Vaginal Dryness

Aka: Vaginal Dryness, Vaginal Lubricant

II. Definition

  1. Vaginal Dryness
    1. Inadequate vaginal lubrication which may lead to vaginal friction and microtrauma to the vulvar and vaginal epithelium
    2. May result in Dyspareunia

III. Causes

  1. Sexual arousal disorder
    1. See Female Sexual Dysfunction
    2. Inability to obtain or maintain adequate lubrication from sexual excitement
    3. Dissatisfaction with sexual relationship
    4. Negative body image
    5. Fear of Dyspareunia
    6. Sexual abuse history
    7. Restrictive sexual beliefs
  2. Chronic Vaginal Dryness
    1. See Atrophic Vaginitis
    2. Estrogen deficiency
      1. Menopause
      2. Premature Ovarian Failure
    3. Decreased perfusion
      1. Peripheral artery disease
      2. Anemia
    4. Neuropathy
      1. Diabetic Neuropathy
      2. Spinal cord injury
    5. Iatrogenic causes
      1. Chemotherapy
      2. Pelvic radiation

IV. Management

  1. Treat underlying disorders
    1. See Female Sexual Dysfunction
    2. See Atrophic Vaginitis
  2. Vaginal Lubricants
    1. Vaginal Moisturizers (Replens) applied three times weekly
    2. Vaginal Lubricant (e.g. Astroglide) applied before intercourse

V. References

  1. Seehusen (2014) Am Fam Physician 90(7): 465-70 [PubMed]

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