Photo: weheartit
Nobody wants a Sahara Desert down there.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Jul 18, 2016
If you are feeling dry down there, it can ruin your day (and night) in a hurry. Dry, itchy, irritated vaginas mean that no one is having any fun, and the worst part is there's SO many things that can be causing it.
"Some of the common symptoms of vaginal dryness include pain and irritation during sex, as well as inflammation and soreness afterwards. It's important to pay attention to these symptoms, because they could lead to bigger problems in the future," says Wicked Sensual Care's head of product development, Carrie Smith.
One of the quickest, simplest, and most cost effective ways to address the issue of vaginal dryness is through the use of an intimate lubricant or vaginal moisturizer. So keep a bottle in your nightstand, and you'll always be prepared to have a great time without the worry.
"The good news is that there are many high-quality lubricants on the market today. They are easily accessible and the relief they provide is immediate. Some lubes are designed to enhance pleasure and some have enjoyable sensations or flavors. Lubricants are a fun way to help ease the fear that dryness will lead to painful intercourse, while also enhancing pleasure and intimacy," says Smith.
Here are reasons signs your vagina is dry, and how you can remedy the situation.
1. Sex is painful or uncomfortable.
You might be totally turned on, but if you're having trouble with penetration or sex is a bit uncomfortable, your vagina is likely not lubricated, says Tristan Weedmark, We-Vibe's Global Passion Ambassador. Vaginal lubrication changes cyclically so don't be afraid or ashamed to add lubrication to your sexual routine.
2. Your hormones are acting up.
Menstruation, menopause, childbirth and breastfeeding all involve hormones heavily. And for that reason, all can be reasons you are having dryness.
3. You aren't aroused enough.
Whether you aren't in the mood or the passion has fizzled with this partner, there's nothing wrong with you if you just aren't feeling it right now. However, lack of arousal can be signified by dryness. So make sure you're raring to go before having sex.
4. You douche.
Douching has this reputation for being good for us, but it's maybe not the case. And it's also associated with vaginal dryness. Stick to warm water in the shower.
5. You exercise too much.
In the best evidence ever that we shouldn't have to work out, too much exercise can lead to vaginal dryness. Just consider anything and everything in moderation. Too much can cause stress on the body.
6. You're stressed out.
Life is hard, and if you're feeling all that stress, you may not be feeling much of anything downstairs. This leads to dryness, too.
7. You smoke or drink too often.
Smoking is bad for our health, and part of it is that it decreases circulation. On a related note, drinking can also decrease sensation. Kind of funny how we often drink to pre-game the bedroom fun.
8. You have allergies.
Allergies can be killer, and many over-the-counter cold and allergy formulas contain antihistamines. They don't just dry out the membranes in our nose, they dry out everywhere, and that can very well include the vagina. While we're at it, the same can be said for all sorts of medications and antibiotics, so if you're currently taking any medication at all, chances are that's a part of it.