Vaginal Dryness
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A. Michael Coppa, MD
OB/GYNs located in Cranston, RI, Smithfield, RI & Providence, RI
If you’re embarrassed by vaginal dryness and your sex life suffers as a result, Dr. A. Michael Coppa can help. At his Cranston, Rhode Island and Providence, Rhode Island, OB/GYN practice, Dr. Coppa offers fast diagnostics of your vaginal health and can provide a variety of treatments, including hormone therapies, to resolve vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain. Learn more about available treatment options for vaginal dryness by scheduling a consultation online or calling the Cranston office.
Vaginal Dryness Q & A
What causes vaginal dryness?
Your vagina has a thin coating of moisture that creates an ideal environment for sperm to easily travel. This moisture also helps lubricate your vaginal walls to make sex more comfortable.
As you age, your hormone levels fluctuate and their production decreases. This causes noticeable changes in your vaginal health, especially less natural lubrication and increased vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness can also be the result of excessive stress, smoking, depression, and immune system disorders. The condition is very common in women following childbirth.
What are the complications of vaginal dryness?
When your vagina loses moisture and the vaginal walls begin to thin out, you may experience a variety of unpleasant side effects. Increased dryness can cause irritation, redness, and burning. You may also experience complications like:
- Itching
- Soreness
- Painful sex
- Loss of sexual interest
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Additionally, vaginal dryness can affect your self-confidence and cause you embarrassment, especially during intimacy.
When should I get help for vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness rarely causes health complications, but if you’re dissatisfied with your sex life or frustrated by constant vaginal itching and irritation, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Coppa.
Dr. Coppa performs a physical exam to identify the cause of vaginal dryness and ensure there aren’t any underlying medical concerns he needs to address. Dr. Coppa also creates a custom treatment plan to improve natural lubrication.
What treatment options are available for vaginal dryness?
Initially, Dr. Coppa may recommend over-the-counter, water-based lubricants to improve comfort during sex.
If vaginal dryness relates to menopause, Dr. Coppa may recommend hormone therapy. Oral medications or creams can balance hormones and resolve vaginal dryness and irritation. This type of therapy can also improve your interest in sex.
Dr. Coppa also recommends lifestyle changes to prevent the return of vaginal dryness, such as avoiding chemical products like douches and spermicidal condoms, which can trigger irritation.
You should also be sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to keep your hormones balanced and protect your overall health.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Coppa to resolve vaginal dryness by using the online booking feature or by calling the Cranston or Providence OB/GYN office today.
