Question & Answers with Dr Annie Evans

Q: How many women suffer from intimate dryness?

A:  The numbers of women reporting vaginal dryness varies according to age and cultural background. The percentages of women reporting dryness, or being troubled by it vary.
However, 1 in 3 women experiences dryness at some time. It is more common in older women, especially after the menopause when half of all women will report intimate problems, increasing to 2 out of 3 women over the age of 65.

It is a difficult subject for most women to talk about and only about a quarter of post-menopausal women, with serious discomfort, ever asks a doctor or nurse for help.

Use of intimate moisturisers also varies greatly from country to country, with only about 1 in 20 women currently using them, although it is suggested that perhaps 1 in 3 women would be interested in doing so

 

Q: Apart from dryness, what are the other symptoms?

A: Dryness is most noticeable during sexual intercourse, but a lot of women notice accompanying soreness, burning or itching and a general discomfort of the intimate area caused by chafing.

 

Q: What causes it?

A: A variety of conditions can cause vaginal dryness:
Decreased oestrogen levels are the main cause-
Oestrogen is the main female hormone and helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. These factors create a natural defence against vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Oestrogen levels can fall for a number of reasons:

• Menopause or around the menopause
• Childbirth
• Breast-feeding
• Effects on your ovaries from cancer therapy, including radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy
• Surgical removal of your ovaries
• Exercise
• Severe weight loss, or being underweight
• Immune disorders
• Cigarette smoking
• Medications

Allergy and cold medications, as well as some antidepressants, can decrease the moisture in many parts of your body, including your vagina. Anti-estrogen medications, such as those used to treat breast cancer, also can result in vaginal dryness.
There are some medical conditions which can cause dryness of skin and membranes in the intimate area, so any long-term problems which do not respond to simple interventions, especially in younger women, should always be investigated by a doctor

 

Q: What are the options for treatments?

A: Use a lubricant or moisturiser
Intimate moisturisers and lubricants can be used to replace moisture in the vaginal area in the short term. They can be used on a daily basis to ease discomfort or during intercourse.

Local oestrogen treatment

Vaginal dryness, soreness, burning, irritation and chafing can all respond well to local oestrogen treatment.  It can also help greatly with discomfort, pain during sex, correcting the vaginal pH and preventing abnormal vaginal discharge

This treatment can be delivered as:

• Vaginal tablets
• Pessaries
• Creams
• Vaginal ring

These treatments are effective and acceptable and the effects are local therefore the risks of side effects are reduced.

Other treatments
If there is an underlying skin condition, this may need specialist diagnosis and then topical treatments under their guidance

 

Q: What else could I do to make me feel more comfortable?

A: The best ways to avoid discomfort are:

• Do not use soap in the intimate area
• Do not use a daily panty shield
• Aim to wear cotton underwear rather than nylon or synthetic wherever possible
• Avoid using perfumed toilet paper, bath oils and washing powders
• Do not “douche” i.e. cleanse the intimate area with a liquid preparation

Also, avoid buying over the counter products for instance “anti-thrush” creams and tablets without your doctor or nurse having made a proper diagnosis. Often they can sensitise the skin and worsen the symptoms.

Make sure that if intimate dryness is a problem during sexual intercourse long before the menopause and when there are no other reasons for the oestrogen level to be low, that sufficient time and care are being taken by you and your partner to ensure arousal before penetration. If this seems to be an ongoing problem and is starting to cause concern then remember to seek expert advice.

Q: When should I use Intimate Moisturiser products?

A: Intimate moisturisers and lubricants are not just for use during sexual intercourse, although, they can be very helpful. When using condoms they can help to prevent breakage and can enhance sensitivity and pleasure. For couples not needing to use condoms, they may also provide extra lubrication enabling more prolonged and enjoyable intercourse.

For women finding problems with dryness during sex, whether this is merely reducing pleasure, or actually causing discomfort, moisturisers may be seen as almost essential to enable satisfying intimacy.

Intimate moisturisers and lubricants can also be used in a number of other situations to provide day to day comfort and relief in the vaginal area.

 

Q: How often should I use them?

A: They can be used intermittently, for sexual intercourse for instance or perhaps for increased comfort during sports such as cycling or for going to the gym.
They may, however, be used on a routine basis, perhaps once or twice a day, to keep long-term problems under control. They are certainly safe in long-term use, although it is wise to take advice about whether other treatments could be necessary.

 

Q: Where can I buy Sensilube?

A: Sensilube is available over the counter from all good pharmacists, leading supermarkets and online.

 

Q: Can I get Sensilube from my doctor?

A: Your doctor may suggest Sensilube to you and many (especially in Sexual Health Clinics) may provide samples for you to try.

 

Q: Why is Sensilube so good?

A: Sensilube is a pure, gentle, water-based product, whose texture is very similar to that of the natural vaginal secretions. It is colourless and odourless and doesn’t stain. Only a tiny amount is needed and it is non-greasy and very easy to use. It can be used with condoms.

In trials it has been found to be very well tolerated, with users finding it to have a pleasant texture, be easy to apply and to restore sensations of natural moisture.

 

Q: What does Sensilube actually do and how does it work?

A: Sensilube supplements the body’s own vaginal moisture level, providing moisture and lubrication which feels natural. This not only can enhance comfort during sex, but provide relief from day to day discomfort produced by vaginal dryness.

 

Q: Can I use Sensilube during pregnancy?

A: It is safe for use during pregnancy however any persistent changes in vaginal secretions or discharge should, of course, be investigated by your doctor or midwife.

 

Q: Will Sensilube increase my risk of intimate infection?

A: Sensilube does not increase the risk of contracting an STI. In fact, by increasing lubrication and helping to prevent condom breakage and vaginal trauma. However, on it’s own it is no substitute for practising safe sex and, of course, any change in vaginal discharge, pain, bleeding etc should be investigated.