How to Treat Vaginal Dryness? Can It Lead to Infertility?

Under normal circumstances, cervical fluid lubricates the vagina and keeps the lining soft and elastic. An absence or very low amounts of cervical fluid is termed as vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is caused by a drop in estrogen - the female hormone responsible for regulating cervical fluid production. This can be the result of stress, side effects of medication or simply not having enough foreplay.

Vaginal Dryness and Fertility

'Is vaginal dryness a symptom of infertility' is often the first question that comes to a woman's mind. However, vaginal dryness does not really cause infertility. Unfortunately, it can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable and even painful at times. This could in turn make you dislike sex. If you're trying to have a baby naturally, this can be a serious problem.

Cervical fluid does more than just lubricate the vagina. It also makes it easier for sperm to reach the egg and fertilise it. This is especially important if the man has a low sperm count.

Vaginal Dryness Treatments

Vaginal dryness is a common issue and the good news is that it can be easily treated. Topical estrogen therapy is the most common way to treat vaginal dryness. This may be prescribed in the form of:

• Tablets - Must be inserted into the vagina with the help of a special disposable applicator
• Creams - Must also be applied in the vagina with a special applicator
• Ring - This involves inserting a flexible, soft ring into the vagina. Estrogen will be slowly released into the tissues of the vaginal walls.

Vaginal moisturisers and water-based lubricants can also make sex more enjoyable. Ensure that the lubricant you pick is sperm friendly. In addition, finding ways to deal with stress can also help relieve vaginal dryness and make sex more pleasurable.