Why Does It Feel Like Sandpaper? The Dry Vagina

Does your vagina feel dry, sandpapery, filled with paper cuts or ground glass? If so, you are not alone. While perimenopause and menopause are a major cause of this condition, there are also many other culprits.

• Learn how GSM, or genito-urinary syndrome of menopause, causes vaginal dryness
• The safety of vaginal estrogen products
• Medications that lead to vaginal dryness
• How medical conditions like diabetes and other autoimmune diseases cause dryness
• Pain and vaginal muscle spasm leading to dryness
• Lubrication ingredients that may be drying

By examining all the factors contributing to vaginal dryness, you can make an informed decision about improving your quality of life.

Key moments in this episode are:

00:52 GSM, genito-urinary syndrome of menopause

03:12 Estrogen to treat GSM

03:22 Safety of vaginal estrogen

07:10 Non-estrogen treatments for GSM

08:07 Medications that cause vaginal dryness

09:02 Diabetes as a cause for vaginal dryness

10:12 Auto-immune disorders and vaginal dryness

12:00 Vaginal pain associated with dryness

15:35 Lubrication ingredients that may cause dryness

Read ACOG's statement on the safety of vaginal estrogen here: ACOG Clinical Guidance