Though it’s not often talked about, painful insertion is a common concern for many women during their period. As your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle, levels of intimate moisture follow suit - which can lead to some totally normal dryness below the belt (and thus create painful insertion). Here’s what you need to know about vaginal dryness during your period and what you can do about it.
How Hormones Impact Vaginal Moisture
Vaginal dryness isn’t a concern only during menopause! During the menstrual cycle, the body experiences a variety of hormonal changes that can impact vaginal moisture. In the first half of the cycle, estrogen levels begin to rise. This increase in estrogen helps to thicken the lining of the uterus, preparing for a potential pregnancy. At the same time, the cervix produces mucus to help sperm travel through the cervix and into the uterus. This mucus also helps to lubricate the vaginal canal, making it easier and more comfortable to insert menstrual products or engage in sexual activity.
As ovulation approaches, estrogen levels continue to rise, peaking just before ovulation. This surge in estrogen helps to thin out the cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to travel through. However, it can also lead to a temporary decrease in vaginal moisture. This can make insertion of menstrual products or engaging in sexual activity more difficult and uncomfortable.
After ovulation, estrogen levels begin to decline, and progesterone levels rise. This shift in hormones can also impact vaginal moisture, causing a further decrease in lubrication. In some cases, women may experience vaginal dryness throughout the second half of their menstrual cycle, leading to discomfort, itching, and even pain during intercourse or insertion of menstrual products.
What You Can Do About It
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions available to help manage vulva and vaginal dryness during the menstrual cycle.
For women who experience painful insertion at the vaginal opening, lubricated tampons like these from Marlow can be a period-changing solution. Marlow tampons make inserting tampons super smooth and 100% pain-free thanks to their mess-free water-based lubricant. Bonus: the lube can also be used to increase pleasure during sex. Win win!
Just like the skin on your face may need a bit of support in the moisture department, so too does the skin around your vulva. SweetSpot Labs Hydrate Ever After is a daily moisturizing serum for your intimate skin. It is specifically formulated to hydrate and nourish delicate intimate areas without harsh chemicals or fragrance. Apply a pea-sized amount daily throughout the second half of your cycle to protect the skin barrier and keep you comfy all period long.
When you need immediate relief from super dry, itchy, irritated sweet spots, reach for Rescue Balm.
Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated, which can in turn help promote vaginal moisture. So, bottoms up!
Many personal care products contain ingredients that can be drying or irritating to intimate skin. Skip the sulfates and opt for a clean body wash like this one that helps replenish skin’s natural moisture rather than stripping it. You may also want to avoid products that contain harsh synthetic fragrance like scented pads, pantyliners, bubble bath and even laundry detergent. These can be irritating to intimate skin and may even lead to conditions like contact dermatitis.
By understanding the causes and solutions for vaginal dryness during the menstrual cycle, women can take control of their health and comfort. With the help of products like Marlow tampons and SweetSpot Labs intimate moisturizers, women can experience a more comfortable and enjoyable menstrual cycle, free from the discomfort of vaginal dryness.
This website is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as medical advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any medical condition.
