As we age, our bodies change and behave differently than they did when we were younger. Four out of ten menopausal age women report a reduction in the quantity of vaginal moisture and lubrication their bodies make. Some women only notice the lack of lubrication during sex while others experience dryness itching and burning on a regular basis.

Understanding why this happens is the first step in finding a solution. Estrogen, a female hormone helps regulate vaginal moisture. A reduction in estrogen levels can occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, breast feeding, after removal of ovaries, and menopause and cause dryness. (Some medications like cold medicine and antidepressants and stress can also cause dryness.) Vaginal moisture is important not just from a comfort stand-point, but it also helps protect delicate vaginal tissue from tears and infection. The first time most women tend to notice that their bodies are not making enough lubricant is during sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Using a non-irritating water-based or silicone based personal lubricant will make intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable for both you and your partner. (Most people report that no matter what their age, intercourse with a lubricant is more pleasurable than without.) In addition to estrogen, your body also needs to be properly hydrated to be able to hydrate vaginal tissue, so drink lots of water. Also make sure you allow your body the time it needs to produce lubrication for sex. As we age, it takes longer to become aroused so foreplay becomes even more important. Since men tend to have performance issues as they age, increased foreplay is often a welcome part of intimacy.

If you tried lubricants in the past and weren’t happy with them because they were too gloppy or messy, shop around because great advances have been made in the quality of personal lubricants. If you want to learn more about the different kinds of personal lubricants, we suggest you read our Personal Lubricant Buying Guide.

If your vaginal dryness is a constant source of discomfort, there are products like Replens that imitate natural vaginal moisture and can relieve dryness for up to three days with a single application. Although these products can be used as personal lubricants during intercourse, it is recommended that you use additional sexual lubricant during intercourse.

*As with any change in your health, you should consult with your health care provider.