Grandma's remedies for intimate dryness

Vulvovaginal dryness is a delicate problem, usually due to a drop in estrogen levels or a lack of hydration of the intimate mucous membranes. In this article, we analyze the effectiveness of grandmother's remedies against intimate dryness, those that work, those that are not very effective and those that should be avoided at all costs!

The origins of intimate dryness

Vulvovaginal dryness is a common problem that affects many people at different stages of their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, particularly when estrogen levels drop. The amount of estrogen circulating in the body naturally decreases with age, most often leading to dryness of the vulva and vagina. However, it is not just ageing that impacts hormone production. This is also the case for people who:

• whose hormone levels vary during menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.;
• undergoing chemotherapy or hormone therapy as part of cancer treatment;
• following radiotherapy focused on the pelvic region;
• suffering from immune disorders;
• having had their ovaries and/or uterus removed;
• taking certain medications: birth control pill, sedatives, antidepressants, antihistamines, certain antibiotics, certain treatments for cardiovascular problems;
• suffering from certain conditions that cause dryness such as Goujerot-Sjörgren syndrome.

Can we really trust grandmother's remedies when it comes to intimate health?

Homemade recipes to absolutely avoid

With a simple Google search, you can easily come across all sorts of popular remedies that claim to be effective, but can actually be harmful. For example, using homemade vaginal douches or applying certain essential oils undiluted can upset the natural genital flora and worsen intimate dryness.

If you search the web, you will probably find articles praising the effectiveness of Yoni eggs in treating this type of problem. These rather bizarre objects promise to stimulate the vaginal glands and improve lubrication as if by magic. However, the use of these smooth, oval-shaped stones is not recommended by health professionals. Not only do they not have the declared effectiveness, but, in addition, the introduction of Foreign bodies in the vagina regularly and for a prolonged period can expose us to fungal and bacterial infections and harm the proper functioning of the pelvic floor.

Yoni eggs are also made from natural stones that can be porous, or worse, sometimes containing very high concentrations of heavy metals. Finally, the ovoid shape, smooth and small in size can encourage the introduction of air into the vagina and promote the proliferation of aerobic bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, responsible for toxic shock syndrome. All this should therefore be taken with a grain of salt.

Another harmful grandmother's remedy circulating freely on the internet: washing your genitals with lemon juice. In fact, it is simply washing your vagina that is a bad idea. Indeed, it is "self-cleaning" and does not require any special gestures or ingredients to be sanitized or cleaned, unless recommended by a doctor. Using lemon or any other product, even natural, including water, can disrupt the natural pH and flora of the vagina. In the end, you risk making the discomfort worse intimate and gynecological problems such as vaginal dryness, irritation and itching, while promoting the development of mycoses and other infections.

Tips that can help in some cases

Some tips and good habits can help reduce symptoms of discomfort, provided they are adapted to your situation. Increasing your daily water intake can, for example, be an excellent idea. Good hydration of the body is essential to maintain the proper functioning of epithelial cells, which make up mucous and skin tissues, including in the vulva and vagina. However, there is no irrefutable scientific proof that one drink over another can relieve vaginal dryness.

Topical application of olive, coconut or flaxseed oil can soothe irritation and itching, but it is problematic for several reasons. First, these oils are not sterile, can oxidize over time and risk being contaminated by external germs. They can, therefore, disrupt the pH and balance of the vaginal microbiota. In addition, they should never be used with condoms, as they can compromise their effectiveness and therefore protection against STIs or unwanted pregnancy. This is therefore a remedy to be used with great caution.

The most commonly used home remedies, but which are not validated by science

Some tips are really effective. First common sense reflex: wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic materials to let the intimate area breathe without irritating it. However, there are also a large number of very commonly used remedies whose effectiveness, exact dosage or effects have not been established by science:

• Evening primrose oil and borage oil capsules are often recommended to relieve various gynecological problems such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain and menopausal hot flashes.
• chamomile applied as compresses to soothe irritations.
• Highly diluted tea tree essential oil or a decoction of cloves to eliminate bacteria and fungi that promote vaginal dryness. These can burn the mucous membranes if applied too often or in too high a concentration.
• turmeric, to be used orally or even applied topically to soothe and fight infections and cell oxidation.
• taking beehive products such as propolis and pollen to regulate hormonal balance.
• the application of specific natural treatments based on calendula, aloe vera or gotu kola to soothe irritated mucous membranes and promote healing and cell regeneration.

The effectiveness and effects of these natural remedies on the body have not yet been the subject of serious scientific studies and adopted by the medical community.

Effective solutions to combat vaginal dryness

In case of vaginal dryness, a specific medical treatment may be prescribed by your gynecologist to reduce your discomfort on a daily basis and during intercourse. It is particularly important to consult a health professional if your genital dryness is linked to hormonal disorders or the side effects of drug treatment.

To preserve your intimate comfort, it is essential to have optimal but not excessive hygiene. Only wash your vulva, once a day, no more, with only water or possibly a suitable treatment, without chemical surfactants that can attack the acid mantle of the vulva. During menstruation, you can carry out your intimate hygiene morning and evening in order to limit as much as possible the contact between menstrual blood and your mucous membranes, because it can modify the pH of the intimate area.

On the other hand, water-based lubricants are recommended to find immediate relief and regain comfort during sexual intercourse. Another local solution that could help restore your well-being would be the use of a vaginal moisturizer, without irritating ingredients, with the right pH and osmolarity.

In summary, if you notice any discomfort of a gynecological nature or intimate pain, it is crucial to consult a health professional first to obtain medical advice, before trying any natural remedy or grandmother's remedy that you have seen circulating on social networks and which can be potentially dangerous and harmful to your health. We advise you to always inform yourself well and to check the sources of any information or advice that you find on the Web.