LIFE

6 signs you have a dehydrated vagina ... and what to do about it if you do!

First published on Wednesday 19 May 2021 Last modified on Friday 6 August 2021

This uncomfortable condition is more common than you might think ...

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7 things you should never do to your vagina

When it comes to vaginas, many mums try and forget about theirs once they've pushed an 8lb baby or two through it!

However, even after kids (as well as before and between) it's still really important to know what's normal and what's NOT down there.

For instance, you might not have known is that your vagina can suffer from dehydration – it was news to us, too!

According to Cheyenne Swaby, a Urogynecology Surgical Nurse and WooWoo’s Intimate Health Expert:

'Women experience vaginal dryness when the vagina is less lubricated and this could be a result of many different factors such as hormonal changes, pH imbalance caused by infection, medications, stress and anxiety.'

Although it's most common amongst menopausal women, vaginal dryness is very common in all age groups!

Signs your vagina might be dehydrated include the following:

  • Soreness/itchiness around your vulva or inside the vagina
  • A burning feeling when peeing
  • Vaginitis
  • Pain during penetrative sex
  • Frequently contracting UTIs
  • Needing to pee more than normal

According to Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an ob-gyn from New York, not drinking enough water can affect your vagina.

She says:

'Dehydration can disrupt the delicate balance of good yeast and bacteria in the vaginal microbiome.

'Disruptions can lead to vaginal infections, like yeast infections. It’s not as widely discussed as the digestive microbiome, but maintaining the vaginal microbiome should also be a priority, as it plays a vital role in supporting overall feminine health.'

However, vaginal dehydration isn't necessarily brought about by this, and could be caused by the following:

  • Breastfeeding
  • Going through menopause
  • Stress
  • Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy
  • Antidepressants
  • Some contraceptives
  • Having a hysterectomy

So what should you do if you think you may be suffering?

It's important to speak to your doctor about what treatments are suitable for you, as unresolved vaginal dryness can lead to other health problems.

Options your GP might recommend could be vaginal moisturisers or hormonal replacement therapy.

Natural ways to prevent vaginal dryness also include not using scented soaps on your vagina, eating more foods containing phytoestrogens, and engaging in foreplay before sex.

Why not invest in this miracle cream that's formulated especially for soothing dry and itchy vaginas? See more details here at Amazon.

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