Is it normal to dry up during intercourse

It is perfectly normal for the majority of women to notice a slight white vaginal discharge. Many women may experience vaginal dryness during sex because they are not sexually aroused — this is often caused by insufficient foreplay or psychological reasons such as stress. Other reasons for vaginal dryness before the menopause can be linked to hygiene products such as feminine sprays and harsh soaps, swimming pool and hot tub chemicals and some washing powders.

Certain drug treatments such as allergy and cold medications and some antidepressants, can also dry out mucous membranes, including vaginal tissues. Vaginal dryness can be a common problem for pre-menopausal women with low levels of estrogen, such as breastfeeding mothers, those who have had a hysterectomy and those who have received chemotherapy.

Pre-menopausal women who have their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy are likely to experience menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness, as a result of a loss of hormones. These changes are more dramatic in women whose ovaries have been removed as this causes menopause to occur more abruptly, however, even women requiring hysterectomy whose ovaries remain intact will experience some drop in hormone levels as a result.

The hormonal changes that women experience due to chemotherapy also tend to be dramatic and abrupt, leading to more intense symptoms. Chemotherapy can damage the ovaries so that they no longer produce estrogen and this lowers the amount of vaginal lubrication produced. Decreased amounts of estrogen also leads to a thinner, less elastic and more fragile vaginal lining. The average age of the menopause is 51 and after the menopause women find that their bodies change.

The ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen and the levels begin to decrease. One of the early signs of reduced estrogen on the vagina is reduced lubrication during sexual activity. Without the production of estrogen, the skin and support tissues of the lips vulva and vagina become thinner and less elastic and the vagina can become dry. Approximately half of post-menopausal women experience vaginal dryness.

Loss of lubrication and pain during sex — after the menopause, problems with lubrication and painful sex increase. Thinning of the skin around vagina makes it more easily damaged. This damage can often occur during sex, especially if lubrication is poor — even gentle friction can cause pain and discomfort.

Painful intercourse can then have a knock on effect contributing to a loss of sexual desire. You may find your desire tends to increase in the days leading up to ovulation and decrease after ovulation is over 6,7.

Sex drive may be lower when more progesterone is produced during the luteal phase the days after ovulation and leading up to menstruation 7. If you suspect your dryness could be caused by low estrogen levels, there are several treatment options: vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, local vaginal estrogen cream or tablet, systemic estrogen and progesterone therapy, or sometimes selective estrogen receptor modulators SERMs 3.

Another option is to use personal lubricant lube during sexual activity or masturbation. In a study, lubricant use was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction in both solo masturbation and partnered sexual activities. Lubricants made with water or silicone can be used with latex condoms and diaphragms. A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who had used petroleum jelly as lube in the past month were more than twice as likely as non-users to have bacterial vaginosis Hand or body lotions are not recommended either, as they can be irritating to vaginal tissues.

If you prefer to use something natural, avoid using food products like olive oil or coconut oil as this can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Instead, try an organic lubricant or a water-based lube without additives.

Aside from sexual arousal and estrogen levels, there are additional factors that can affect vaginal lubrication:. Vaginal dryness can be a side effect of some medications and contraceptives. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if the source of your vaginal dryness could actually be your medication or contraception If you're getting vaginal dryness because of changes in your hormone levels, you may be prescribed creams, gels, patches or medicines to increase a hormone called oestrogen.

This is called HRT. Page last reviewed: 15 November Next review due: 15 November Penchant Premium is another hypoallergic option ideal for those with sensitive skin. Silicone-based lubricants may be more effective and pleasurable for monogamous couples at low risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Non-water-based lubricants have downsides too. They are messy. Soap and water must be used to remove them, and they will also stain sheets. Silicone-based lubricants will break down latex condoms or latex in sex toys. We can not underestimate the value of foreplay for those with chronic vaginal dryness. Foreplay gets the juices flowing by increasing sexual arousal. Blood flow to genitals increases, causing the vagina, labia, and clitoris to swell. Better stimulation leads to more natural lubrication and an increase in vaginal elasticity.

The vagina then secretes natural lubrication, which increases pleasure and reduces pain. For those with chronic vaginal dryness, communicating sexual needs and desires to your partner is critical. Sexual partners may be unaware of the physiological changes and not know what to do. Providing feedback allows the partner to learn how best to meet your needs. Multiple products over-the-counter products are available to help increase vaginal moisture.

The basic idea is to prevent dryness and improve the vaginal ph balance. These products do not treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness. They are useful for day to day use to alleviate discomfort and improve vaginal moisture. Those will sensitive skin may benefit from avoiding products containing parabens, glycerin, or propylene glycol. These additives may cause skin irritation. Popular products include Replens and Luvena.

Estrogen is one of the most important female hormones. A decrease in the production of estrogen by the ovaries triggers physiological changes in the vagina.