Dear Jacqui,
I have a very dry vagina and I had sex, now I'm really itching. I've had this problem for a long time. It really hurts when my husband penetrates. After sex I douche but it still hurts down there, can you help me? Thank you.
Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,
Vaginal dryness can have many causes. There are a number of articles posted on our web site, www.veryprivate.com under Vaginal Health and Painful Sex. You should read them since it is difficult for us to define your symptoms since we don't know enough about you. It could be due to diminishing hormone levels, stress, diet -- many factors.

I suggest above all that you should use a vaginal moisturizer before intimacy. I specifically recommend a moisturizer, not a lubricant. The product should be FDA approved, fragrance free, dye and flavor free, and contain no plant additives or vitamins.

It is also very important that penetration does not occur before you are completely relaxed and ready for actual intercourse otherwise your tissue can become very sore. After sexuality you should void your bladder and wash with plenty of lukewarm water. I advise you to avoid regular soaps and body cleansing products containing fragrance or plant additives.

Use a pH balanced soap or body wash such as Very Private which is mild and will not affect your healthy vaginal pH which protects you against irritation and infection. If your itching symptoms continue, I suggest you have a gynecological check up just to make sure that there is no infection or health condition present that could cause the problem.

Jacqui

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