Vaginal Dryness Treatment in Indore

Vaginal dryness is a lack of the natural moisture that keeps vaginal tissue supple, elastic and comfortable. It is most strongly associated with menopause, but it is equally common in breastfeeding mothers, women on certain contraceptives, and those who have had chemotherapy or ovarian surgery. It causes daily discomfort, not just difficulty with intercourse, and it responds very well to treatment.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Oestrogen maintains the thickness, blood supply, acidity and glycogen content of the vaginal lining. When oestrogen falls, the lining becomes thin, pale and fragile, natural lubrication reduces, and the protective lactobacilli decline, which also raises the risk of infection. This whole complex is now called genitourinary syndrome of menopause, because it affects the bladder and urethra as much as the vagina.

Causes of Vaginal Dryness

1. Menopause and perimenopause: The commonest cause, affecting a large majority of post-menopausal women.
2. Breastfeeding and the postpartum period: Oestrogen is naturally suppressed while prolactin is high.
3. Medication: Hormonal contraceptives, antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and tamoxifen.
4. Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy and surgical removal of the ovaries.
5. Medical conditions: Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes and thyroid disease.
6. Irritants: Scented soaps, intimate washes, douching, wipes and some spermicides.
7. Insufficient arousal: Often overlooked, and easily addressed.

Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness

1. Burning, itching or a persistent raw sensation
2. Pain or bleeding during and after intercourse
3. Urinary frequency, urgency and recurrent urinary tract infections
4. Light spotting after intercourse from fragile tissue
5. Discomfort while sitting, exercising or wearing fitted clothing
6. Recurrent vaginal infections due to the altered vaginal pH

When to See a Doctor

Consult a gynaecologist if dryness persists despite lubricants, if it causes pain during intercourse, if you have recurrent urinary or vaginal infections, or if there is any bleeding after intercourse or after menopause. Post-menopausal bleeding always needs evaluation and should never be attributed to dryness without examination.

Treatment for Vaginal Dryness

1. Vaginal moisturisers: Used regularly, two or three times a week, to maintain tissue hydration between intercourse.
2. Lubricants: Water or silicone-based, used at the time of intercourse. Avoid petroleum jelly, which damages condoms and irritates tissue.
3. Local oestrogen therapy: Vaginal cream, tablet or ring. Highly effective, with very low systemic absorption, and suitable for most women.
4. Fractional CO2 laser therapy: A non-hormonal option that stimulates collagen and restores mucosal thickness and natural lubrication over three short sessions. Ideal for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormones, including breast cancer survivors. See laser vaginal rejuvenation.
5. Systemic hormone therapy: Considered where hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms co-exist. See post-menopausal therapy.
6. Irritant avoidance: Stopping douching, scented washes and wipes, and switching to plain water and cotton underwear.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment

Untreated atrophy is progressive. The vaginal walls continue to thin and lose elasticity, the opening narrows, and micro-tears during intercourse cause pain and bleeding that lead to avoidance. The altered pH permits recurrent infections, and urinary symptoms worsen in parallel. Once significant narrowing has occurred, restoring comfortable function takes considerably longer than treating early dryness, which often improves within weeks.