The 11 Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness (+ FAQs)

If you’ve ever experienced vaginal dryness, you’re not alone.

Vaginal dryness is prevalent among menopausal women. But, many people go through dryness at different stages of life.

Not to worry!

You can try some at-home vaginal dryness treatment options to soothe the condition.

In this article, we’ll reveal the 11 best home remedies for vaginal dryness. We’ll also explain when you should see a doctor and answer four common queries about vaginal dryness (including vaginal dryness symptoms and causes).

11 Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can easily hinder your sex life and cause serious discomfort.

You can find out the cause by seeing your doctor and getting an appropriate treatment. 

But, if you’d like to try to manage it on your own, these natural remedies can help:

1. Stay Hydrated

This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning – water makes you wetter!

Water helps flush out toxins in the cells and skin while hydrating your body and increasing vaginal moisture levels. Plus, the more H2O you drink, the more natural lubrication you produce.

The daily recommended water intake is about 1 to 1.5 liters, so make sure to drink this amount at the minimum.

2. Take Your Vitamins And Minerals

You can get your daily doses of vitamins and minerals from food to increase vaginal lubrication. But, if this doesn’t happen regularly, supplements are also a fantastic natural remedy.

Here are a few of the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids you should take:

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body form collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin and a strong vaginal wall.
  
  Foods rich in vitamin C include strawberries, kiwi, kale, oranges, broccoli, and guavas.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps increase vaginal elasticity and blood circulation, stabilizes estrogen, and relieves menopausal symptoms (yes, that includes vaginal dryness.)
  
  Vitamin E also helps with vaginal tissue recovery and heals wounds caused by painful intercourse with regular use. You can consume vitamin E orally or apply it as an oil in and around the vagina.

• Zinc: Research has shown that zinc supplements can assist with pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause symptoms (e.g., vaginal dryness).

Alternatively, try zinc-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, cheese, and almonds.

• Omega 3: Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that keeps joints, skin, and cell membranes healthy. It also helps increase natural lubricant levels in the vagina.
  
  You can get your daily dose of omega 3 from seaweed, flax seeds, soy, hemp seeds, walnuts, and some fish. Alternatively, you can take a supplement.
  
  
• Omega 7: Omega 7 is another essential fatty acid for the vaginal lining and healthy lubrication.
  
  Sea buckthorn oil contains plenty of omega 7 fats. Add the oil to food and drink or apply topically.

3. Use a Personal Lubricant

Vaginal lubricants are an excellent way to reduce dryness and increase pleasure during sexual intercourse.

Wondering what to choose?

Check out the Coconu Oil-Based Personal Lubricant. 

We love it because it’s completely natural and USDA-certified organic. The lube is made with coconut oil and other mouthwatering edible ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil. 

It functions brilliantly as a lubricant, vaginal moisturizer, and sexy massage oil! 

Oil-based lube can degrade latex, so be sure to use polyurethane (latex-free) condoms. But it’s perfectly safe to use with your favorite silicone toy.

When choosing a lube, avoid using products with glycerin, petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline), and mineral oil (think baby oil). These can easily cause vaginal infection and vaginal irritation.

Stick to products that are specifically formulated for the vaginal area.

4. Take Probiotics

Look: A healthy vagina will have balanced pH levels between 3.8 to 4.5. 

If your pH levels are high, it could be a symptom of a condition like vaginal atrophy, bacterial vaginosis, or a vaginal infection.

Studies indicate that probiotics can help balance the pH levels of the vagina and improve vaginal moisture. Additionally, probiotics help maintain your body’s healthy vaginal bacteria.

Try fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, miso, and kombucha for a daily boost of probiotics. Alternatively, you can opt for an over-the-counter probiotic supplement to suit your needs.

5. Consume Estrogen-Boosting Food

A common cause of vaginal dryness, particularly in menopausal women, is a hormone imbalance of low estrogen.

Vaginal estrogen helps maintain a healthy vaginal lining, vaginal lubrication, and elasticity in your vaginal tissue.

A doctor may prescribe a vaginal estrogen treatment (i.e., topical estrogen) or hormone replacement therapy to treat vaginal dryness.

But, did you know you can also get estrogen from food?

Phytoestrogen is a plant-based compound that boosts the estrogen level in the body.

Try adding foods rich in phytoestrogens to your daily diet, such as:

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds
• Fruits: Apples, strawberries, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranates
• Vegetables: Carrots, yams, alfalfa sprouts, and legumes like mung beans
• Herbs: Hops and licorice root
• Soy isoflavones: Soybeans, tempeh, miso, and tofu
• Grains: Barley and oats

Important: 

If you have battled breast cancer in the past, higher estrogen levels may increase the risk of cancer recurring. To prevent this, some cancer treatments involve taking estrogen blockers. 

If you're experiencing vaginal dryness due to these treatments, speak to a doctor about an appropriate treatment option.

6. Get Your Blood Pumping Regularly

We get it:

Motivation to exercise can be scarce in a busy lifestyle.

But moving your body makes you (and your vagina) happier and healthier.

Regular exercise releases serotonin — the happy hormone that improves your mood — and aids in getting rid of toxins in the body. Working out also helps balance out hormone levels (like estrogen). 

So opt for heart-pumping exercises like running, Zumba, and yoga to regulate your body and mood.

7. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises

On the topic of exercise, you can also work out your pelvic floor. 

As your estrogen hormone levels drop over time, your vaginal muscles gradually weaken.

Kegels are a great exercise to increase blood flow to the vagina, relax any stiff vaginal muscles, and tone weak ones. When you regularly flex these muscle groups, your body starts to produce more natural lubrication.

Important: 

Symptoms like frequent urination, incontinence, and constipation may indicate pelvic floor dysfunction. You may need to see a doctor for pelvic floor physical therapy.

8. Apply a Vaginal Moisturizer

The quickest vaginal dryness treatment is to use a topical vaginal moisturizer. 

These are specifically designed creams you apply to your vagina daily or as needed to soothe dryness and itching.

Vaginal moisturizer can be store-bought, though some natural oils (e.g., unprocessed coconut oil, natural almond oil) can work well too.

Remember: 

Coconu products are a three-in-one lubricant, vaginal moisturizer, and massage oil. But, not every store-bought vaginal moisturizer is a suitable lubricant.

9. Avoid Fragranced Products

We think vaginas should smell like vaginas (and sexual health experts agree)! 

Be mindful of what products you put on your body. 

It’s best to avoid using fragranced soaps, washes, sprays, or menstrual products in or around your vagina.

This also applies to harsh chemicals and spermicides, such as those present in some lubes.

Fragrances and chemicals can cause yeast infections, irritation, itching, burning, and vaginal dryness. 

Important: 

All this irritation also puts you at higher risk for an STI, which certainly won’t smell (or feel) good.

10. Stop Smoking

Everyone has their vices (no judgment!).

But did you know that nicotine from smoking can lower your estrogen level, contributing to vaginal dryness?

Of course, smoking also causes many other problems, so it’s in your best interest to cut down or quit. Your whole body will thank you, from lips to labia!

11. Continue Sexual Activity

Sex is great for your body and vaginal health!

Sexual arousal helps improve blood flow in the vaginal area. And, the more your blood flows, the more vaginal secretion you produce. All this helps reduce vaginal dryness.

Plus, sexual activity doesn’t always have to mean partnered intercourse. Masturbation with or without a sex toy (and with or without penetration) is just as beneficial.

But, only continue sexual activity if:

• It’s something you enjoy. Sex isn’t required for good vaginal health. It should always be up to you whether you want to participate in sex and masturbation.
  
  
• It isn’t painful or uncomfortable. Sex should feel good. Painful intercourse and vaginal itching can cause micro-tears that can get infected or transfer STIs.
  
  
• You have a great lubricant. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, you must supplement your natural lubrication to avoid injuries and infections.

When to Consult a Doctor

Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if natural remedies aren’t working and your vaginal dryness is persistent or severe. 

You should contact a healthcare professional if:

• You notice bleeding, odor, or unusual discharge
• Your vaginal dryness is interfering with your daily activities
• You’re experiencing painful intercourse
• You have other health conditions
• You have symptoms of an infection (like a fever)

Your doctor can determine what treatment option will work for you.

They may recommend vaginal rejuvenation remedies like:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Vaginal estrogen therapy (topical estrogen)
• Using a vaginal dilator
• Switching your birth control or other medications
• Pelvic floor physical therapy

Remember:

Vaginal dryness can be a symptom of many other conditions. Additionally, it can cause complications. So, contacting a doctor can help you catch a sexual health issue early.

4 Burning Questions About Vaginal Dryness

Here’s everything you may want to know about the causes, effects, and complications of vaginal dryness:

1. What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Many factors can cause vaginal dryness, including:

• Some medications, including certain contraceptives and antidepressants
• Lack of arousal during sexual intercourse (Oof! Time to up the foreplay game.)
• Childbirth and breastfeeding 
• Hysterectomies
• Hormonal cancer treatments
• Diabetes
• Vaginal atrophy caused by a hormonal imbalance or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM – menopause)

2. What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness?

The main symptom of vaginal dryness is that your body is producing insufficient vaginal secretion. This makes the vaginal tissue and vaginal wall dry and prone to injury.

But, some other vaginal dryness symptoms can include:

• Vaginal itching
• A recurring Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Vaginal irritation, pain, or bleeding during and after sex

3. Can Vaginal Dryness Cause Complications?

As mentioned, vaginal dryness could cause further issues, such as:

• A Urinary Tract Infection (wounds and infections may allow vaginal bacteria to enter the urethra)
• Vaginal infection (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection)
• Increased vulnerability to STDs and STIs (diseases can enter your body through sores and tears)

4. What’s the Difference Between Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Atrophy?

Atrophic vaginitis – AKA vaginal atrophy – is a condition that causes thinning, inflammation, and dryness in the vaginal area. It’s a common symptom of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. 

Woah, what’s “genitourinary”?

This word simply refers to the genital and urinary regions. Menopause symptoms and atrophy affect both areas.

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of atrophy. However, it can also have other causes.

Healthy Lifestyle = Happy Vagina

In many cases, you can treat vaginal dryness with some healthy lifestyle changes. Paying attention to the food, water, exercise, and chemicals in your lifestyle is always a good idea!

But it’s vital to know when to try a natural remedy for vaginal dryness, and when to see a doctor.

In either case, lube is your best friend for increasing pleasure and easing discomfort during sex!

How about a bottle of Coconu’s Hemp Infused Body Oil? 

It’s a silky-smooth coconut oil-based lubricant, vaginal moisturizer, and body oil, infused with the soothing benefits of hemp.