Young and affected by dry mucous membranes: More common than you think

Although we live in a more open society today, where many previous taboos have been lifted, it is not always easy to talk about dry mucous membranes - especially not for younger women. It is hardly something that naturally comes out as "Like, I have such incredibly dry mucous membranes, how is it for you?" at a girls' night. At least not for everyone. We actually receive quite a few emails from younger women saying they suffer from dry mucous membranes. Several stories from our customers also show that they have had this problem for many years, long before menopause. What causes it? Are there different reasons for younger and older women and what can be done about it?

WHAT ARE DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES AND HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Dry mucous membranes mean that the natural moisture levels in the vagina decrease, which can lead to discomfort and irritation. It can feel like the skin is tight, itchy, or even burning. For many young women, this is a frustrating and sometimes embarrassing experience, especially since it is often associated with older women and menopause. It is also possible to have symptoms that one does not realize are related to dry mucous membranes.
 
Symptoms of dry mucous membranes include:
🌸 Burning and irritation in the genital area
🌸 Pain or discomfort during intercourse
🌸 Feeling of dryness and tightness
🌸 Recurrent urinary tract infections
🌸 Itching and redness

MISCONCEPTIONS AND FACTS: IT'S NOT ONLY OLDER WOMEN WHO ARE AFFECTED
A common misconception is that dry mucous membranes only affect women in menopause. But the truth is that many younger women also suffer from this problem. Dry mucous membranes are thus a problem that can affect women of all ages. Equally important is to mention that not all women in menopause suffer from dry mucous membranes 😊. According to research, about 50–60% of women in menopause experience vaginal dryness, which means a significant proportion of women do not have this problem despite undergoing hormonal changes. This shows that every woman's body is unique ❤️ and reacts differently to aging and hormonal shifts.

CAUSES OF DRY MUCUS MEMBRANES IN YOUNGER WOMEN
There are several factors that can cause dry mucous membranes in younger women:

1. Hormonal changes
🌸 Birth control pills: Many birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that can reduce the body's natural production of estrogen. Estrogen is important for keeping the mucous membranes moist and elastic. When estrogen levels drop, this can lead to dry mucous membranes.
🌸 Breastfeeding and childbirth: After childbirth and during breastfeeding, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to vaginal dryness.

2. Medication
🌸 SSRI (antidepressants): Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can affect the body in many ways, including reducing the natural moisture in the vagina.
🌸 Antihistamines: These are often used to treat allergies and can have a drying effect on the body's mucous membranes, including the vaginal ones.

Read the blog about dry mucous membranes during antidepressant medication here.

3. Stress and lifestyle
 🌸 Stress: High stress levels can affect the body's hormone balance and reduce blood flow to the vagina, which can lead to dryness. Stress also affects the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and irritations.
🌸 Poor sleep: Lack of sleep can affect the body's ability to produce and regulate hormones, which in turn can affect the mucous membranes.

Read the blog about Stress & Hormones here.

4. Hygiene habits
🌸 Intimate wash with soap: Soap can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and dry out the mucous membranes. Instead, use V Cleanser intimate wash which gently cleans while moisturizing 🙌
🌸 Harsh intimate shaving: Shaving can irritate and damage the mucous membranes. Consider trimming instead of shaving completely.

Buy VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash with unique moisturizing properties here.

5. Diseases and other medical conditions
🌸 Autoimmune diseases: Diseases like Sjögren's syndrome can affect the body's ability to produce moisture, which can lead to dry mucous membranes.
🌸 Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can affect blood circulation and nerve function, which can lead to vaginal dryness.

Read the blog about Sjögren's syndrome here.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT DRY MUCOUS MEMBRANES?
Managing dry mucous membranes often requires a combination of measures:
🧼 Avoid soap in the genital area: Soap disrupts the natural pH balance and dries out the mucous membranes. Even “mild” soap can disturb the natural pH balance and cause irritation and infection. Soap in the vulva is always a no-no!
🪒 Stop harsh intimate shaving: Shaving can irritate and damage the mucous membranes. Consider trimming instead of shaving completely.
❤️ Use lubricant during intercourse: A water-based lubricant can reduce friction and make sex more comfortable. VagiVital moisturizing lubricant will be launched soon – stay tuned 🙌
💧 Try VagiVital AktivGel: A hormone-free gel for dry mucous membranes clinically proven at Swedish university hospitals. It suits women of all ages and can be used daily. Best results are initially achieved after 90 days of use, which corresponds to 3 tubes.

Buy 3 tubes of VagiVital AktivGel and get 10% off here.

RESEARCH AND STUDIES
Research shows that dry mucous membranes can affect women of all ages and that the problem is often underdiagnosed in younger women. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that vaginal dryness is not only a problem for older women but can affect women from all age groups. According to the same study, up to 17% of women aged 18–50 may experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives.

Another study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology showed that almost one fifth, or 19%, of women under 40 reported symptoms of vaginal dryness. These results emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating this problem even in younger women, as it is often overlooked in medical contexts. It is clearly a common problem that can affect the quality of life for women of all ages, even if it may not always feel that way for a young woman who feels alone with the discomfort of dry mucous membranes ❤️

TRY VAGIVITAL INTIMATE CARE KIT FOR DRY MUCOUS MEMBRANES

This is a duo with unique properties for maximum hydration and is a lifesaver for dry mucous membranes 💧🙌 Our kit for dry mucous membranes suits women of all ages and contains a tube of VagiVital AktivGel and VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash.

Buy VagiVital Intimate Care Kit and get 10% off here.

It's time to break the stereotypes and understand that dry mucous membranes are not just a symptom of menopause but something that can affect all women at different ages and for various reasons – but help is available ❤️

Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se