Been feeling as though the chill winter isn't just making the lips round your mouth dry? Dryness is something that affects many vagina owners, causing pain, discomfort, and even cuts. Alice Wade speaks to health experts to get the lowdown on vaginal dryness from the cause, to lube suggestions.

With winter comes dryness: dry face, dry hair, dry lips. Generally speaking, the murky cold of a British winter seems to suck the life and moisture out of pretty much everything (can you guess what my least favourite season is?). 

Though in these cases we might slap on some vaseline or do a hair mask to combat the dry chill, many of us are less sure what to do when it comes to dryness of the nether regions. 

If you have a vagina the chances are you will experience dryness at some stage in your life. While it is more common for women going through menopause – over half of people aged between 50-61 who go through menopause will experience vaginal dryness – it can happen to  people of any age. In fact, 17% of people with vaginas between the ages of 18-50 will also experience dryness.

Others who are more prone are those who are breastfeeding, taking the contraceptive pill, have had a hysterectomy or are undergoing treatment for cancer. 

What causes it?

Often it’s the impact of hormonal changes that can leave you withering under the oestrogen sun. Lauren Thayer, Registered Nurse (RN) at Health Canal says: “There are various causes of vaginal dryness, which may include low hormone levels, certain medications and some autoimmune conditions.”

Dryness can also be caused by allergies, and certain medications like some antidepressants. Douching, as ever, is never a good thing and could also be one of the factors causing your dryness.

What are the symptoms?

“Vaginal dryness can be incredibly uncomfortable, with symptoms such as burning, irritation, and pain with intercourse,” says Thayer.

Dryness is caused by thinning of the skin around the vagina, which makes it more prone to cuts and nicks. This can cause discomfort generally, but particularly if you’re trying to have sex. Even things like standing up, sitting down or trying to pee can cause a lot of pain if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. 

Amongst other symptoms, a change in discharge – such as it becoming more watery, discoloured or odorous – can also be a sign of dryness.

What are some of the treatments?

The solution to vaginal dryness is pretty much the same as for any dryness – moisturiser, moisture, moisture!

“These may include a vaginal moisturiser that adds moisture around and inside the vagina,and lubricants that can help to decrease discomfort during intercourse,” says Thayer.

Heather Jeffcoat is the President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, and author of Sex Without Pain: A Self Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve. She emphasises the importance of differentiating between vaginal lubricants that “are designed to be used during intercourse to improve glide and reduce friction”, and vaginal moisturisers that can help with daily discomfort.

While using lubricants “can mean the difference between painful or pain free intercourse,” it is important to note that moisturisers don’t play the same role, and won’t be as useful in the bedroom.

When looking for a moisturiser, look no further than every girl's bathroom cabinet staple – hyaluronic acid. 

“Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to consider when looking at vaginal moisturisers, and has been shown to be as effective as estradiol in improving vaginal dryness,” says Jeffcoats.

When looking for moisturisers, a rule of thumb is to avoid using those that contain perfume or other harsh chemicals that could disturb the pH balance – the last thing you want is a yeast infection as well.

As far as lubricants go, this one is pretty much a matter of personal choice; and there are an array of options from water-based, to oil-based, silicone-based, and CBD-based, Jeffcoats tells us.

“It really comes down to preference for you and your partner. Silicone-based is long-lasting and condom-compatible.”

“Oil-based and CBD-based (often oil-based as well) are also long-lasting, but not for use with condoms. [Oil breaks down latex, and can cause tears, making the condom ineffective.]

“Water-based lubricants are condom-compatible. Some CBD-based lubricants are water-based, so always check the labels for condom-compatibility if this is important to you.”

Increasing oestrogen might also be offered if a hormonal imbalance is the cause of the dryness. This can be found in creams, tablets and even in vaginal rings if this is the route you take. It’s important to discuss all the options with your doctor to ensure the right solution is found for you.

What if I get cuts?

For nicks and tears, Thayer emphasises the importance of keeping the area clean and avoiding any soaps or detergents that might upset the pH of your vagina. She says “You can also use an ointment such as Aquaphor or a topical antibiotic cream to help repair the skin barrier.”

Though I’m sure the last thing you’d want to do is to shove any foreign objects near your war wounds, it’s important to make sure you don’t attempt any kind of sexy time until everything is healed. 

As Thayer reminds us, having a cut on your vagina area is not uncommon. In fact, it’ll likely happen to all of us at some stage in our lives. “So do not feel ashamed if you do.”

“Just be vigilant in treatment to prevent further complications and prevent it when you can,” she advises.

All in all, while vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable and down right annoying, there are solutions out there. Whether your dryness is caused by a hormonal imbalance or a fluke in your cycle, moisturiser is here to save you from cracked lips. And if even hyaluronic acid can’t save you, make sure to meet with your GP to discuss the possibility of a hormonal treatment to treat the issue from its root.