Why You Shouldn't Ignore Vaginal Dryness After 50

The vagina suffers from many misconceptions about its important reproductive and sexual functions. All of these normal functions need lubrication, but many conditions can affect this, leading to vaginal dryness. 

Women can experience this at any age, but it poses unique challenges for women over 50. To find out more, we need to examine why vaginal dryness happens, why it occurs in post menopausal women, and how it’s treated.

Women in the Las Vegas, Nevada area dealing with dryness and other vaginal issues can find assistance with Dr. Staci McHale and the experienced medical staff at WHASN Sunset Valley.

Reasons for vaginal dryness

This relatively common condition, affecting approximately 17% of women between 18 and 50, happens when there is insufficient lubrication in the vaginal lining, which can have an impact on sexual intercourse, urination, and exercise. 

It’s often due to changes in estrogen levels, which occur for several reasons, such as:

• Hormonal birth control
• Menopause
• Childbirth and breastfeeding
• Hormone treatments
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Medications
• Scented soaps and sprays

Understanding dryness after age 50

This is a common event during menopause (up to 70% of women struggle with it), referred to as vaginal atrophy, when estrogen levels drop throughout the body, creating inflammation, thinning, and drying in the vagina. This causes vaginal itching, an increase in yeast infections, burning, urinary urgency, recurring UTIs, spotting, and vaginal discharge. 

You may not experience the symptoms of vaginal atrophy until post menopause, when all the changes from hormone levels decreasing are in full effect. But because the lower amounts of estrogen are a permanent change, this means continuous challenges in managing symptoms.

Treatment options

Lubricants are a standard solution for addressing dryness-related issues. Many are available over the counter, and some can change the pH of your vagina, which may reduce the incidence of problems like UTIs. Water-based lubricants without herbal infusions, artificial colors, and perfumes are best to prevent irritation.

Prescribed solutions include estrogen therapy in the form of pills, a solution when also dealing with other symptoms like hot flashes, and creams and rings used to apply directly to the area. We can find a solution that addresses your specific issues and helps prevent future problems associated with this uncomfortable situation.

Vaginal dryness is unpleasant at any age, but if you're trying to cope with it after menopause, contact Dr. McHale and the WHASN Sunset Valley team today to get relief.