Women of all ages can experience vaginal dryness, but it is most prevalent during and after menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hormonal changes that take place during the change of life and around the time of menstruation can affect vaginal lubrication and moisture. A few natural treatments might help relieve vaginal dryness.
Considerations
Vaginal lubrication consists primarily of transparent fluid that oozes through the walls of the blood vessels surrounding the vagina. During sexual arousal a greater amount of blood flows to the pelvic organs, which produces more vaginal fluid. Hormonal fluctuations can disturb this natural lubrication process.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with vaginal dryness include burning and itching around the vaginal opening, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vaginal dryness can cause pain and perhaps light bleeding during intercourse. Some women also experience more frequent urination.
Fatty Acids
Eating a diet that includes plenty of fatty acids can help stave off vaginal dryness, according to the website Mother Nature. Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, mackerel and salmon, according to the American Heart Association. Other good sources of fatty acids include tofu, soybeans, raw pumpkin, sunflower seeds and walnuts.
Black Cohosh
The herb black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement to relieve menopausal symptoms. One study, published in 2003 in the journal "Maturitas," found that black cohosh had an estrogen-like effect on vaginal cells. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that the research shows that black cohosh might reduce vaginal thinning.
Yams
Some women maintain that creams containing wild yam help improve vaginal lubrication, according to UMMC. However, no significant studies have looked into whether such products are an effective treatment for vaginal dryness. UMMC adds that wild yam extracts do not appear to have hormonal-like activities.
Outlook
Occasional vaginal dryness during sexually intercourse can be a sign that you aren't satisfactorily aroused. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises that you allow plenty of time for your body to become adequately stimulated and lubricated.
Having intercourse on a regular basis can encourage vaginal lubrication, according to the AAFP. And Harvard Health Publications notes that ongoing sexual activity appears to improve vaginal tone and helps maintain the acidic environment that guards against infection.
