While "Dry January" is often associated with giving your liver a break, let’s focus on other types of dryness that can greatly affect your wellbeing: vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. These are issues many women experience but few of us discuss them. Understanding the causes, implications and treatment options is vital to take control of your health and wellbeing.
Vaginal dryness is a common yet often overlooked issue affecting women, particularly during and after menopause. According to NHS research approximately 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy, a condition that encompasses symptoms like dryness, discomfort, and changes in elasticity.
Vaginal atrophy occurs when the tissues of the vagina and surrounding areas become thinner and less elastic. This is primarily caused by a decrease in oestrogen, which is vital for maintaining the health and hydration of the vaginal lining, ensuring it remains thick, moist and well-lubricated. As oestrogen levels decline, particularly during menopause, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture, leading to noticeable dryness and discomfort.
Postpartum hormonal shifts during breastfeeding can also lower oestrogen levels temporarily. Similarly, certain medications, including contraceptive pills, antidepressants and cancer treatments can have an impact too, while underlying medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders are also associated with dryness. Even lifestyle factors, such as using perfumed soaps or not being adequately aroused during intercourse, can contribute to the issue.
Common symptoms include itching, burning and soreness as well as an increased risk of urinary tract infections and a frequent need to urinate. You can also add painful intercourse to this list, as reduced lubrication can make sex uncomfortable. Beyond these physical symptoms, the emotional impact can be significant, with many women reporting feelings of distress, reduced self-esteem and challenges in intimate relationships.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Another condition that often arises during menopause or after childbirth, with a recent UK population-based study of 1,415 women finding a prevalence of nearly 40%. Weakening pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes and the thinning of vaginal and bladder tissues can lead to stress incontinence (leakage during activities like sneezing or exercising) or urgency incontinence (a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate). Like dryness, urinary incontinence can be both physically and emotionally challenging.
Vaginal Dryness Management & Treatment Options
Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage and treat vaginal dryness, ranging from lifestyle changes to advanced medical treatments.
Liverpool Women's Hospital advises avoidance of soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, body scrubs and any kind of wipes. This is due to the irritant nature of the detergents and preservatives used in these products. The pH (level of acidity) can disrupt the normal microbial flora, itself detrimental to the health of these delicate tissues. Using water alone can also be drying and irritating. We recommend using a product such as Yes Intimate Cleanse, an organic product, developed specifically to encourage a healthy intimate microbiome. Using a vaginal moisturiser with similar attributes is also recommended.
During intercourse, engaging in extended foreplay may enhance natural lubrication. Over-the-counter solutions like water-based lubricants can provide immediate relief during sexual activity. You can read more about these in my blog post here.
For those seeking more targeted solutions, medical treatments offer additional support. Topical oestrogen gel or creams and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are often prescribed to increase oestrogen levels, addressing dryness locally and/or systemically.
Innovative Treatment: Votiva FormaV
At our Worcester clinic we offer Votiva FormaV, an advanced non-surgical device designed to address both vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. Using gentle, pain-free radiofrequency energy, it stimulates collagen and elastin production, tightening vaginal tissues, improving natural lubrication and strengthening the pelvic floor, which can in turn improve enjoyment of intercourse.
Usually three treatments, spaced 2-6 weeks apart are recommended to experience the benefits, with one maintenance treatment every 6-12 months. There’s no downtime so you can return to normal daily (and nightly!) activities straight away. Find out more here.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Whilst these can seem like a chore, if performed on a regular basis they will improve bladder and bowel continence and confer all of the benefits of a strengthened pelvic floor. Leila Holmes, Chartered Physiotherapist, Director of Physioadvantage, Alvechurch and one of our AskWiseWomen Faculty, blew our minds with her guidance on how to most effectively perform these vital manoeuvres at our Wellbeing for Wise Women Events. You can watch Leila’s instructional videos here.
Take Control Of Your Intimate Health
While it may feel uncomfortable to discuss vaginal dryness or urinary incontinence, these are common issues that can have a profound effect on wellbeing. Exploring treatment options and understanding the causes is the first step toward reclaiming your confidence and comfort. Find out more about our treatments and how they can help you feel your best – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Comments