Dryness isn't just menopause
Burning, itching, painful sex or recurring infections can all be signs of intimate dryness — at any age.
What actually causes it
Hormonal: postpartum and breastfeeding, low-oestrogen contraception, fertility treatment, perimenopause and menopause, some cancer treatments.
Non-hormonal: washing with soap or shower gel, antihistamines and other medication, smoking, skin conditions such as eczema, and stress.
Soap is a more common cause than people think
Foaming cleansers strip the lipids that hold moisture in. The more often you wash because you don't feel fresh, the drier the area becomes.
In younger women with no hormonal cause at all, this is very often the whole explanation.
Moisturising and lubricating are not the same
A moisturiser works over time and is applied regularly, independent of sexual activity.
A lubricant works in the moment. Most problems resolve with both, not one or the other.
What to avoid
Lubricants high in glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrance or a warming effect. They pull moisture out of tissue or irritate it.
Douching and scented wipes, in every case.
When you need a doctor
If dryness comes with bleeding, severe pain, fissures or a change in skin texture, get it examined — conditions such as lichen sclerosus need diagnosis and prescription treatment.
This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For persistent or severe symptoms, please consult a doctor.
