Vaginal dryness has a bad habit of contributing to uncomfortable sex for postmenopausal women and women who experience vaginal dryness for other reasons. Finding a way to address it can change the sexual experience dramatically. But for many women, experimenting with pharmaceutical solutions doesn't sit well. The good news is that there are a number of natural ways to improve the situation.
Below is a selection of five non-pharmaceutical approaches for postmenopausal women to improve vaginal comfort during sex. As always, consult with your physician before making any changes.
1. Lubricants and Moisturizers
Lubricants and moisturizers made without pharmaceutical ingredients, hormones, or fragrances can offer considerable relief. They come in a variety of forms including topical applications applied prior to intercourse.
You may prefer a water-based lubricant that provides immediate lubrication in the moment. Or you might prefer the vaginal moisturizer that only needs to be applied every few days. For continual vaginal lubricating moisture released up to 7 days, consider LivRing.
2. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises – like Kegel exercises, for example – are believed to help strengthen and relax the muscles that support the vagina. It has been suggested that the exercises improve muscle tone while also increasing sexual comfort. A pelvic health physical therapist would be a good source of information on how to do these exercises properly.
3. Increase Foreplay
In addition to being enjoyable, foreplay can also enhance sexual arousal prior to intercourse. Arousal should lead to more natural lubrication as the body does what it is designed to perform. Unfortunately, postmenopausal women (and other women that experience vaginal dryness) can find arousal more difficult. Therefore, foreplay may need to be extended accordingly.
4. Diet and Supplements
Menopause disrupts a woman's hormones as we’ve known for a long time. Interestingly, some studies indicate that modifying one's diet and leaning into certain supplements can help. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes or introducing new supplements to your daily diet.
5. Remain Sexually Active
As much as possible, try to maintain regular sexual activity. Having sex increases blood flow to the vagina. Increased blood flow contributes to vaginal health and may enhance elasticity. This can result in improved natural lubrication and increased sexual comfort.
In addition to remaining sexually active, consider getting more exercise. Exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga may promote vaginal health through increased blood flow and improved muscle tone.
Other Tips and Tricks
Addressing vaginal dryness and the discomfort it causes during sex doesn't end with finding natural ways to improve lubrication. It is also helpful to avoid things that can irritate. For example, harsh soaps and feminine hygiene products with fragrances can be quite irritating, as can douches, perfumed toilet paper and scented wipes.
Anything that can disrupt the vagina's natural pH (acidity) balance can irritate and lead to further vaginal dryness. Avoid these types of things whenever possible.
LivRing can help enhance the sexual experience for women experiencing vaginal dryness with a water-based lubricant containing no pharmaceutical products, hormones, or fragrances. The lubricant comes in a biomedical-grade hydrophilic polyurethane reservoir ring that is inserted into the vagina. LivRing provides increased lubrication for up to 7 days.
If you are experiencing sexual discomfort due to vaginal dryness, why not try LivRing? It could be exactly what you've been looking for in your life.