Feeling dry down there? Gynaecologist reveals why collagen can help vaginal dryness
Is vaginal dryness one of your menopausal symptoms? Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Shree Datta explains why your vagina will benefit from extra collagen The post Feeling dry down there? Gynaecologist reveals why collagen can help vaginal dryness appeared first on Healthista.
prativad 
Want to experience pleasurable sex during menopause? Is vaginal dryness one of your menopausal symptoms? Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Shree Datta explains why your vagina will benefit from extra collagen
Going through menopause is an inevitable part of a woman’s life, but the symptoms can vary massively.
These can include hot flushes and night sweats – but one of the most common symptoms which isn’t often discussed are changes which occur in and around the vagina, affecting sex, especially vaginal dryness
In fact, many women are affected by varying degrees of these changes, which can impact our relationships and lives significantly.
So what happens as we approach menopause?
Essentially, our hormonal levels fluctuate and oestrogen levels fall. Oestrogen helps to maintain the vaginal wall tissue, impacting the smooth muscle and collagen levels within the vagina and skin.
Our collagen levels fall as we get older naturally and this is accelerated by menopause. A fall in oestrogen, collagen and smooth muscle can make the vagina feel dry and tighter, with less natural lubricant, and the skin can feel thinner.
The amount and type of vaginal discharge we make can change also, the vagina and the surrounding skin may look paler and the bacterial balance in the vagina may also change.
This can make sex uncomfortable and as time goes by, it can become painful with breakthrough bleeding. This can affect your desire to have sex.
A fall in oestrogen, collagen and smooth muscle can make the vagina feel dry and tighter
Skin thinning can mean you are more prone to experiencing infection, pain or irritation and you may become sensitive to soaps and detergents. Even gentle friction from tight or synthetic underwear can be uncomfortable and having a smear test can be difficult.
For some women, bladder function can also be affected, with urinary leakage or ‘accidents’ becoming more common. These symptoms can have a massive impact on the quality of sex, pelvic floor health, your relationships and the quality of your life overall.
