Vaginal Dryness And Irritation

Falling estrogen levels can cause some changes in the vagina. Estrogen maintains mucus secretion in the vagina and keeps its walls thick and moist. Lack of estrogen can make the walls thin and dry, with a tendency to crack and bleed, particularly with the friction of intercourse. Estrogen also maintains the existence of Doderlein's bacilli in the vagina and influences the pH of vaginal secretions, which keep infections at bay. Diminishing estrogen compromises these natural defences and can make women more prone to vaginal irritation and infection, known as vaginitis.

There are steps you can take to maintain the natural defences of the vagina and preserve its natural lubrication. You should avoid washing the area with soap, and be sure not to use synthetic bath preparations or detergents, vaginal deodorants or other cosmetics. Also, be careful to wash your underwear in pure soap, such as castile soap or olive-oil based soap, and avoid detergents and biological powders. Try adding a little cider vinegar to your bath -this will help maintain the natural pH of the vagina. Sea salt added to the bath will help combat infection.

Regular sexual intercourse will help to keep the vagina elastic and maintain a healthy blood supply to the area. As the vaginal walls become dry, they also tend to become thin and to atrophy, and if the area is neglected this process will speed up, creating a vicious circle -the drier and tighter the area, the more uncomfortable intercourse will be, so desire decreases, there is less sex, and the area becomes drier and tighter.

Supplements and herbs

Vitamin E oil used regularly will help to lubricate the vagina, heal cracks and soreness and help keep the tissues elastic. You can open a vitamin E capsule and massage the oil with your finger into the inside wall of your vagina. Calendula cream or oil will also help heal damage to the vagina walls. Comfrey ointment or oil is also wonderfully healing, and soothes soreness and irritation. It also helps to bring moisture to the area.

Hormone-balancing herbs should be taken regularly to maintain estrogen levels and prevent vaginal changes.

Use combinations of any of the following:

• false unicorn root
• sage
• blue cohosh
• calendula
• hops
• motherwort

Vitamins B, C, and E, as well as evening primrose oil can be taken as supplements.

Essential oils can usefully be added to massage oils. Rose oil is particularly beneficial in aiding relaxation and increasing sensuality. Jasmine, geranium, lavender and clary sage can also be used.