Postpartum Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Postpartum vaginal dryness is a common issue that many women experience after childbirth. 

It is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to infection and other issues if left untreated. 

No one wants that…

Which is why you are reading this right now.

This guide will give you the information you need to understand:

  • What postpartum vaginal dryness is
  • How it presents itself
  • Simple ways to treat and manage this condition at home before visiting your doctor

Table of Contents

postpartum vaginal dryness

Signs You May Have Vaginal Dryness

Have you been experiencing vaginal dryness lately? 

You may be one of the many women who are suffering from a lack of natural lubrication in their vagina. 

Vaginal dryness can lead to uncomfortable sex, painful intercourse, and even yeast infections.

The following are some signs that you might have vaginal dryness:

  • Inability to maintain lubrication during sex
  • Burning, discomfort, or itching in the vagina
  • Painful urination due to irritation of vaginal tissue
  • Dryness during intercourse and difficulty inserting tampons
  • Increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms postpartum, it may be that your natural lubrication has decreased as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Causes of Postpartum Vaginal Dryness

Women who have just given birth are often concerned with the issue of vaginal dryness, which is a natural occurrence after giving birth. 

It can be due to: 

  • A drop in estrogen
  • Postpartum thyroiditis
  • Breastfeeding after giving birth
  • Childbirth
  • And more

Just keep in mind...

We will only touch on three of the most common causes in this guide.

You should also talk to your doctor if you think that something else might be causing your problems, they will be able to help point you in the right direction.

Estrogen Drop

Postpartum vaginal dryness is caused by a decrease in estrogen, or oestrogen, which is a major cause of vaginal dryness.

But what does estrogen do to women’s bodies? 

How does this cause vaginal dryness?

Estrogen is responsible for regulating the balance of other hormones, including testosterone, in women.

This means that when estrogen levels are low, masculine traits like facial hair and baldness can become more apparent.

There is also less natural lubrication down there to protect a woman’s vagina from dryness and irritation.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition that many women have post-childbirth, and it usually only lasts about four to six weeks.

It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the production of thyroxine in the thyroid gland which can then lead to temporary hypothyroidism.

This means your hormones will not be working properly, including your thyroid hormones, which, in turn, can cause postpartum vaginal dryness.

Breastfeeding

Most people do not realize that breastfeeding can also be a cause of postpartum vaginal dryness

After giving birth, the production of milk can cause postpartum dryness because it decreases estrogen levels.

It is not just the lack of estrogen in your system, but can be due to some other biological factors as well.

The lactational or nursing hormone prolactin may be causing this postpartum vaginal dryness. 

Prolactin greatly reduces the blood flow to your genitalia and could make you feel sore after nursing.

vaginal dryness postpartum

What Happens to the Vagina When You Have Vaginal Dryness?

The vagina is a complex organ that requires many different parts to work in unison. 

When you have vaginal dryness, the natural lubrication that your cervix produces to keep your vagina clean and moist is not being produced properly. 

Why do you need your vagina's natural lubrication? 

  • The moisture moves slowly down through the vagina.
  • This wetness naturally washes away dead cells.
  • The lubrication keeps the vagina supple.

As you can see…

Vaginal dryness can affect your reproductive health.

Vaginal Dryness: Postpartum Treatment Options

Nearly half of all women suffer from postpartum vaginal dryness, which can severely impact their intimate relationships and self-esteem. 

This is because the skin on your vagina becomes thinner after childbirth as it heals, making sex less pleasurable for both partners and more painful in some cases.

You may be wondering what to do about your postpartum vaginal dryness.

If you want to find relief…

Keep reading to learn more about some postpartum treatment options that will help you battle vaginal dryness after giving birth.

What You Can Do at Home

Consider using the following treatment options available at home that can soothe the sensitive skin in and around the vagina to bring back a healthy balance:

  • Hormone-free vaginal moisturizers
  • Increased foreplay
  • Warm bath or showers
  • Eat more nutrient-dense foods (see the Endo Diet)
  • All-natural lubricant

Do you have vaginal dryness?

Chiavaye’s all-natural lube is a great moisturizer for your vagina.

You can use it at home to help to bring relief to vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort.

If you are looking for a solution for your postpartum vaginal dryness…

Then it’s time to give Chiavaye a try.

What Not to Do at Home

The vaginal area is one of the most sensitive parts of a woman's body. 

In fact, it can be so delicate that even something as simple as toilet paper or laundry detergent can irritate and dry the skin.

Here are some things you should not do to treat vaginal dryness:

  • Avoid douching because it can cause vaginal infections and harm your vagina.
  • Don't use tampons until you're healed from childbirth, as they may increase the risk of infection.
  • Stop using scented wipes or soaps to clean yourself after urinating or having a bowel movement.
  • Do not use petroleum jelly or baby oil to moisten the vagina
  • Avoid using soap, perfumes, or moisturizers on your vulva (the external genitals) or inside your vagina because this can irritate sensitive skin.

Estrogen Therapy

Estrogen therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for vaginal dryness. 

The hormone can be administered orally, topically, or even as an injection to help restore the natural moisture in your vaginal walls.

The benefits of estrogen therapy are numerous, including:

  • Increased lubrication
  • Decreased discomfort during sex
  • Reduced risk of yeast infections
  • Less incidence of bacterial vaginosis

Many women who experience symptoms of vaginal irritation may find relief with this longer-term treatment solution.

postpartum vaginal dryness

When to Seek Medical Help

For most women, vaginal dryness can be managed with home remedies such as using water-based lubricants or taking estrogen pills. 

However, if you have been experiencing …

  • Vaginal dryness for more than 3 months
  • Are not sexually active due to pain
  • Are not breastfeeding

… it is time to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.

It's important to know when vaginal dryness becomes a medical issue because it can be caused by an unidentified underlying health condition.

A trusted doctor can help determine what is causing your vaginal dryness and how best to treat it for you.

Learn How Chiavaye Can Help With Your Postpartum Vaginal Dryness

If you’re looking for a new lube, Chiaveye has one that is also great as a vaginal moisturizer.

Plus, Chiavaye’s lube is:

  • Made of all-natural ingredients
  • Won't make postpartum dryness worse
  • Safe to use with latex condoms and sex toys

You deserve the best possible experience when it comes to your sexual health. 

Try out Chiavaye’s 100% natural lube for your relief and pleasure.

 

 

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published