Your body changes in numerous ways after menopause. Besides weight fluctuations and hot flashes, you may also notice dramatic changes to your skin health. Many women find that their skin feels more papery and dry after menopause due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels. Fortunately, there are plenty of lotions and hydrating creams you can use to moisturize your body and face. But what about the skin you often forget to care for: your vaginal tissue?
Just like the skin on the rest of your body, your vaginal tissue undergoes dramatic changes during menopause. It becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to tears and irritation. That’s why intercourse becomes uncomfortable for many women in their later years. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s why vaginal tissue deserves better care after menopause.
Understanding Vaginal Tissue Changes
Some people tend to think that skin is skin, regardless of location. However, some skin is much more delicate than others and requires more attention and care. For example, the skin under the eyes is thinner and more vulnerable to damage than the rest of the facial skin. Therefore, dermatologists recommend using very light pressure and gentler products when cleansing and moisturizing the under-eye area.
The skin of the vulva is similar to the skin underneath the eyes. It’s naturally thinner than most skin on the body and requires gentler treatment. Many people forget to monitor and care for their vaginal tissue because it’s “out of sight, out of mind.” However, this delicate area deserves even more attention, especially after menopause.
How to Care for Vaginal Tissue After Menopause
From regularly applying a vaginal moisturizer to wearing breathable underwear, here are some strategies you can implement to care for your vaginal tissue after menopause.
Keep It Moisturized
During menopause, estrogen levels decline dramatically. This shift marks the end of reproductive years and causes significant changes in the vaginal environment, leading to reduced elasticity, thinner vaginal tissues, and increased vaginal dryness. These changes can cause problems like pain during intercourse, tissue irritation, and itchiness.
Simply ignoring feminine dryness can lead to additional issues, such as tears and damage to vaginal tissue. Dry vaginal skin is also more susceptible to urinary tract and yeast infections. Fortunately, applying a high-quality vaginal moisturizer can help restore hydration and lubrication to dehydrated feminine tissues. Make sure the formula you choose is pH-balanced to support your natural vaginal flora.
Clean the Area Frequently
Keeping your vagina clean is important throughout all stages of life, but especially during and after menopause. The good news is that the vaginal canal excels at self-cleaning, as long as it maintains a healthy colony of beneficial bacteria. The external vaginal area, however, needs more attention. It’s exposed to more bacteria and pollutants due to its proximity to the anus. Therefore, it’s important to wash it frequently to decrease your likelihood of infections.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need soap to clean the vulva. Instead, use lukewarm water. If you must use soap, ensure it’s a mild, unscented soap formulated for vaginal tissues. Always avoid scented products, as these can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance and cause additional problems.
Wear Breathable Underwear
After menopause, you may need to reconsider your underwear choices. Avoid underwear that’s too tight or made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex. These materials can trap sweat in the vaginal area, leading to unpleasant odor and potential overgrowth of undesirable bacteria. Additionally, underwear that’s too tight can cause friction and irritation to delicate vaginal tissues.
After menopause, it’s important to wear comfortable, breathable underwear made with natural materials like cotton or bamboo. These allow vaginal tissues to breathe and can decrease the likelihood of infection and irritation. They also don’t trap sweat, making it easier to avoid developing unpleasant vaginal odor.
Use Lubricants As Needed During Intercourse
If you use a vaginal moisturizer, your vaginal tissues should feel hydrated most of the time. However, you may still need additional lubrication during intercourse. If this is the case, it’s perfectly acceptable to use a lubricant as needed. Just make sure you’re selective when choosing one to avoid causing further vaginal irritation.
Whenever possible, use water-based lubricants instead of oil- or silicone-based options. Water-based lubricants typically contain gentler and fewer ingredients, making them a better choice for sensitive feminine tissues. They also don’t leave a greasy residue and are easier to clean from skin and clothing. Finally, water-based lubricants are safe to use with silicone toys, while other lubricants may cause them to degrade.
Menopause can significantly impact your vaginal tissues, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined for a life of vaginal irritation and pain! It all comes down to how well you care for your delicate post-menopausal vaginal tissue. It’s crucial to give your vagina even more care and attention as you age. Adopting these simple vaginal wellness habits now can have a profound impact on your feminine health both now and in the future.