Vaginal Dryness: when there's a drought down there

One of the glories of menopause is dry, irritated vaginal skin. It was such a common complaint in our private FB group that we reached out to the experts, including Beverly Hills sex therapist, Dr. Shannon Chavez, for some advice. 

First off, it turns out that the skin in your vagina can be moisturized daily just like the skin on your face! Imagine how dry, flakey skin anywhere else on your body can be itchy, irritated, and more prone to cracks and cuts.  The same is true for vaginal skin.  Hip Hemp has created “moisture drops,”  which are small pearl-sized suppositories containing organic hemp oil, grape seed and vitamin E. Hemp oil has many benefits, including immune support as well as Vitamin C which helps to synthesize collagen.  It is recommended to insert vaginally at bedtime.  

In addition to daily moisturizing, lubrication is essential.  Dr. Chavez’s favorite is from a German company, called “Pjur Med.”  They offer both silicone and water based lubes. Their Repair line includes Hyaluron which has the ability to bind large amounts of water which provides better than average lubrication. This extra amount of hydration helps enables optimal regeneration of the vaginal skin.

PJUR Lubricants Pjur Premium Med Repair Glide 100Ml

​If you’re looking for a vaginal moisturizer that can also be used as a cooking oil- look no further! Coconut oil is the way to go! #OurTribe founder and Women’s Health physical therapist Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, recommends applying generously to the opening of vagina and inner labia prior to shower.  The oil protects your skin from hot water (remember how hot water dries you out) and the shower itself will remove any excess coconut oil leaving you with just enough moisturizer post washing. And speaking of washing, ditch any soaps you may be using as they are likely making matters worse.  This pre-shower, coconut oil routine will get the job done. 

Nutiva Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil from Fresh, non-GMO, Sustainably Farmed Coconuts, 15 Fluid Ounces

FC2 Female Condom ~Single Condom

If all the moisture in the world isn’t enough to soothe your angry vagina, the newly revamped female condom might be just the thing.  One end of the condom is inserted similarly to a Nuvaring, where you pinch a small, flexible circle and insert into the vagina.  The other end remains outside of the body (if my description leaves more questions than answers, check out www.fc2.us.com for more information).  The condom is latex free and lubricated on both sides.  The material of the condom can act as a barrier between vaginal wall and penis (or whatever you choose to insert) and may reduce pain.

In addition to simply adding moisture to your lady parts, vaginal priming is another method for improving blood flow and lubrication.
Priming is a daily, 10 min technique that increases blood flow to the region., Over time, this allows for growth of increased blood vessels, making it easier for your vagina to moisturize itself.

• Step one: Get a vibrator (either the sexy kind or something old school and utilitarian such as the Magic wand massager*)
• Use all around EXTERNAL genitals: 
  • inner thighs
  • labia
  • mons pubis (fleshy mound with pubic hair)

You may start noticing a difference after one week, but stick with it if not. In order to work this needs to be done daily.
*Pro tip! Magic wand massager is also wonderful for breaking up scar tissue from mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction or radiation.

Magic Wand Massager with Wand Essentials Variable Speed Controller

​What have you found to be most effective for dealing with vaginal dryness? Share in comments, we’d love to learn from you!