Vaginal dryness is a common and painful situation most women face on a daily basis. It is an uncomfortable condition that generally occurs naturally, but sometimes wrong vaginal wash and hygiene practices can also lead to this condition. According to gynaecologists, Vagina is a self-cleaning organ that doesn’t require extra washing or cleaning. Only the Vulva (the outer part of the Vagina) needs cleaning and washing to maintain vaginal hygiene. Vaginal dryness occurs when Vaginal pH (slightly acidic) gets altered by our wrong douching practices. Most of us think our Vagina needs regular washing or cleaning as it is the most sensitive and intimate part of our skin. But are we aware of the right products and ways to clean our vaginal area? Check out the five natural and most effective remedies for vaginal dryness, along with the necessary do and don’ts of vaginal hygiene we all should follow in detail.
Major Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Change in vaginal pH or lack of moisture or lubrication in the vagina causes vaginal dryness at any age. When we use scented scrubs, washes or soaps to clean the vagina, it alters the pH of the vagina, which leads to dryness, itchiness and bacterial infections. Therefore, it is always recommended to use water or alkali-free natural and mild vaginal washes to cleanse the vaginal area and reduce risks of bacterial infections or vaginal dryness.
Risks Associated with Vaginal Dryness
Some of the major risks associated with Vaginal Dryness are:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Itching, redness and dryness in the vaginal area
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Burning or soreness
- Discomfort during urination
5 Natural and Effective Remedies for Vaginal Dryness—Some Do’s and Don’ts of Vaginal Hygiene to Follow at Home
To treat vaginal dryness, we need to use natural products that can maintain the natural pH and lubrication of the vagina without any side effects. Here are some of the best natural remedies for vaginal dryness you must follow at home to keep your genitals clean and healthy:
1) Wash your Vaginal Area with Water or Natural and Mild Vaginal Washes:
Ordinary soaps or bath washes are not made for your genitals as the vaginal area is more sensitive and needs something natural and mild for cleaning. Instead of altering the vaginal pH balance using scented soaps or bath washes, go for a natural and gentle vaginal wash recommended by doctors, for instance, doctors’ certified Indus Valley Fem Optima Vaginal Wash. Made from 100% natural ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Rose Oil and Purified Water, it is a mild soap-free cleanser that removes unwanted odour and itching. Also, its natural ingredients keep the vaginal area lubricated and moisturised to prevent infections or itchiness.
2) Keep your Undergarments Dry and Clean
Always wipe your vaginal area with toilet paper or clean wipes after urinating to prevent your undergarments from getting wet. Not wiping the vaginal area after urination keeps the undergarments soiled which may cause vaginal dryness and infection with foul odour. During periods, try to change your pad after every 4-6 hours to prevent your vagina from itchiness, rashes and infections.
3) Use Vaginal Moisturiser to Eliminate Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal moisturisers are an effective and natural way to reduce vaginal dryness as they are designed specifically for sensitive vaginal skin. Based on doctors’ recommendations and people’s reviews, we found that Indus Valley Fem Elixir Vaginal Moisturising Silk is a great option for treating vaginal dryness. Enriched with Aloe Vera and Lavender extracts, it maintains the pH and moisture balance of the vagina by reducing dryness and itchiness. Free from parabens, estrogen and glycerin, it is safe and gentle for all skin types, it keeps your vaginal area moist on regular application.
4) Say NO to Tight Clothes and Douching
Douching your vagina can be very harmful and majorly causes vaginal dryness. Along with douching, avoid tight clothes made from synthetic fibres as they reduce air circulation in the vaginal area, leading to dryness, itchiness and foul odour. Always wear undergarments made from cotton or breathable fabrics to avoid rashes, dryness or itchiness.
5) Practice Safe Sex
Always use protection during sex and clean your vagina after sex to remove the chemicals or particles from condoms. Also, don’t use lubricants such as glycerin, etc., during intercourse as it can cause irritation or dryness in the vaginal area by altering its pH.
Also, if the problem of vaginal dryness persists longer, visit a gynaecologist. Vaginal hygiene is essential, and you must start immediately to apply it in your daily life to stay healthy.
Would you like to contribute to this discussion? Please do so by commenting below about your favourite natural remedies for vaginal dryness.