanation.
Posted by Optional on 18/07/2010 at 06:56
Any info on new non-estrogen SERM drug for vulvo-vaginal dryness/strophy: OSPEMIFENE? Projected FDA approval 2010. I have severe vag.dryness & atrophy; affects all movement -can only walk 50-100 steps before moisturisers wears off. Then tissues swell, burn and are abraded. Thrush infection follows this tissue damage.Local estrogen tmts worked perfectly vor v/v pblms but caused raging thrush infections. Anti-fungal creams cause severe burning; Fluconazole now ineffective at high dose. Nizoral used now. This solves thrush but not dryness/mobility problems. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)used vaginally in Europe. Any news? 2 Itlaian companies: Products called: REPADINA PLUS(only HAcid; almond oil and anti-oxidants. no Parabens etc) Another with HA (Italy) SERENA
Posted by Jen on 14/07/2010 at 04:28
My vagina used to be dripping wet all the time, but after I was with child my vagina has been very dry. I need KY intense lube just to have sex. Is there an atlernative?
Posted by Tee on 12/07/2010 at 01:07
Hi I'm just too much frustrated with my life right now! It's been two years I've been married still I was never able to have sex with my husband.I'm totally not getting what's wrong with me??What's my disease. When I was 18, I started to have itching in my vagina. It got severe in next three-four years.Then I visited a Doctor in my country (I'm recently migrated to Australia).She did all the tests and found no yeast infection or bacterial infection. I had swab test. Then she just gave some medicines of all kind of infections since the doc didn't find any infection & the itching & excessive discharge was unbearable for me. That stopped my itching. But I was loosing all kind of sexual sensation. When my boyfriend used to kiss me i used to get wet. later no matter how much I wanted to feel the kiss but it did nothing to me. after getting married every time we tried to have sex he could never put the penis inside. The Doc again checked, the vagina is wide enough , penis goes inside but the moment he pushes it inside burning starts on my vulva. It's so severe that I can't think of anything but to take it off. I don't even get enough lubrications from inside. I used K-Y jelly but it doesn't help that much & the burning makes me go nuts. I really don't know what to do anymore. My husband is really supportive. But now I almost kinda lost hope. How can I get rid of burning. Even my sensation on clitoris is lost. I don't even find it anymore. i could never have sex & I'm 26. Please HELP if anybody have any solutions!!!!!
Posted by Shelley on 24/06/2010 at 09:15
I just read about the cervix producing moisture and I have to say that I can't believe that this is the first time I have heard of this. After almost 14 years post-op from a total hysterectomy,and suffering from some very annoying vaginal, bladder and kidney problems, that makes perfect sense to me. Logically I know that when you remove important body parts there has to be side effects but when most doctors tell you that you will have no problems and you don't really need these parts...well it is very discouraging and makes me quite angry. I feel like I have been working through menopause for 14 years and have many more years of this to deal with. All I can say is that I hope Women's health issues are taken much more seriously by the time my daughter has to deal with these issues. I am very proactive in searching for solutions to my health issues and always have been but it can be a very frustrating. I'll keep on educating myself and thanks for the interesting information. Good luck to all the other women out there struggling with these issues.
Posted by sunita on 19/06/2010 at 08:35
After pregnancy I doesn't feel wetness in my vagina plz suggest me how to solve this problem
Posted by nona on 17/06/2010 at 12:27
i want options of what i cn do to improve dryness during intercourse
Posted by Zoe on 05/06/2010 at 05:05
My virgina eaches a lot so i want 2 know what should i use & 2 get it?
Posted by Optional on 26/05/2010 at 05:50
I have dry thinning itchy female parts. I need moisture and plumpness back. I have sex almost every day. what is best? ky only makes it slick for the moment. I dont have hot flashes etc. do you think sylk or yes will really work?
Posted by Optional on 05/05/2010 at 05:24
what is the causes of not having the feeling to have sex & dryness problem
Posted by Nancy on 19/03/2010 at 07:46
I menopause at the age of 45. I experience vaginal dryness during intercourse and I feel very uncomfortable. We use KY Jelly before sex. I started to use oestrogel recommended by pharmacy but every time when I apply on the skin, there is a burning sensation that last for few seconds. Is it safe to use? What is the best lubrication you can recommend. By the way, I never take HRT.
Posted by Optional on 18/03/2010 at 09:04
i WANT HAVE PREGNANCY BUT I AM UNDER MENOPAUSE STAGE , I WANT TO GET ON NATURAL , WHAT SHALL I DO AND HOW , IS IT POSSIBLE?
Posted by NIKKIl on 14/03/2010 at 04:54
HAVE BEEN ON HRT 9YRS NOW HAD A FULL HYSTRECTMI. LAST 3 MONTHS VIGINA SMEEL AFTER BATHS
Posted by Optional on 10/03/2010 at 11:52
good. informative.
Posted by Anonymous on 28/01/2010 at 08:16
ploblems with dry vagina. please advise supplements or gels ect. not HRT
Posted by Anonymous on 25/01/2010 at 04:49
m 25 n m experiencing the problem of vaginal dryness during intercourse and think this is disturbing to my partner as it appears as though m rejecting him.m dry even wen m excited.wat can i do n wat could be causing the problem?
Posted by blessing on 12/01/2010 at 09:20
what is the causes of not having the feeling to have sex
Posted by sky on 03/01/2010 at 09:02
Hi I (female), 34 and married in year 2004 and tried to have intercourse. I have found that mu husband actually has problem of penetartion as my vargina very dry. after 6 years, i still cant get pregnant as penetration some only hakf way, how to get conceive. Please advise whether I can apply any cream into the vargina. Any food can help to improve the varigna dryness? Thank you. Regrad SKY
Posted by Susan Torry on 16/12/2009 at 11:31
I had a hysterectomy 1977, and was put on HRT until 6 years ago. Hve suffered with a sore vagina, no discharge, and no particular itching, just very sore. Have been going back and forwards to GP. Sometimes they have given me canestan pessaries, and at first they worked, but then they said that my oestrogen levels were low, and they have now given me Vagifem for twice a week, and if I get sore in between then they have given me Elocon Cream to use. I am only getting relief for a few days at a time, and sometimes if I am lucky then a week. Is my GP prescribing me with the correct medication, or is there something that I can buy as well.
Posted by kristi on 13/12/2009 at 10:42
I tried the Liquid Goddess and was happy with it, but it is strange to melt it first before use. very effective on the yeast issue though, have any of you tried the other one they make? not sure what the name is
Posted by Lebo on 10/12/2009 at 08:07
I started using the birth control injection (Depo Provesa) in May this year but didnt go for the second time because i had headacheas all the time and felt naucious because of it.My problem is that since getting the injection,i am expirencing vaginal dryness and my period is now iregular.It comes after 2months for two whole weeks.Is this normal?
Posted by Anonymous on 18/11/2009 at 02:07
I've been using Starglide Bio Sensitive for a few months and love the stuff, it's all natural and has Aloe Vera which has really helped since going through the menapause. They've got a website www.starglide.co.uk
Posted by Anonymous on 18/10/2009 at 04:07
had hysterectomy at 31. now have lost my sex drive,cant have hrt because of history of breast cancer and scares,any advice please.
Posted by Leah on 03/06/2009 at 12:05
I too have tried various lubricants which have not helped at all. I recently came across an interesting website which might be helpful to others as well. The website is www.vaginismus.com. After reading some of the information on this site I'm beginning to feel that this could be my problem. You also might be able to relate to their information.
Posted by ohlalal on 24/05/2009 at 10:08
im am having a vaginal problem, when my husband and i having a sex its really painful because of the dryness, im only 21, what should i do, so we can enjoy our sex activity?
Posted by Maria on 18/05/2009 at 10:38
The directions on Replens says that a white looking discharge is normal as it is the old cells coming away from the vaginal wall. I have persevered but the white stuff is still coming even after a month. This is so embarrasing when being intimate I have decided to stop using it and give Yes a go instead.
Posted by CAROL on 27/04/2009 at 06:08
After using Replens I now have a horrible thick green/yellow discharge which fortunately has no smell but I am having to use pads as it is so bad. Could anyone please advise? Thank you
Posted by Anonymous on 20/04/2009 at 09:47
I have had breast cancer and am now experiencing vaginal dryness. I would like to use a vaginal lubricant with a dispenser to insert before having sex which is now painful for me. It must not give off hormones that would likely increase my chances of breast cancer returning.
Posted by Mommyof7 on 16/04/2009 at 08:39
I use a product I found on amazon, called Liquid Goddess. it the best natural lube i have tried. no chems, lasts forever and it also fights candida. check their site out www.liquidgoddess.net
Posted by Anonymous on 05/04/2009 at 09:51
im having a problem of vaginal dryness during sex, my body does not respond to being romanced. im so scared of sex, it does real hurts and horrible but my boyfriend enjoys it a lot. i was sexually abused several times by men as a little girl, thats why im scared of sex. what i know is that it hurts! i really need help.
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