Vaginal Lubrication
Vaginal dryness is a problem that women can experience at any age. Some studies show that 50 percent of women suffer from a lack of vaginal lubrication and this condition is not limited to menopausal, perimenopausal or post-menopausal women. The good news is you’re not alone and this condition is treatable.

The lack of proper lubrication is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Some woman will grit their teeth and push through, but without moisture they can experience pain and cuts, which can lead to infections and disease.

The easy fix may be to reach for a commercial lubrication product, but those chemical lubes come with a risk of damage. The vagina is a highly absorbent mucous membrane that can absorb and secrete fluids at a higher rate than skin. If you have sensitive skin elsewhere on your body or face, your vagina may be sensitive too. Products that contain flavors, perfumes or warming ingredients such as menthol or capsaicin, are not good for the body.

The Top Ten Reasons Women Cannot Always Achieve Vaginal Lubrication:

Women’s Natural Cycles

It takes estrogen in the body to help make natural lubrication. During pre-ovulation, a woman’s estrogen levels will rise. Post-ovulation, estrogen levels lower dramatically, which means a woman usually experiences vaginal dryness. However, menstruating women experience vaginal dryness for the three days before and after their period, and many women have the same issue during their periods.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are an equal opportunity culprit, which means it can happen at any age. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by antibiotics found in some food, plastics that leach out estrogen-mimicking chemicals, and estrogen-rich foods. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that lowers estrogen levels. It takes estrogen to produce the moisture that is released from our vagina during times of arousal.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking can lower estrogen levels in the body, which can lead to vaginal dryness.

Postpartum and Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding is great for both mother and baby, it does cause pituitary glands to release prolactin, the hormone responsible for producing milk and lowering estrogen levels.

Soaps and Douches

Studies show a significant correlation between vaginal dryness and douching. Douches often include fragrance which can be made up of hundreds of different undisclosed chemicals, some of which can be quite toxic, and others that are associated with allergies. Don’t forget that the vaginal mucous membranes absorb very well. Anything that is put into the vagina will pass through the body. Benzethonium Chloride, a preservative, is commonly used in feminine deodorant sprays, powders and suppositories sold in the United States. Did you know that this same chemical is restricted from use for feminine hygiene products in Canada, Japan, and the EU due to safety concerns?  The best way to make sure everything smells good down south is to make sure the vaginal pH balance is where it needs to be, which natural intimate massage oils and vaginal moisture drops like In The Pink encourage.

Chemotherapy and Other Cancer Treatments

Women who undergo life saving treatments from chemotherapy tend to suffer from generalized dryness throughout their bodies, which includes vaginal dryness. Estrogen-fed breast cancer means that the cancer feeds off estrogen. The treatment for this would be to suppress as much estrogen in the body as possible, which means a dryer vagina.

Emotional Stress

We all understand that dealing with a stressful situation can affect our bodies in strange ways. Vaginal health is part of the body, and does not get a “free ride” when dealing with stress. Stress not only affects hormone balance, but also lowers your libido. The ability to achieve an orgasm, and the lack of lubrication can become casualties of stress.

Not Enough Foreplay

There is no rule that explains how much foreplay is needed to stimulate proper lubrication, so it is important to communicate with your partner about what works for you in order to get your juices flowing.

Proper H2O

One key to healthy skin is hydration, and the vagina has some of the most sensitive skin. If dehydration is a struggle, this can lead to itchiness, burning, vaginal pain and insufficient lubrication. The rule of thumb is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Prescription Medications and Birth Control Pills.

Medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure pills, or prescriptions for an overactive bladder, or for excessive sweating are known to cause vaginal dryness. Even over-the-counter antihistamines can dry out more than your sinuses as well.

Birth control from the Pill, vaginal rings or skin patches are designed to manipulate a woman’s body, mimicking the second half of the menstrual cycle, which is low in estrogen and high in progesterone, creating the perfect recipe for lack of lubrication.

Treatment Options
Vaginal dryness is treatable. The first goal is to find out what is causing your problem and then come up with a plan to help naturally restore your vagina, whether it is stress relief or making a change in your medications.

Most natural lubricants on the market will provide short-term relief but it is important to find long term relief as well. In The Pink offers a Vaginal Moisture Drop that helps soothe, hydrate and restore your vagina. This perle is rich in Omega 3 and 6 linoleic acid with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and analgesic properties. This perle is designed to closely mimic your natural lubrication while restoring tissue elasticity.

In The Pink’s Intimate Massage Oils are a lubrication relief crafted from estrogen-free organic ingredients. This botanical blend is crafted to closely mimic a female’s natural lubrication along with the added benefits that essential oils have to offer. If you desire an all-natural product to provide lubrication, moisture,  aromatherapy, pain control and enhanced intimate play, this is the lubrication for you.