Understanding and managing dry mucous membranes in the genital area

Dry mucous membranes, or atrophy as it is also called, have become a part of my life. I have gained a lot of knowledge about how dry mucous membranes can affect women's daily lives, their sexual relationships, and well-being, but I actually have no personal experience yet. At the threshold of menopause, I am now very attentive to my own mucous membranes. Extremely observant. I study them carefully and note every little change. I prepare myself and try to get ready for the winds of the Sahara desert that could blow in at any time now. Because dry mucous membranes are actually something that seems really tough for the women who suffer from them, but there is hope. ❤

First and foremost. No, NOT ALL women suffer from dry mucous membranes. It is not an inevitable fate that no woman can escape. At least I needed to hear that. It is estimated that about 50% of all women experience dry mucous membranes at some point in their lives. Often in connection with hormonal changes during menopause. The reason why some women do not suffer from dry mucous membranes during menopause can vary. There are also several factors that can play a role in reducing the risk of or alleviating the symptoms of dry mucous membranes. As with everything else, it is of course good to be informed. If you have knowledge, you can more easily make your own active choices, which means you also "own" your vagina – with or without dry mucous membranes. ❤

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MUCUS MEMBRANES WITH VAGINAL DRYNESS?

With vaginal dryness, the mucous membranes in the vagina become thin, dry, and less elastic than normal. The mucous membranes in the vagina usually produce natural moisture and lubrication, which helps keep the vagina healthy and comfortable. When the mucous membranes become dry, they can lose their natural moisture and lubrication, which can lead to several unpleasant symptoms and complications.

WHAT DOES VAGINAL DRYNESS FEEL LIKE?

Vaginal dryness can cause several unpleasant symptoms. These can vary in intensity and are experienced differently from person to person. Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

🌸 Dryness

The main indication of vaginal dryness is a feeling of dryness in the vagina. It can feel like a lack of moisture and lubrication.

🌸 Itching and irritation

Dry mucous membranes can cause itching and irritation in the vagina and the surrounding area. It can be uncomfortable and irritating.

🌸 Stinging or burning sensation

Some women may experience a stinging or burning sensation in the vagina, especially during activities such as intercourse or urination.

🌸 Pain or discomfort during intercourse

Vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful and uncomfortable. It can feel like friction or chafing, which can lead to discomfort and pain.

🌸 Increased sensitivity to injury

When the mucous membranes are dry, they become more sensitive and prone to damage. This can result in small wounds and cracks in the vagina. These can be very small and may also be difficult to detect visually. However, they can cause discomfort and pain, especially during or after intercourse. Symptoms can range from mild to more intense and may include burning, stinging, pain, or tenderness in the vagina.

🌸 Frequent urinary tract infections

Dry mucous membranes can increase the risk of urinary tract infections because the natural protection and pH balance in the vagina can be affected.

🌸 Increased vulnerability to infections

Dry mucous membranes can make the vagina more susceptible to infections, including yeast infections and urinary tract infections.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE RISK OF DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES

Genes

Genes play a role in the body's production of hormones, including estrogen, which is important for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in the genital area. Some genetic factors can affect hormone production and thereby have an indirect impact on the risk of dry mucous membranes and atrophy. It is known that there are genetic variations that can affect the amount and activity of estrogen receptors in the body. Estrogen receptors play an important role in regulating the health and moisture of mucous membranes. If there are genetic variations that affect the function of estrogen receptors, it can increase the risk of developing dry mucous membranes. Much research is still needed to understand the exact genetic link to dry mucous membranes and atrophy.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, especially decreased estrogen levels, can be one of the main causes of vaginal dryness in women. Estrogen is a hormone that plays an important role in maintaining the health and function of the vaginal mucous membranes. It stimulates the production of natural vaginal secretions and helps maintain moisture, elasticity, and acidity in the vagina. During menopause, the production of estrogen in the body decreases as the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs. This often leads to the mucous membranes in the genital area becoming thinner, less elastic, and more susceptible to dryness, itching, and irritation.

Smoking

Smoking can have negative effects on the health and moisture of mucous membranes, including vaginal mucous membranes. Since smoking restricts blood circulation in the body, blood supply to the mucous membranes can affect moisture. Smoking can also disrupt estrogen levels, which can lead to dry mucous membranes as well as the natural secretion of mucus in the body, which of course also affects moisture levels in the vaginal mucous membranes. Smoking can also be irritating and inflammatory to the mucous membranes in the body, which can also affect the vaginal mucous membranes.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can increase urine production and thereby cause dehydration. When the body becomes dehydrated, this can also affect the production of natural body fluids, including vaginal secretions, and can therefore lead to reduced moisture and dryness in the mucous membranes. Alcohol can also affect the hormonal balance in the body, including estrogen levels, which in turn can affect the moisture of the vaginal mucous membranes.

Caffeine

Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it can potentially contribute to dehydration. When the body becomes dehydrated, the moisture in the vaginal mucous membranes is of course also affected. Since caffeine is also a stimulant and increases stress levels in some people, it can itself affect the moisture of the mucous membranes as prolonged stress indirectly affects the hormonal balance in the body. Everything is connected ❤

Drink enough water

Water, water, water! Yes, that goes without saying, really? By drinking enough water, you help maintain moisture balance – even in the vagina 😊 Our bestseller, VagiVital AktivGel for dry mucous membranes is based precisely on water. The secret behind the product is a high viscosity, low osmolality, low surface tension, and a low pH. These properties make the gel adhere to the vaginal mucosa and simply stay where it is placed. The low osmolality, that is, the ultimate moisturizing ability, is also adapted for the vagina where the gel releases water over time.

VagiVital AktivGel for dry mucous membranes can be found here

By the way, did you know that the word atrophy in Greek means "lack of nourishment"?

So make sure to give your dry mucous membranes the nourishment they need ❤

Stress

Today, most of us know that stress can negatively affect our health, but few probably think about the fact that it can also impact the vaginal mucous membranes. Prolonged stress can affect the hormonal balance in the body and thus indirectly influence the moisture of the mucous membranes. When we experience stress, the body can release stress hormones that affect various physiological processes in the body, including hormonal balance where reduced estrogen production can contribute to vaginal dryness. Stress can also affect blood circulation by triggering the body's "fight-or-flight" response. This can reduce blood flow to the mucous membranes, which also affects moisture. Stress can also impact the body's ability to produce natural lubrication in the vagina, making the mucous membranes drier.

Hygiene products

Some soaps and hygiene products may contain irritating ingredients or chemicals that can disrupt the natural balance of the mucous membranes and cause irritation. This can lead to dryness, itching, and discomfort in the intimate area. The vagina has a natural pH balance that helps protect against infections and maintain a healthy microbial environment. Hygiene products with a high pH value, perfume, or strong chemicals can disrupt this balance and thus affect the moisture and health of the mucous membranes. Therefore, make sure to choose the right product for your intimate hygiene ❤

Our patented VagiVital Moisturizing V Cleanser for intimate wash is based on the same moisturizing and unique properties as VagiVital AktivGel but with a little added rapeseed oil.

🌸 Although it is soap-free, it can clean both fat- and water-soluble impurities

🌸 It moisturizes without disturbing the sensitive pH balance of the intimate area

🌸 Of course, it is free from perfume, soap, and parabens

🌸 Recommended by gynecologists

You can find VagiVital Moisturizing V Cleanser here

Medications

Some medications can affect the moisture in the vaginal mucous membranes and contribute to dry mucous membranes. Here are some types of medications that can have that effect:

🌸Hormonal contraceptives

Certain forms of hormonal contraceptives, such as some types of birth control pills, can reduce the production of natural vaginal secretions and affect the moisture of the mucous membranes.

🌸 Antidepressants

Some antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can have side effects that affect the moisture of the mucous membranes and cause vaginal dryness.

🌸Antihistamines

Antihistamines used to treat allergies can also have a drying effect on the body, including the vaginal mucous membranes.

🌸 Blood pressure medications

Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta blockers and diuretics, can affect the moisture balance in the body, including the mucous membranes in the vagina.

🌸 Medications for breast cancer treatment

Women undergoing cancer treatments, especially radiation therapy or hormone therapy, can develop dry mucous membranes as a consequence of the treatment. Medications such as aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen can affect the mucous membranes and cause vaginal dryness as they reduce estrogen production, which can lead to vaginal dryness.

Read Annika Cripps, known from the first dating TV show for seniors in Sweden, blogs about her personal experience with breast cancer and dry mucous membranes here.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

During pregnancy, estrogen levels are high, which usually results in increased blood flow to the pelvic area and improved moisture in the vaginal mucous membranes. After childbirth and during breastfeeding, estrogen levels can drop, which may lead to decreased moisture and vaginal dryness. Breastfeeding can also affect the body's overall hydration and cause drier mucous membranes.

WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE OF DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES IN THE GENITAL AREA

It is important to remember that the experience of dry mucous membranes can vary between women and also in different body parts, such as the vagina, mouth, eyes, and nose. Some women may have mild symptoms that are easy to manage with simple measures, while others may have more severe and troublesome symptoms that affect their quality of life. For many women, dry mucous membranes can lead to unpleasant and painful symptoms, including itching, burning sensation, soreness, and difficulties performing certain activities such as intercourse. Every woman's experience is unique ❤

THE NUMBER OF WOMEN WHO SUFFER FROM DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES

It is difficult to determine exactly how many women suffer from dry mucous membranes in their lifetime because many do not seek help or do not talk openly about their symptoms. There we all can make a big difference! Start talking about dry mucous membranes and share our experiences. According to research, up to 50% of all women experience dry mucous membranes at some point in their lives. It is important to recognize that dry mucous membranes are a common challenge for many women and that they are not alone in their experience. Half of the women you see on the bus probably have dry mucous membranes 😊 and maybe many of your girlfriends? A first step is for women to start talking to each other and sharing experiences. A woman who has dry mucous membranes is not alone ❤ but sometimes it may feel that way.

EMOTIONALLY MANAGING DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES

Dry mucous membranes are actually not just a physical change but can also have a significant impact on one's emotional well-being and self-esteem. For me personally, I think that would be the biggest challenge. At the same time, I get a little annoyed with myself. It's the same vagina, right? Dry as wet. Or? Are my wet mucous membranes so linked to my identity, femininity, and self-esteem that I would lose part of this if I get dry mucous membranes during menopause? By the way, the very word "dry" feels a bit unpleasant. A "dry" person, for example, isn't very fun? I still think it again comes down to our attitude, and there is probably quite a bit that I myself need to review ❤

🌸 Acceptance and understanding

The first step in managing dry mucous membranes is to actually accept that changes in the body are natural and that many women go through the same thing. Learn more about menopause and its symptoms, including vaginal dryness, to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening in the body.

🌸 Open communication

It is important to open up and talk about your feelings and experiences with your partner, friends, or your gynecologist. By sharing your experiences, you can get support, understanding, and also practical advice for managing vaginal dryness. Take the first step and start talking about dry mucous membranes with your girlfriends. Maybe you are the one making a big difference for another woman with your own experience?

🌸 Self-care

If you haven't done it before, now is the time! Start prioritizing your well-being by dedicating time to self-care. It's about focusing on what gives you desire and joy. What helps you feel good. This can include everything from starting to practice mindfulness and meditation to taking a watercolor painting course or why not learning to dance salsa? Take care of your friends who make you feel good and spend less time on those who are energy drainers. Try something new! Start something you've long dreamed of doing. Take care of yourself ❤ with the same commitment you give to your surroundings! Dry mucous membranes don't have to be a barrier to desire and pleasure. Maybe it's precisely the focus on your desire and pleasure that makes the difference?

Need some inspiration?

Read Monica Sundberg, known from the first dating TV show for seniors in Sweden, a wonderfully inspiring blog about desire and pleasure at 60+ here.

Together we can raise awareness about dry mucous membranes by opening up for open communication and sharing our experiences. By being informed and making active choices, women can also take greater ownership of their bodies and their vaginas. Let us also break the silence, share our experiences, and give each other hope and support. Your vagina is amazing – both with and without dry mucous membranes ❤

Stay Pussytive & keep enjoying the summer!

By: Fanny Falkman Grinndal