Vaginal dryness

You may get vaginal dryness if you have a change in your hormone levels. These changes can reduce how much vaginal discharge or fluid you have. This is called atrophic vaginitis. It can happen if you:

• have gone through menopause
• are breastfeeding
• are taking antidepressants or contraceptive pills
• have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy)
• are having cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or endocrine therapy.

You can also get vaginal dryness if you:

• use perfumed products in and around your vagina
• wash or clean the inside of your vagina (douching)
• are not aroused during sex
• have an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.

If you have vaginal dryness, you may:

• feel uncomfortable or itchy in and around your vagina
• have pain or discomfort during sex
• wee more often than usual.
• get urinary tract infections often.

Cleaning

• You can use water, mild soap or a soap substitute to wash the outer parts of your vagina (vulva).
• Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, antiseptics, bubble bath and other products that may irritate or dry the skin.
• After washing, pat your genitals dry rather than rubbing.
• Do not clean inside your vagina, even with just water. Cleaning disrupts the good bacteria in your vagina and can cause an infection or irritation.

Clothes and laundry

• Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
• Aim to avoid wearing underwear when sleeping as this gives the skin around your vagina a chance to breathe.
• When washing clothes, avoid strong detergents and softeners.
• After sport, wash and change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in tight-fitting clothing such as pantyhose, tights and jeans.

Going to the toilet and periods

• Always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
• Unless you have your period, avoid using any sanitary pads or panty liners.

Vaginal moisturisers

Use a vaginal moisturiser. A vaginal moisturiser replaces moisture in the same way as a moisturiser for your face. You do not need to be sexually active to use a vaginal moisturiser, you can use it at any time.

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants

Sex and self care

• Practise longer foreplay so you feel more aroused during sex.
• Use a vaginal lubricant during sexual activity.
• Aim to get checked for sexually transmitted infections each year or before changing sexual partners.

You can continue to be sexually active. Regular sexual activity may improve your symptoms. It can increase blood flow and help maintain healthy tissue.

Hair removal

Try to avoid shaving or waxing your pubic area as this can worsen your symptoms. If you want to remove some of the hair, trimming can be less irritating to your skin.

If your symptoms do not get better with self care, see your healthcare provider.

If your vaginal dryness is caused by changes in your hormones (atrophic vaginitis), your healthcare provider may prescribe an estrogen vaginal cream, gel or pessary. They may also offer you menopause hormone therapy (MHT) with tablets or patches.