When your vagina isn't properly lubricated, it can feel itchy and irritated. This condition, vaginal dryness, can make daily activities uncomfortable and sexual intercourse less pleasurable. In fact, during menopause, it's the most common cause of painful sex (dyspareunia).

Vaginal dryness can be a particular problem at and after the menopause, due to lack of oestrogen (the female hormone). Oestrogen is responsible for the plumpness of the lining of the vagina, for the elasticity of the tissues round the vagina and for the production of the moisture from the cervix.

Oestrogen levels fall at the menopause, so the vagina loses some of its elasticity, its lining becomes thinner, and it feels dryer. Because there is less moisture, there are fewer of the 'friendly' bacteria that help to keep the vagina acidic. When the vagina becomes less acidic, infections such as thrush can take hold, which cause further irritation and discomfort.

What to do about dryness before the menopause?

A dry vagina can be lubricated easily. For additional lubrication for intercourse, use a water-soluble, starch-based lubricant.

Vaginal moisturizers help moisturize the vagina for a longer period of time than lubricants do; they may decrease dryness for more than one day with a single application.

Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you aren't sufficiently aroused. Make time to be intimate with your partner and allow your body to become adequately aroused and lubricated. It may help to talk with your partner about what feels good for you. Having intercourse regularly may help promote better vaginal lubrication.

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