Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Ways to Increase Lubrication

By: Jay Dee, MPH

Vaginal Dryness: What’s Really Going On?

The vagina is a muscle designed for sex, childbirth, and as the exit for your menstrual cycle. Along the vaginal walls, glands produce a clear fluid that helps keep the vagina naturally lubricated, elastic, and comfortable.

Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining vaginal health, moisture, and elasticity. When estrogen levels decline, vaginal lubrication often decreases as well. While this is common during menopause, vaginal dryness can occur at any age and for many reasons—even when estrogen levels are within a normal range.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness (Even Without Low Estrogen)?

If you’ve found yourself searching “why am I dry down there?” or “vaginal dryness without menopause,” you’re not alone.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal birth control

• Allergy and cold medications

• Certain antidepressants

• Douching (please stop—this disrupts vaginal pH and moisture)

• Sjögren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder affecting moisture production)

• Partial hysterectomy

• Surgical removal of ovaries

• Menopause and perimenopause

• Childbirth and breastfeeding

• Lack of clitoral stimulation or insufficient arousal

• Cancer treatments

• Anti-estrogen medications

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  
  

Vaginal dryness is common, medical, and treatable—it is not a reflection of desire, attraction, or sexual ability.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness

Beyond discomfort during sex, vaginal dryness can show up in everyday life.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging during urination

• Ongoing vaginal or vulvar irritation

• Increased urge to urinate

• Pain during sex or penetration

• Discomfort with tampon use

  
  

If sex has become painful or uncomfortable, vaginal dryness may be the underlying cause.

Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness

Treatment depends on the cause, which is why speaking with your OBGYN or healthcare provider is important—especially if symptoms persist.

Options may include vaginal moisturizers, hormonal or non-hormonal treatments, medication adjustments, or lifestyle changes that support vaginal health.

In the Meantime: Support Your Body Naturally

While you’re identifying the cause or waiting for treatment, there are simple, natural ways to increase vaginal comfort and lubrication.

Use Lube

Lubricant reduces friction, improves comfort, and enhances pleasure during sex and solo play. Using lube is normal, helpful, and often necessary—especially during periods of dryness.

Move Your Body

Exercise improves circulation and increases blood flow throughout the body—including to the genitals. Better blood flow supports:

• Increased arousal

• Improved vaginal lubrication

• More comfortable and pleasurable sex

  
  

Even moderate movement like walking, yoga, or cycling can support vaginal health and sexual response.

Hydrate Consistently

Hydration matters more than most people realize. When your body is dehydrated, vaginal tissue can become drier too.

Drinking enough water helps:

• Support natural vaginal lubrication

• Maintain healthy vaginal tissue

• Improve overall sexual comfort

  
  

If you’re exercising more, your hydration needs increase—making water intake even more important for vaginal health.

Final Thought

Vaginal dryness is common, manageable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Your body deserves care, curiosity, and pleasure—at every stage of life.

Supporting vaginal health isn’t just about fixing a problem. It’s about creating comfort, confidence, and pleasure on your own terms.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator