5 Simple Ways to Relieve Vaginal Dryness

Feeling more uncomfortable than usual “down there?” Hidden culprits could be causing your discomfort. Check out some of our expert-approved tips to relieve vaginal dryness below.

Opt for soap-free body wash.

Harsh and scented soaps and douches can strip away the delicate surface layer of skin cells that keep vaginal tissues supple and moist. It’s time to make a change to your wash. Better options include Dove Body Wash For Softer and Smoother Skin Sensitive Skin (Buy on Amazon, $13.55).

Drink water to avoid dehydration.

When it comes to combating vaginal dryness, H2O is key. Fitting in six to eight glasses of water — or other non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages — prevents dehydration, which worsens dryness.

Sip away symptoms to relieve vaginal dryness.

Herbalists have long used naturally sweet fenugreek seed tea to combat vaginal dryness, in addition to a number of health benefits like boosting your libido, regulating your blood sugar, and reducing inflammation. Talk about an ingredient that does it all!

To brew: Steep one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (Buy on Amazon, $10.45) in one cup of boiled water for five minutes, then strain it. Aim to drink around two cups every day.

Apply over-the-counter moisturizer.

Unlike lubricants — which only provide short-term relief from dryness during sexual intercourse — vaginal moisturizers (we have a number of recommendations!) are long-acting and extend your relief over time.

Check your medicine cabinet and say goodbye to vaginal dryness.

Certain drugs — including antihistamines, antidepressants, the pill, and medications that treat high blood pressure, ulcers, and vaginitis — can cause dryness and discomfort, and many women don’t even know it. It may be the perfect time to ask your doctor about possible alternatives so that you can find relief. Just remember that it might take some time to see a change down there after adjusting medications or dosages.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.