7 Surprising Natural Cures for Vaginal Dryness and Itching
If you have undiagnosed vaginal itching and dryness, you should definitely seek medical attention and talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. That said, sometimes vaginal itching is so intense that you really can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment to get some relief!
Fortunately, there are home remedies and natural cures for female dryness that will help you stop itching down there. These home remedies should help you feel more comfortable while you wait to see your doctor.
- Stay sexually active
- Use natural lubricants
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Get regular exercise
- Stay hydrated
- Take vitamin E supplements
- Avoid chemicals and perfumes around your vulva
Staying Sexually Active to Naturally Cure Female Dryness
Believe it or not, one key to how to stop itching down there — and a home remedy that’s a favorite among most women — is to stay sexually active. Why? Sexual stimulation promotes increased blood flow to your vagina and vulva. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients go to that region, which can lead to improvements in hydration, moisture, and skin elasticity.
With that in mind, you may be wondering how you can enjoy sexual activity when you’re suffering from dryness, itchiness, and pain around your vulva and vagina. If you’re getting intimate with a partner, focus on foreplay, and take the whole process as slowly as you need to. This will give your body time to increase blood flow to your vagina, so you can enjoy yourself and not worry about vaginal dryness and itching.
Natural Cures for Female Dryness: Say Goodbye to Synthetic Lubricants
On that note, while we’re discussing sexual activity, if you’re a sexually active woman approaching or in menopause, you know that lubricants can be your best friend in the bedroom. Different lubricants work better for different people, so make sure to test out a variety of options. Water-based lubricants are great for reducing friction, and work particularly well when you use them on your partner with an oil based lube applied to you, too. Silicone-based lubes last longer, but tread carefully - they can actually dehydrate your skin and add to vaginal dryness over time. Whatever you decide to go with, the fewer ingredients, the better!
Outside of the bedroom, you may also want to consider using a natural remedy for relief from vaginal itching and dryness in your day-to-day life. You can apply any of the following oils directly to your vulval area to get immediate relief:
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
That said, we do not recommend using oils as sexual lubricants, especially when practicing safe sex. Oil-based lubricants can damage or tear condoms, so, when engaging in intercourse, it’s always best to stick with a water-based, non-synthetic lubricant.
It is also important to remember these are solutions to be applied to your vulva area, not introduced in the vagina.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol to Stop Vaginal Itching
We’ve known for years that smoking wreaks havoc on your skin. But it doesn’t just age your face — it can also increase vaginal dryness and itching. Before you look too far into natural cures for female dryness, if you’re a smoker, you’ll want to put down the cigarettes. Smoking reduces estrogen production, and since estrogen protects the skin of your cervix, vagina, and vulva, you can see how smoking can add to vaginal atrophy and itchy, dry skin.
Along with smoking, you may want to limit your daily or weekly alcohol intake. Alcohol increases the likelihood of dehydration, exacerbating dry skin issues and vaginal itchiness. So drink responsibly and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your vulva healthy!
Get Regular Exercise to Reduce Female Itching and Dryness
Want an easy, natural cure for female dryness that will help boost your energy and balance your hormones? Get at least 20-30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week. Exercise increases your heart rate and gets your blood pumping, increasing blood flow throughout your body. It also helps balance your hormones, and may boost your estrogen production, thus giving your body the tools it needs to fight vaginal atrophy and naturally cure female dryness.
Stay Hydrated for Vaginal Health
As we mentioned above, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep your vulva and cervix healthy and itch-free. Drinking eight or more glasses of water per day can help your body maintain moisture levels throughout its system. If you don’t drink enough water, your body will leech moisture from your skin to use where it needs it most. If you give your body plenty of water, you may notice a significant decrease in vaginal itching and dryness. And you’ll likely look and feel more rejuvenated and energetic too.
Vitamin E: A Natural Cure for Vaginal Dryness
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E aids skin cell repair and fights against damage from free radicals. It’s a key component in a lot of skin moisturizers, but you can also see the benefits of vitamin E by supplementing it in your diet. You can do this by taking a multivitamin that includes vitamin E, or you can increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin E, such as:
- Spinach
- Mango
- Kiwi fruit
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
- Sunflower oil
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Wheat germ
Avoid Chemicals and Perfumes Around Your Vulva
While you’re cutting out synthetic lubricants, you may also be able to stop itching down there by avoiding scented and perfumed products. Some spermicides and lubricated condoms can cause drying and irritation. Deodorants, antiperspirants, and powders with chemical scents can have the same effect. If you’ve been using any of these products, cut them out for a few days and see how much of a difference it can make.
As we said at the beginning of this article, you should always make an appointment with your doctor if you have unexplained vaginal itching. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to see your doctor to stop itching down there. Home remedies can help! Try one or all of these, and get some relief from female dryness and itching.