Vaginal dryness affects (many) more women than generally thought – and not only during menopause. Fortunately, intimate hydration has never been so simple… or so pleasant.
What is vaginal dryness?
Let's review the basics
Vaginal dryness is when the intimate mucous membranes produce less natural lubrication than usual. The result? A feeling of discomfort, tightness, sometimes even pain during intercourse or in daily life.
Distinguishing between different types of dryness
Important: we distinguish between vaginal dryness (inside the vagina) and vulvar dryness (the external area). Both can cause vaginal irritation, vulvar irritation, burning sensations, tightness, or even pain during intercourse.
Yet, the topic remains taboo, even though it's a reality experienced by nearly one in two women after menopause, but also by many others at different times of life (postpartum, stress, fatigue, etc.).
What are the symptoms?
Among the frequent symptoms, we find:
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burning or tingling sensations,
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itching
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recurrent urinary tract infections
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painful sexual intercourse
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persistent discomfort or unease when wearing underwear.
All signals that deserve to be heard, not minimized.
The (multiple) causes of vaginal dryness
The causes are varied, but here are the most common.
Menopause & perimenopause:
The drop in estrogen makes the vaginal wall thinner, the mucous membranes less lubricated and more sensitive, often leading to dryness.
Hormonal contraceptives:
The modification of the natural hormonal balance can also cause a decrease in vaginal secretions. This is often the case with the pill, for example.
Medications:
Antidepressants, antihistamines, treatments for endometriosis… Many medications have often underestimated side effects that can dry out the intimate mucous membranes.
Breastfeeding, postpartum, hormonal imbalances:
Again, it's a matter of hormones. When estrogen levels drop, natural lubrication does too.
Stress and fatigue:
The brain disconnects, the body follows. Welcome to vaginal dryness caused by stress. And no, it's not all in your head.
Excessive hygiene:
Exit perfumed gels and vaginal douches that unbalance the intimate flora. Inappropriate intimate hygiene can do more harm than good and cause intimate dryness. So, opt for a gentle cleansing product like Baûbo's Intimate Bar. With its pH of 5.8, it is specially adapted for mucous membranes and sensitive skin.
Consequences on intimate and sexual life
When natural hydration diminishes, the entire intimate balance is disrupted:
Intimate dryness and libido
Less lubrication often means more pain during intercourse: sensation of irritation, burning, or even micro-tears… The result? One dreads the moment… and libido drops. Vaginal dryness and sexuality are intimately linked: the fewer pleasant sexual encounters one has, the less one wants to have them. Yet it is not a question of desire, but of discomfort poorly understood. And yes, vaginal dryness is not just physical discomfort. It can affect libido, self-confidence, and even intimacy in a couple.
Less guilt, more communication
And then there's the guilt. The guilt of believing our body "no longer works." The guilt of telling ourselves we have a problem. So we withdraw, we avoid the subject for fear of being judged or "ruining the mood." Yet, good communication in a couple is often the first step towards more tenderness and solutions.
Intimate dryness is not inevitable
As a reminder: intimate dryness is common, it's normal, and above all, it can be treated. And if needed, you can also use an intimate lubricant, like Baûbo's Intimate Serum, which offers impeccable glide combined with a soothing treatment, even for the most sensitive mucous membranes.
Good practices (and products) for gentle rehydration
Enemies to avoid:
- classic soaps, too aggressive,
- perfumed gels, too chemical,
- vaginal douches, to be absolutely avoided.
Why? Because these products can disrupt the intimate flora and worsen vaginal dryness, or even lead to vulvar irritation.
Preferred care:
Instead, opt for gentle and natural intimate care, formulated without fragrance, without irritating surfactants, and enriched with vegetable oils or soothing ingredients. The idea is to gently nourish to restore good vaginal hydration.
Hydrating your vulva is an act of care, comfort, but also pleasure. Our intimate area deserves the best.
Baûbo's Vulva Balm
Formulated without fragrance and gynecologically tested, the Vulva Balm ticks all the boxes for intimate care that truly respects intimate mucous membranes.
It was designed to:
- hydrate and soothe the intimate area
- relieve vulvar irritation caused by vaginal dryness, but also those related to friction, tight underwear, post-sport, or post-hair removal.
- It can be used daily after sexual intercourse, during menstruation, or during the postpartum period—in short, for all life moments when the vulva is vulnerable.
Its melting texture, based on vegetable oils, flower macerate, and organic beeswax, with nourishing and soothing properties, provides comfort and softness without a sticky effect. It is an intimate care, yes, but also a real ally for all those who want to combine hydration, soothing, and well-being.
When to consult a professional?
If the discomfort becomes persistent, if pain sets in, or if the discomfort affects your daily life, it's time to consult a healthcare professional.
Making a diagnosis
A consultation with a gynecologist, midwife, or general practitioner can lead to an accurate diagnosis or a comprehensive assessment. This assessment checks the state of the vaginal flora and mucous membranes and identifies any vaginal infections or hormonal imbalances, to adapt solutions.
What solutions?
It is also possible to explore options tailored to your situation: hormonal or non-hormonal treatments for vaginal dryness, natural therapies, dietary supplements, lubricating gel, or intimate care like the Vulva Balm… In short: find the solution to restore proper hydration of the vaginal mucosa.
The importance of speaking freely
Finally, it's also a space to talk, openly. This will allow you to address your intimate difficulties, regain confidence in your body, and be listened to with empathy.
Because no, vaginal dryness is not inevitable. And because pleasure deserves all our attention and a little softness with a good intimate care product.