In some uncommon instances, you possibly can have a extreme response to hormonal contraception that causes vestibulodynia, a sort of vulvodynia (or continual ache within the vulva) that may additionally stem from breastfeeding (extra on that in a minute!), and another well being circumstances. Along with burning, stinging, and uncooked, tender pores and skin, “it may trigger excruciatingly painful intercourse,” says Dr. Streicher.
Find out how to deal:
In case you suppose the tablet is inflicting issues, carry it as much as your doc. They could have the ability to recommend a non-hormonal contraception that’ll be much less more likely to irritate your vagina, similar to a copper IUD or spermicide. In line with Streicher, topical estrogen lotions can even typically assist enhance dryness and irritation. (Listed below are seven causes to contemplate switching your contraception.)
4. Medicines—significantly the hormonal variety
Contraception isn’t the one drug-related perpetrator right here: Any drugs that decreases estrogen, similar to tamoxifen (a drug used to forestall, and deal with, breast most cancers), can have an effect on the moisture of your vagina. Some medicines for circumstances like endometriosis, like dienogest, can even result in points.
Additionally, meds that dry out your physique typically (suppose antihistamines or chilly medicines) can have the identical impact in your vagina, says Dr. Seifi. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have additionally been recognized to cut back general moisture within the physique.
Find out how to deal:
Once more, lube might be your finest pal right here. But when that’s not sufficient, your physician can step in to seek out you another remedy that received’t wipe out moisture *all over the place.* If allergy or chilly meds are accountable, staying hydrated can assist, too. An essential reminder: Don’t cease taking meds, particularly ones you’ve been prescribed, by yourself with out your physician’s steering.
5. Sure medical circumstances
Some current well being points can even scale back moisture in your vagina (one other good motive to speak to your physician). Vaginal dryness can also be a symptom of diabetes. Although it’s uncommon—affecting only one% of the inhabitants—Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune illness that may have an effect on your eyes and mouth, can even dry out tissue all through your physique, together with the vagina.
Although it’s not essentially a situation per se, in the event you just lately had a child, your postpartum interval might be one other (short-term) motive. That’s as a result of, in the event you’re breastfeeding, you might not be producing sufficient estrogen to maintain your vagina well-lubricated—however whenever you cease, it ought to enhance once more. Plus, in the event you’re sleep-deprived since you are caring for a new child, your sexual drive could also be non-existent—which suggests you is likely to be dry down there, too.