Cause of dryness during intercourse

A number of conditions can lead to a lack of vaginal lubrication: Changes in hormones. One of the most common causes of vaginal dryness is a decrease in estrogen. Allergy and cold medications containing antihistamines as well as asthma medications. This is a complex autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation.

These drugs, such as diphenhydramine , are used for cold and allergy symptoms.

Some antidepressants come with sexual side effects ,. Not enough foreplay before sex. Low estrogen levels are the reason why dryness happens so often to women during menopause, because estrogen levels drop at this point in our biological lives. Other reasons why your estrogen may be low include childbirth, breastfeeding, chemotherapy, and smoking cigarettes. The excretion of moisture (called vaginal mucosa) which is highest in youth typically increases during sexual arousal when additional blood flows to the vagina, but sometimes our bodies do not create enough.

The resulting dryness can cause pain when engaging in intercourse. Vaginal moisture also increases prior to sex, which increases comfort during intercourse. Consequently, when vaginal moisture levels are low, it can impede sex and cause significant pain.

While vaginal dryness can be due to a number of different factors, often menopausal women often suffer the effects as a result of the drop in estrogen levels. The relief of symptoms often leads to an increased sexual desire and arousal. Pain during other times – in many cases vaginal dryness does not only cause pain during sex it can make it uncomfortable to sit, stan exercise, urinate or even work.

Vaginal atrophy causes the walls of the vagina to become thin and dry losing their elasticity and lubrication. This atrophic vaginal lining may cause itching or burning. These changes can also cause your vagina to tear easily even from normal minor trauma like sex or a pelvic exam. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) may be due to a variety of causes such as menopause, endometriosis , uterine fibroids , STDs and urinary tract infections.

The pain may be deep or short or long in duration. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can help alleviate the pain that occurs during intimacy. Vaginal thinning and dryness are the most common cause of dyspareunia in women over age 50. Be aware, however, that pain during sex can also result from vulvodynia (chronic pain in the vulva, or external genitals) and a number of other causes not specifically associated with menopause or aging (see the “Vaginal Discomfort” and “Pain in the Vulva or Pelvis” ) portions of this program.

Vaginal dryness rarely indicates a serious medical condition. But seek help if the discomfort lasts beyond a few days or if you experience discomfort during sexual intercourse. Other causes of vaginal dryness include certain medical conditions or hygiene practices. Estrogen levels can fall for a number of reasons: Breast-feeding.

Effects on your ovaries from cancer therapy. Avoiding common irritants that may cause vaginal dryness, like perfumed soaps, can help prevent vaginal dryness.

Sometimes, taking more time for foreplay during sexual intercourse can help produce enough lubrication for a woman who can’t produce it as easily. Estrogen keeps the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. If estrogen levels drop off, the vaginal tissue shrinks and becomes thinner. While lifestyle measures, hormonal imbalance, and stress can contribute to vaginal dryness, there are also a number of medical disorders that may cause or present with vaginal dryness. For example, the autoimmune disease known as Sjögren’s syndrome can cause vaginal dryness in addition to dry eyes and dry mouth, due to the body’s own attack on the glands responsible for secretions.

Breast cancer patients weren't included either, even though they, too,. Painful Sex: Ways to Relieve Vaginal Dryness. Vaginal burning during sex does not always mean an infection is present.

Menopause leads to estrogen decline and thinning of the vaginal walls and surrounding tissue. Deficiency of the hormone estrogen can cause vaginal burning during intercourse from lack of lubrication. Other symptoms might include dryness and itching.