This blog explains homeopathy for vaginal dryness, its causes, symptoms, risk factor, management, treatment & best medicines.
Some women might experience a painful, burning sensation, and irritating sexual intercourse that is most of the time due to dryness of the vagina. It is quite common for women to complain of vaginal dryness, this is a normal change with aging and menopause.
Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs when vaginal tissues are not sufficiently lubricated. The estrogen hormone helps to maintain that fluid and keeps the lining of the vagina healthy, thick, and elastic.
The mucosa cells that line the vaginal walls help maintain the healthy environment within the vagina. The ph level of the microorganism that typically lives in the vagina is important in maintaining healthy function.
When these cells do not work properly, they lose the ability for lubrication and elasticity. The area becomes thin and dry and causes irritation and pain during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dryness is considered an indicator of sexual arousal disorder and also may result from insufficient excitement and stimulation.
It affects up to 60% of middle-aged women approaching menopause. Vaginal dryness is one of the common symptoms of menopause.
This article will cover homeopathic remedies for vaginal dryness, the cause of vaginal dryness, symptoms, risk factors, management & complete treatment.
Cause of Vaginal dryness
In normal circumstances, the vaginal fluid is always present and naturally produced that lubricates the vagina significantly the production increases during ovulation and sexual arousal.
However, there are some pathological and physiological causes behind vaginal dryness that are mentioned below.
1. Low estrogen
Estrogen is the female sex hormone that is responsible for maintaining vaginal lubrication. If estrogen hormone is insufficient, it will lead to cause vaginal dryness.
The hormonal change is experienced mainly by women during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and when approaching menopause, during these periods the hormone level keeps fluctuating. It is one of the physiological causes of vaginal dryness.
2. Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease can also be the cause of vaginal dryness. The autoimmune disease that is mainly responsible for vaginal dryness is Sjogren’s syndrome in which the body’s moisture-producing ability gets affected.
This disease mainly affects the lacrimal and salivary glands and often causes symptoms such as dry skin, vaginal dryness, cough, and numbness.
3. Intake of Antidepressants and OCPs
Women who are taking a broad spectrum of antidepressants and oral contraceptive pills are more tend to develop vaginal dryness as it can suppress the estrogen level.
These drugs (antidepressants) have side effects like sexual dysfunction that include a deficiency of normal vaginal lubrication.
4. Ovary removal
If a woman’s ovary has been surgically removed due to prevent the risk of ovarian cancer it may later cause vaginal dryness. Because the ovaries produce most of the estrogen during reproductive years.
If it gets removed then the body is no longer able to produce estrogen and eventually the women enter into the menopausal phase.
5. Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are also the main causes of vaginal dryness. Stress can link with hormones of the body mainly cortisol. This hormone rises due to stress and this may lead to vaginal dryness, low libido, changes in the menstrual cycle, and painful intercourse.
That is why it is believed that women who are anxious or depressed and take a lot of stress are more inclined to develop vaginal dryness.
6. Douching and other irritants
Some women have the habit to clean their vagina from the inside with soap or some liquid solution for preventing infection. But, this habit of douching can lead to cause vaginal dryness also.
The irritants present in the product can cause adverse effects later. It can increase the risk of infection and other health problems.
Some women apply perfumes, lotion, and certain medicated soap on the vagina and tampons during menses the vagina, these products leading to cause vaginal dryness.
Types of Vaginal dryness
In general, there are two types of vaginal dryness, physiological and pathological.
1. Physiological vaginal dryness
The physiological dryness of the vagina is usually the commonest among every woman and is mainly caused by the low estrogen level in the body.
As we know that this hormone is responsible for main the natural lubrication of the vagina, but in some physiological conditions like menopause, pregnancy, and breast-feeding period this hormone level will get decrease. At menopause the menstrual cycle of women gets stopped and also diminishes ovulation, ultimately resulting in to decrease in estrogen levels.
Women at that time will experience vaginal dryness and painful burning sensation in the vagina while sitting, standing doing exercise, and during intercourse.
2. Pathological Vaginal dryness
When there is any disease condition linked with dryness of the vagina it is considered pathological vaginal dryness.
The most common disease condition responsible for dryness of the vagina is Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s moisturizing ability gets affected.
Symptoms of Vaginal dryness
The symptoms of vaginal dryness include: –
- Patients will feel soreness in and around the vagina
- Painful burning sensation in vagina during sexual intercourse.
- Frequent urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infection
- Lack of vaginal lubrication
- Hyperpigmentation around vagina
- Vaginal atrophy means a shorter and tighter vaginal canal.
- Light bleeding during sex
- General discomfort and irritation
Risk factors of Vaginal dryness
- Change in hormones level during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and by taking OCPs may increase the risk of Vaginal dryness
- Alcohol consumption, smoking, and taking stress also resulting to cause hormonal imbalance and eventually cause dryness of the vagina
- Women who are using contraceptives such as lubricants and condoms are at high risk to develop vaginal dryness because these products have some irritants that disturb the natural tendency of the vagina to lubricate.
- Women who are depressed, anxious, and undertaking a lot of stress are more likely to develop vaginal dryness due to increased cortisol levels.
- Women having weak immune systems are inclined to develop autoimmune diseases and ultimately may develop vaginal dryness
- Women who are at the menopause stage have low estrogen levels and are at great risk to develop vaginal dryness. That is why vaginal dryness is one of the commonest symptoms of menopause.
- Women who are under chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause a sudden loss in the level of estrogen hormone production that can lead to the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Chemotherapy can cause generalized dryness throughout the body.
Diagnosis of Vaginal dryness
The diagnosis of vaginal dryness begins with a complete medical history regarding onset, modalities, and severity of the dryness and physical examination, and is usually made by clinical examination that is by signs and symptoms experienced by the patients.
If you are experiencing the symptoms such as burning pain, irritation, and soreness around the vagina along with hyperpigmentation of the vagina and frequent urination, then the doctor will perform some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor will ask about the medication that the patient is taking or whether the patient is under any antihistaminics, antidepressants, antibiotics, or OCPs or not.
The doctor will also ask about some associated symptoms along with vaginal dryness that patient may experiencing or not.
He may also perform the pelvic examination by examining the vagina and cervix by putting pressure on the uterus and ovaries to check for abnormalities in the tissue and organs. If the vaginal tissue is thin and dry due to low estrogen or not.
A urine test and blood test will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Prevention and Management of Vaginal Dryness
Use a vaginal moisturizer for vaginal dryness, and put these in and around the vagina to keep it moist.
Do not put creams or lotions like petroleum jelly, oil, and moisturizing body lotion inside your vagina as it can cause infection.
Drink plenty of water 4-5 liters at least daily to flush out the toxin substance from the water.
Use water-based lubricants before intercourse, put these in and around the vagina to avoid discomfort and pain during intercourse.
Stress buster exercises like meditation, morning walk, and reading books should be included in the lifestyle to reduce the stress and avoid the risk of vaginal dryness.
Avoid the use of scented products and chemical products, perfumes, and soap around the vagina.
If the symptoms of vaginal dryness become severe then the patients who are under antibiotic treatment and who are taking OCPs should be avoided temporarily.
Practicing safe sex using condoms and being monogamous will help to avert STDs.
Avoid the bubble bath, bath salts, and all feminine hygiene spray during bathing or showering.
If the symptoms are too severe do visit your doctor and take proper medication. Self-medication should be avoided as it may worsen the case.
Homeopathy for Vaginal dryness – Best Medicines
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats not only the symptoms of the disease but also the man who is suffering from the disease.
So, after a complete detailed history of present and past disease and considering the family history also, a drug is prescribed which will be based on the individualization of every patient.
In mild cases, improvement can be seen within weeks, whereas severe cases will take longer. Along with homeopathic medicine, the patients have to follow a healthy regimen for optimum results.
Now, let’s go through some of the homeopathic medicines that can help with vaginal dryness. Some of the best homeopathic medicines for the treatment of vaginal dryness are mentioned below.
- Sepia
- Natrum muriaticum
- Lycopodium
- Platina
- Argentum nitricum
- Bryonia
- Belladonna
- Bellis perennis
- Ferrum Phosphoricum
- Aconite
- Sulfur
- Ferrum iodatum
1. Sepia: dryness causing pain during intercourse
Sepia is a very effective medicine for treating the dryness of the vagina and it has marked action on female genitalia.
It is a highly indicated medicine for middle-aged women who are at the premenopausal stage and experiencing the symptoms of menopause like vagina dryness, soreness, itchiness around the vagina, and more often pain during intercourse.
Clinically it is highly indicated medicine for dyspareunia which is a pain in the vagina during coition.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.
2. Natrum Muriaticum: bearing down pain with dryness
Natrum muriaticum is another well-known remedy that helps in treating post-menopausal symptoms and mainly the dryness of the vagina.
Natrum can be given to the patient experiencing irregular menses is very depressed and took stress having a bearing don sensation that gets worse in the morning also there is acrid leucorrhea along with vaginal dryness.
Dosage and potency: 200c, 4 globes in half cup of water thrice a day till the symptom disappear.
3. Lycopodium: dryness with burning pain in the vagina
Lycopodium is a wonderful medicine for vaginal dryness and can be given to patients when there is burning pain in the vagina along with dryness. Dryness also causes discomfort during coition.
There are also irregularities in the menstrual cycle and if it comes the bleeding is too profuse.
The characteristics feature that confirms this remedy to prescribe is that there is the discharge of blood from genitals during stool
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, take 4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day, till the improvement is seen.
4. Platina: for vaginal dryness with hypersensitivity of the vagina
Platina is a well-indicated female remedy and has marked action on the female genitalia. Not only vaginal dryness but many gynecological issues can be treated by this medicine.
Platina is clinically indicated to treat vaginismus that is whenever penetration is attempted the vaginal muscle tighten up on their own.
The vagina is too sensitive to touch and patients also experience a tingling sensation in and around the vagina along with dryness.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency take 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement occurs.
5. Argentum Nitricum: for vaginal dryness that led to bleeding during sex
Argentum nitricum is a polychrest remedy and has an action on almost every organ of the body. It has also very good action on the female genital organs and can be indicated to treat vaginal dryness.
Women may experience very painful intercourse that led to cause bleeding through the vagina due to vaginal dryness. In that case, medicine can be indicated that does wonder.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency of dilution, take 2-3 drops in half cup of water twice a day, till the symptoms disappear.
6. Bryonia: for vaginal dryness
Bryonia alba is a well indicative medicine that is known for its complete dryness of all the mucus membrane.
Women who experience severe dryness of the vagina along with menstrual irregularities and stitching pain in the ovaries can be treated with this medicine.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c potency, take 2-3 drops of dilution in half cup of water and take twice a day till the improvement.
7. Belladonna: for dryness and heat of the vagina
This medicine is indicated when the patient complains about soreness around the vagina, with irritation and itching along with dryness. There are also hot flushes and night sweats experienced by the patients during menopause.
Belladonna is well indicated menopausal remedy and is highly effective in treating the dryness of the vagina along with dragging pain in the loin and sacrum.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement is seen.
8. Bellis Perennis: for soreness around the vagina
Bellis perennis has marked action on the muscular soreness and helps to relieve the symptoms like lameness, soreness, and venous congestion due to mechanical causes.
When a woman experiences painful coition due to dryness of the vagina and soreness around the vagina that this medicine will be indicative to treat and relive the symptoms.
Dosage and potency: – 200c potency, take 4 globules thrice a day up to improvement.
9. Ferrum Phosphoricum: for vaginismus
Ferrum Phosphoricum is biochemic medicine that is indicated to the patient who is sensitive, anemic, and has marked prostration.
It is a highly effective medicine for vaginal dryness and as clinically indicated in vaginismus also. The vagina is dry, sensitive, and hot with bearing down sensation and pain in the abdomen.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c take 3-4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day.
10. Aconite: for hot sensitive vagina
Aconitum napellus is a polychrest medicine and has an action on almost every organ of the body. It is indicated to treat vaginal dryness and gives relief to postmenopausal symptoms.
Aconitum is given to that patient when there is a state of fear, the anguish of mind and body.
Physical and mental restlessness and fright are the most characteristic manifestations of Aconitum napellus.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency, take four globules under the tongue, twice a day for 15 days or until the improvement appears.
11. Sulphur: for vaginal dryness with profuse offensive perspiration
Sulphur is a polychrest medicine that is also very effective in treating vaginal dryness. It has marked action on the skin and is effective in treating skin-related issues.
It can be given to patients when they experience itching around the vagina which also causes a burning sensation in and around it. The patient also experiences scanty menses that make the parts sore. There is profuse offensive perspiration around the genitals that makes the dryness worse.
Dosage and potency: – 1M potency take one tablet Once a day for one week and repeat only when needed.
12. Ferrum Iodatum: for soreness of the vulva
Ferrum iodatum is another effective medicine for treating vaginal dryness in young women. It is indicated mainly in dryness of the vagina due to pathological causes.
This medicine can be given when there is itching, irritation, pain, and soreness in and around the vagina along with severe dryness.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency, take four globules under the tongue, twice a day for 15 days or until the improvement appears.
Remember that homeopathic remedies should be prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.