Did you recently have a baby? If so, you might be experiencing a little postpartum vaginal dryness. First of all, congrats! Second of all, you’re not alone: Vaginal dryness after giving birth is extremely common. In fact, nearly 60 percent of new moms experience it.
But you might be wondering: Is this the new normal? Will my vagina ever go back to normal? All completely valid concerns. The answer? Yes!
One day, you and your bits will feel comfortable, again. Luckily, until that day, there are things you can do to help. We’ve got our tried-and-true postpartum tips, below.
Why does vaginal dryness postpartum happen?
1. Hormonal Changes
First up, we all know that pregnancy will do some wild things to your hormones — but those changes in hormones don’t end after you give birth. While progesterone and estrogen spike during pregnancy, it takes just 24 hours post-birth for these hormones to dip back down to pre-pregnancy levels. If you are breastfeeding, your body will scale back estrogen levels even further to aid with milk supply.
You can blame estrogen, or lack thereof, for several common postpartum issues such as night sweats, hot flashes, and, you guessed it, vaginal dryness. That’s because estrogen is responsible for keeping the vagina lubricated and elastic. As a result of less estrogen coursing through the body, the vulva, and its surrounding tissues, including the vaginal canal, will become thinner, dryer, and more prone to inflammation. Thankfully, it’s only temporary.
2. Postpartum Thyroiditis
Another potential culprit is postpartum thyroiditis. This is inflammation of the thyroid gland and affects 10 percent of postpartum women. Normal thyroid function returns within 12 to 18 months after giving birth for 80 percent of women. Postpartum thyroiditis is a cause of vaginal dryness, and it may also cause:
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Palpitations
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Mood swings
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Shakiness
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Weight gain
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Fatigue
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Dry skin
3. Decrease in Sex Drive
It is also incredibly common to simply not be in the mood for bedroom play following the birth of a child. 21 percent of women report a complete loss of libido, and this lack of interest can cause vaginal dryness, too. No worries, though. For many women, sex drive and natural lubricant will naturally return. Wherever you fall, you are in good company, and there are some things that you can do in the meantime to help.
How do you know if you have postpartum vaginal dryness?
The number one symptom of postpartum vaginal dryness is, of course, vaginal dryness. But on top of that, one may notice pain, burning, or an itching sensation. While painful sex, itching, and burning are far from desirable side effects of giving birth, rest assured that, given time, everything should heal and return to normal. And if it doesn’t, make sure to talk to your doctor about your experience to seek additional help and guidance.
How long should it last?
Studies show that 60 percent of women experience postpartum dryness a month or two after giving birth. Six months postpartum this goes down to 43 percent of women. No two bodies are exactly the same, but in a large percentage of women, postpartum dryness is a thing of the past (or until the next baby) within 18 months of giving birth.
4 tips for managing postpartum vaginal dryness after birth naturally
A healthy sex life can help keep a good connection with your partner, but that’s easier said than done following the birth of a child. Sleepless nights and a complete change in identity can be hard on any marriage, especially on the mother. Add vaginal dryness to the mix, and bedroom play may start to feel like a luxury from the past.
The key is to still make time for intimacy, even when it feels impossible. Using lubricant to keep things moist can help one feel more in the mood while boosting overall comfort.
Are there any natural solutions to cure postpartum dryness?
While there is no cure for vaginal dryness postpartum, there are things you do to help promote overall vaginal health:
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Chinese medicine relies on the use of certain herbs such as Shatavari root, licorice root, calendula, Chinese asparagus, and comfrey.
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Interestingly, a 2014 study that analyzed findings from 731 women found that eating an apple a day correlated to better sex life and more vaginal lubrication. Maybe we should change the old saying to, “An apple a day keeps the dryness away.”
Effective Solutions for Postpartum Vaginal Dryness
Eating endless apples and still not noticing a difference? Bloomi is here to help with our line of safe and effective personal lubricants and oils. A quality lubricant keeps the vagina moisturized while reducing the risk of discomfort and increasing pleasure.
What is the best lubricant for postpartum dryness?
The best lubricant for postpartum dryness is one that works as an effective moisturizer while remaining gentle on the skin. Bloomi’s Delight Oil-Based Personal Lubricant ($15) is a great option as oil-based lubricants tend to retain moisture longer while still being safe and easy on your skin.
The Lube Bundle ($26) offers the best of both worlds with one oil-based and one water-based lube at a discounted price.
In addition, Desire Sexual Pleasure Oil ($24) can be used during intimate moments or throughout the day, just as you would apply lotion to dry skin.
Reclaim Your Sex Life
Vaginal dryness is a common concern among postpartum women. Using the right lubricant for masturbation or intercourse remains the most proven way to say bye-bye to dryness.
The postpartum period is far from easy, but rest assured, one-day things start to feel more normal again for a large majority of women, and that includes the vagina. And if it doesn’t, make sure to share that with your doctor to help you dig into why.
During periods of vaginal dryness or not, lubricant makes sex more pleasurable and comfortable for all involved parties. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to reclaim your sex life and kick vaginal dryness to the curb.
