Lifestyle Tips & Tricks Guaranteed to Improve Vaginal Health.

Essentially, vaginal atrophy occurs when estrogen in the body decreases — typically around menopause — and results in physical changes.

The vaginal opening narrows, and the vaginal tissue pliability and flexibility is diminished — resulting in vaginal dryness, burning, itching, pain with sex, bladder problems, and more.

Now you might be wondering: 

Can vaginal atrophy be reversed?

Yes, with proper care & treatment, you can see real changes — but it might not be the 100% reversal you’re looking for.

Here’s the thing — not all women experience VA, but more than half of menopausal women do, according to the Cleveland Clinic, making it an incredibly common part of aging. 

While you can’t undo the aging process (unless you have a time machine), you may be able to find major relief for VA with treatment, and start feeling more like your old self.

So to get you started on reversing the effects of VA, here are some lifestyle tips you should start implementing to ease your symptoms:

Tip #1: Quit Smoking

Quit smoking. Smoking increases atrophy by decreasing blood flow to the genital area and directly affecting vaginal cells, as well as threatening your overall health.

Tip #2: Dress Right

Wear underpants made of natural fibers such as cotton and change them daily. Consider going without undergarments when possible, e.g. going to bed.

Avoid, or at least limit, time spent wearing tight-fitting undergarments, pantyhose, jeans or trousers as this may lead to sweating. Also limit time in damp or wet bathers or exercise clothing

Tip #3: Maintain Proper Hygiene

Gently wash the skin of the genital area only with plain water. 

Or, use soap alternatives such as aqueous cream and avoid soap, liquid soap, bubble bath and shower gels as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation.

Be gentle when drying off, always pat dry (don’t rub).

Tip #4: Try a Vaginal Dilator

Ever heard of a vaginal dilator? 

They are tube-shaped devices that're designed to stretch your vagina, keeping it elastic.There are also types you can wear while sitting or standing, so explore which option is best for you. 

Unless you’re engaging in penetrative sexual activity daily, adding a dilator to your sexy-time routine can be helpful in keeping away VA. A couple of minutes of insertion a few times a week should keep things stretched, reducing pain.

Tip #5: Make Love on the Regular

When thinking of solutions for VA, sex might not be one of them — but that’s exactly where your mind should go. 

However staying sexually active does have it benefits. It increases the flow of blood to the genitals, which in turn helps keep them healthy. To make it comfortable, read on to our next point.

Tip #6: Use Natural Lubricants

Using lubrication when having sex is vital to maintaining comfort, as VA hinders the vagina’s ability to lubricate. 

Steer clear of anything petroleum-based. Look for all-natural, water-based products without glycerin or parabens. It’s best to find a product that has a similar pH to vaginal secretions (usually 3.8-4.5). Warming agents can also cause irritation and should be skipped.

Some natural lubricants include:

• jojoba
• coconut oil
• aloe vera