A couple of days ago, while I was looking for a GIF for another article, I saw one that tickled me. It featured a woman talking and included the caption “Discharge is the spit of the vagina.” I mean, I never really thought to look at it that way but she ain’t lyin’. LOL. And just think about it — when your mouth is parched or your vagina is dry, that can make you pretty uncomfortable.
The interesting thing about the vagina, though, is whenever the topic of its dryness comes up, it’s usually only in the context of sexual arousal. And while that is a very valid and relevant concern (because sex is not much fun if you’re not well-moisturized down there), as I was sharing with a client of mine, there are other things that can cause that part of your body to seem or be...dehydrated.
Let’s talk about some of those today. Oh, and the reason why I used to word “labia” instead of vagina in the title is because, usually, what causes us to even notice that we’ve got a dry situation going on is because the folds of skin that protect the outer part of our vagina (which is known as our vulva) is what’s causing much of the distress — and those, collectively, are called our labia.
So, if yours hasn’t been feeling “naturally lubed” lately and it’s outside of foreplay or sex, check out these 10 other causes to see if they might be the source of the stress.
1. Low Estrogen
GiphyAlthough your labia can feel dry no matter how old you are, there is a reason why I’m leading with low estrogen; it’s because it’s a direct result of being in the latter stages of perimenopause and menopause. Yep, the reason why a woman’s body goes through so many changes — hot flashes, irregular periods, shifts in her shape, extra weight in her midsection, peaks and valleys when it comes to her sex drive, etc. — is because as she ages, her estrogen levels start to decrease and that can impact her vaginal lining, including how moisturized it is.
So, if you are in your late 30s-late 40s, you’re noticing that you are dry and you can’t really figure out why, make an appointment with your physician to get your hormone levels checked. Honestly, it’s a pretty wise practice to do during that time regardless.
2. Diabetes
If you are diabetic, this is another thing that could cause your labia to feel dry. One reason is because it’s pretty common for people with diabetes to have challenges when it comes to their blood circulation and that plays a part in one’s natural lubrication. Also, women who are diabetic are twice as likely to experience some sort of nerve damage in their genital region which could also lead to a dry labia. This is another instance when speaking with your doctor would be best as far as finding a remedy that can help this to be less of an issue for you.
3. Your Period
GiphyWhen you’re on your period, you may or may not notice that your labia is dry…for pretty obvious reasons. However, if you happen to use a menstrual cup or tampon during that time of the month, dryness will definitely be more noticeable. Why does it happen? Because your hormones and going topsy-turvy and usually your period is a time when your estrogen levels are pretty low which means that you’re not producing as much natural lubrication. The upswing to this is, labia dryness tends to go away once your period ends.
4. Birth Control
If you’ve recently gotten on birth control and you’ve noticed that your labia is not as wet as it usually is, the good news is this is probably a temporary situation for you. Remember, the reason why things like the pill, the shot, skin patches, etc. are effective is because your hormones are being altered by them, so that it is much more difficult for you to conceive. Unfortunately, a side effect of all of this is you may have a harder time getting wet for a while.
An in-the-meantime remedy? Lubricant (check out “If You've Always Wanted A 'Lubricant Cheat Sheet,' Here Ya Go” and “The Wetter, The Better: 10 Creative Ways To Use Lubricant”). Never underestimate good lubricant.
5. Alcohol
GiphySince alcohol is a diuretic, this means that it has the ability to dehydrate you — and your genital region is not exempt from this. In fact, since that part of your body needs a boost in oxygen to arouse you and a sign of arousal is getting wetter down below, it would make sense that you would need to be well-hydrated (since water does indeed have oxygen in it). Does this mean that you can’t enjoy a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or your favorite cocktail? Of course, not. Just make sure that, for the most part, you stick within the recommended allowance which is one glass a day for women (and two glasses a day for men).
6. Breastfeeding
As a doula, I can vouch for the fact that postpartum vaginal dryness is indeed a thing because, if there is ever a time when a woman’s hormones are all over the place, it’s when she’s just given birth and her body is trying to adjust to its “new normal.” And when it comes to a new mom’s estrogen levels, those tend to drop, especially so, while she’s in the process of breastfeeding. And since we’ve already discussed that estrogen helps with natural lubrication — there you go.
Something that can help you during this time is to take postnatal supplements, exercise, consume foods that are high in protein, read up on boron (it’s a supplement that helps your body to better absorb testosterone and estrogen), and apply vitamin E to your labia — it can help to soothe it if the dryness is causing irritation.
7. Anxiety/Depression
GiphyAbout five years ago, Forbes published an article entitled, “Can Your Mental Health Affect Your Vagina?” and the truth of the matter is that it absolutely can. One of the things that it mentioned is when you are feeling anxious, it can negatively impact how blood circulates in that part of your body which can lead to vaginal atrophy — and one symptom of that is vaginal dryness. Not only that but if you’re ever feeling anxious and/or depressed, that can also cause you to feel like your vagina is tightening up or even shrinking; especially if you happen to be in your 40s (peak perimenopausal age).
Deep breathing, meditation, a regular sleep pattern, less alcohol, and talking your feelings out are some ways to feel better and bring some of your natural lubrication back.
8. Medication
If you’re someone who is good for taking an antihistamine and your labia is dry, those two things definitely go hand in hand. It would appear that antihistamines can help to lessen your allergy symptoms; however, they’re also pretty good at hindering the neurotransmitters that signal your system to produce natural lubrication. Oh, and speaking of medicines, ones that treat asthma are prone to produce dryness too; especially in your mouth and vagina. Sedatives can also dry you out as well as blood pressure and heart medications. If you’re on any of these and your labia has lost some moisture, please mention it to your healthcare provider; they may be able to help.
9. Scented Vaginal Products
GiphyAnything that can alter your vagina’s pH (check out “Sis, This Is How To Keep Your Vagina's pH Balanced”) is something else that can cause your labia to feel a bit like a desert. When it comes to this point, what immediately comes to mind is vaginal washes that are full of chemicals and fragrances. Not only that but feminine sprays, douches, and even laundry detergent.
That’s why you should use vaginal washes that are as natural (and gentle) as possible (check out “Love On Yourself With These 7 All-Natural DIY Vaginal Washes,” “Are You Washing Your Vagina Correctly? You Sure?” and “Does Your Vagina Prefer You Take A Shower Or A Bath?”) and that you consider washing your undies by hand with a super mild detergent. While we’re here, also remember that vaginas are self-cleaning. This means that even too much water on them could possibly have a drying effect.
So, if you’re overdoing it in order to get rid of a strong odor, that usually is a sign of an infection. Call your doctor instead of scrubbing “her” (and drying her out) to death.
10. Stress
Been feeling taxed and spent? If that is indeed the case and you’ve been noticing that your labia is dry, stress just might be the culprit. Aside from the fact that stress is something else that restricts blood flow to your genitalia, stress is one more thing that can cause your estrogen and testosterone levels to tank. So, whether it’s taking a power nap, reading a book, going for a walk, hanging out with a friend, or — eh hem — setting a new boundary, don’t let stress overtake you. It’s not good for your overall health and well-being and your labia certainly doesn’t like it. Not one bit, sis.
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Featured image by Anele77/Getty Images
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"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
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Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
