The dryness cycle

Persistent vaginal dryness can create a vicious cycle of events.

Decreased vaginal moisture causes a dry vaginal environment that may feel itchy, irritated or cause a burning sensation. A dry vagina can cause great discomfort and inhibit sexual arousal and enjoyment, impacting negatively on a woman’s quality of life¹.

Pain associated with sex can cause anxiety, which may lead to vasoconstriction causing further vaginal dryness and discomfort².

And so this cycle of sequential discomfort can become a vicious circle that is difficult to break.

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Fig 1: Psychological issues and vaginal dryness

1. Willhite LA and O’Connell MB. Urogenital atrophy: Prevention and treatment. Pharmacotherapy. 2001; 21(4): 464-480
2. Berman LAC and Grow McLean KA. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Effective treatment strategies for all ages. In: Urogynecology in Primary Care. Culligan PJ and Goldberg RP(ed.) Springer Verlag: London. 2007: 106-123.