Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is also known as loss of lubrication, lack of lubrication, female sexual arousal disorder etc. This is a condition where the female partner is unable to get vaginal lubrication or to become wet. Either the woman is not able to achieve a lubrication-swelling response or to maintain it till the completion of the sexual activity. This may cause pain for both partners during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal dryness is present in 18.4% to 38.2% in the general population. But in India percentage of women coming forward for treatment of vaginal dryness is low. The study conducted by Dr.Promodu’s Institute of Sexual & Marital Health Pvt Ltd from January 2006 to January 2015 shows that women seeking treatment for female sexual arousal disorder or vaginal dryness is as low as 5.06%. But the women suffering from vaginal dryness in India many fold. Due to the socio-cultural practices and stigma most of the avoid seeking treatment.

Causes

Medical: Menopause has been found to be associated with low level of lubrication or vaginal dryness. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus with neuropathy and vascular complications, Recurrent urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases, vaginal infections, neurological conditions affecting autonomous nervous system, side effects of certain medicines, surgical procedures or radiations damaging tissue structures etc also leads to vaginal dryness.

Psychological: Major Psychological causes of vaginal dryness are acute or chronic mental stress, depression, anxiety, distraction during sexual activity, dislike to partner, emotional or adjustment problems with the partner etc.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the problem. If it is due to any medical issues it can be treated by correcting the underlying medical cause. Hormone replacement treatment is also given in certain cases. If it is psychogenic in origin, sex therapy is the choice of treatment. At Dr. Promodu’s Institute we evaluate and treat vaginal dryness with a multidisciplinary perspective. A combination of medicine and sex therapy is found to be very effective. As result the outcome of vaginal dryness treatment is found to be very promising. On a two year follow up relapse rate was less than 10%.