Vaginal Dryness

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness happens when the tissues of the vagina do not have enough natural lubrication. This can make the area feel tight, raw or irritated, and for many women, it causes discomfort during intimacy or daily activities.

It is sometimes called vulvar dryness, labial atrophy, dry labia minora or dry labia majora. Medically, it can be part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) or referred to as vaginal atrophy. While the medical terms can sound intimidating, the condition itself is very common and treatable.

Many women hesitate to bring it up, thinking it is a ‘normal’ part of ageing or something they should live with. 

At Prologue, we view this condition not as an endpoint, but as a key signal on your wellness journey. We work to uncover the root cause and provide proactive care to restore your body’s natural balance.

Who Can Be Affected

What causes genital dryness are often linked to hormonal changes, lifestyle or medical conditions.

  • Menopause or Perimenopause – Declining oestrogen levels lead to post-menopausal vaginal dryness, tissue thinning and less natural lubrication.
  • Post-Partum and Breastfeeding – Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, can suppress oestrogen levels. This leads to a state of temporary, menopause-like dryness, which typically resolves after breastfeeding is complete.
  • After Hysterectomy or Oophorectomy: Procedures such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) can cause a sudden drop in oestrogen, triggering genital dryness.
  • Medications and Treatments: Certain medicines may have a drying effect, including hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants and antihistamines. This also includes cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and hormone therapy used for breast cancer.
  • Sexual Activity: Low sexual arousal or infrequent intercourse may reduce stimulation of natural lubrication. Over time, reduced activity can also affect blood flow and tissue elasticity in the vaginal area.
  • Irritants: Everyday products, such as scented soaps, perfumed washes, bubble baths and even some laundry detergents, can irritate delicate vaginal tissue.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Some underlying health issues can cause vaginal dryness. Conditions such as diabetes, which can affect blood vessel health, or Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that targets moisture-producing glands throughout the body, can also be a cause.

Symptoms & Signs of Vaginal Dryness

What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness? It can appear in different ways, such as:

  • A feeling of dryness, tightness or rawness in the vaginal area.
  • Itching, burning or menopause vulvar irritation.
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia).
  • Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, burning when urinating or a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Changes in vaginal discharge or thinning of the skin.
  • Light bleeding sometimes after intercourse.
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Diagnosis / Evaluation

A proper diagnosis is the first step toward finding relief. At Prologue, our approach is comprehensive and compassionate:

  1. We’ll have an in-depth conversation to understand the onset and severity of your symptoms, their relation to life events like menopause, recent surgeries, medications or sexual activity.
  2. A gentle examination by a female healthcare provider to check for mucosal dryness, tissue thinning or any other signs.
  3. If relevant, we may evaluate your hormonal status or review your history of surgeries.
  4. In some cases, simple tests or swabs may be taken to rule out infections (such as yeast or bacterial infections) or other causes of irritation that can mimic vaginal dryness.

The process is usually straightforward and non-invasive. We want to help you understand whether your symptoms are related to hormonal changes, medication side effects or another condition. That way, an appropriate treatment plan can be put in place.

Treatment & Relief Options

Vaginal dryness is highly manageable. Treatment can be tailored to your stage of life, health background and personal preferences. Care usually combines simple self-care strategies with medical options when needed.

Over-the-Counter / Non-Prescriptive Options

  • Vaginal moisturisers: Used regularly, these help maintain natural hydration of the vaginal tissues and can relieve daily discomfort.
  • Lubricants: Water- or silicone-based lubricants reduce friction and make intercourse more comfortable.
  • Avoiding irritants: Switching to gentle, fragrance-free products, avoiding harsh soaps and choosing breathable cotton underwear can prevent further irritation.

Prescription / Medical Treatments

Prescription treatments for vaginal dryness are prescribed by our sister clinic, Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic. 

  • Medicine for vaginal dryness like low-dose vaginal oestrogen: Delivered as creams, tablets or rings, this directly restores moisture and elasticity to the vaginal lining in women affected by hormonal changes such as menopause.
  • Systemic hormone therapy: In carefully selected cases, hormone replacement may be offered when symptoms extend beyond vaginal dryness. This is always guided by safety and suitability.
  • Topical treatments: Specific creams may be prescribed to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation or support healing of small micro-tears in the tissues.
  • Injectables: Injectables like NewGyn utilise polynucleotides to increase collagen production and hydration in vaginal tissues. 

Advanced / Additional Therapies

  • Exion Emfemme: With advanced radiofrequency technology, Exion Emfemme stimulates natural collagen rebuilding through gentle heating, helping improve vaginal hydration.
  • Pelvic floor therapy: When dryness is accompanied by discomfort during sex or muscle tension, pelvic floor therapy can support relaxation, blood flow and improved comfort.

Every woman’s experience with vaginal dryness is different. For some, simple moisturisers or lubricants may be enough. For others, especially when dryness is linked to menopause or medical treatments, medical therapies may provide lasting relief.

The best approach is one that takes into account your health history, symptoms and lifestyle.

Relief and Support Are Within Reach. Let’s Take the Next Step Together.

Vaginal dryness can be a deeply personal and frustrating issue, but it is also a treatable one. At Prologue, you don’t have to face these changes on your own. Our doctors take the time to listen, understand your concerns and recommend care that feels right for you.

Take the first step toward relief. Schedule a consultation with our female doctors to start your journey back to wellness.

FAQ

Is vaginal dryness normal during menopause?

Yes. Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms of menopause and happens as oestrogen levels decline. 

Yes. While more common after menopause, younger women may also experience vaginal dryness due to stress, certain medications (like contraceptives or antihistamines), breastfeeding or underlying health conditions.

It can make conception more challenging by reducing natural lubrication in female bodies. However, vaginal dryness alone doesn’t usually cause infertility, and treatment or supportive options are available if you’re trying to conceive.

Lubricants and moisturisers often provide quick relief for dryness during intimacy. But if symptoms persist, become painful or affect daily life, medical treatment may be recommended to address the underlying hormonal changes.

Always consult a medical professional to find the option that’s safest for you.

Like all medications, hormone therapies may carry some risks depending on your health history. That’s why it’s important to have a personalised discussion with our doctors to weigh the benefits and possible side effects before starting treatment.

It varies. Some women notice improvement within days to weeks, while others may need longer for full relief. Your doctor can help set realistic expectations based on the treatment chosen.

Yes, symptoms often return once treatment is stopped because the underlying cause—low oestrogen—remains. Regular care and follow-up can help manage symptoms in the long term.

Simple, consistent habits often make a big difference. These lifestyle tips are safe, practical and can complement medical treatments if needed:

  • Stay well hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day.
  • Maintain sexual activity or stimulation: This increases blood flow to vaginal tissues and supports natural lubrication.
  • Use gentle hygiene products: Choose fragrance-free, pH-balanced washes. Avoid harsh soaps, bubble baths or perfumed products. Wear breathable cotton underwear.
  • Support overall health: Eat a balanced diet, exercise, manage stress and avoid smoking. These habits help hormone balance and well-being.
  • Communicate with your partner: Share your concerns, ensure adequate foreplay and consider water- or silicone-based lubricants for comfort.

While many cases can be managed at home, medical advice is important if:

  • Pain or bleeding persists despite using lubricants and moisturisers.
  • Your quality of life is affected (e.g., sleep, confidence, intimacy).
  • You experience frequent infections, such as recurring UTIs or irritation.
  • You notice unusual changes, including discharge or odour.
  • You have a medical history (e.g., breast cancer) that may limit treatment options.

Ferinn Wong

After a few sessions, my DR gap improved and i also noticed less bloating. I can fit into my clothes better too.

Amanda Lim

Jodie has been such a great help in my health journey! She really took the time to help me understand my body and gave super practical tips that actually fit into my daily routine. I learned so much about portion control, and I love how she explained how nutrition and exercise can be adjusted around the menstrual cycle — it made everything click for me. She’s knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to talk to. I feel a lot more confident now about making choices that work for me. Highly recommend her!

Amanda Lim

Prologue Wellness takes a truly holistic approach to weight management and well-being. Instead of quick fixes, they focus on educating clients about proper nutrition, helping us build sustainable habits that improve both health and quality of life.

I also love their Clinical Core & Flow programme, which combines physiotherapy, Pilates, and yoga. It creates a supportive environment for women of all fitness levels.

On top of that, they offer innovative non-invasive treatments like Exion Body, Vanquish Me, and EmBody. These complement their holistic programmes perfectly by supporting body contouring, fat reduction, and muscle strengthening in a safe, effective way.

The team, especially Jodie, Shonia and Serene, are professional, caring, and genuinely invested in their clients’ well-being. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a place that integrates science, movement, and holistic care.

Samantha Lim

The staff’s warmth, support, and use of technology have helped me improve my postpartum core muscles and pelvic floor health

Jean Toh

The struggles of postpartum recovery are real, and I’m so thankful to have found Prologue, a women’s wellness centre that truly understands and supports mothers like me.

Like many postpartum mums, I’ve been dealing with diastasis recti, a bulging tummy that makes me look pregnant, urinary incontinence that limits my activity with my kids, and difficulty losing pregnancy weight due to stress eating and late nights.

Since starting my personalised treatment plan here, I’ve seen real improvements. Weekly sessions with my nutritionist, Jodie, have helped me eat in a balanced and sustainable way. Physiotherapy sessions with Chloe and Jodie have strengthened my core and pelvic floor, while the Emsella chair has improved my incontinence. Embody treatments are helping with my DR, shockwave therapy is reducing bloating and stretch marks, and Exion Body treatments are tightening loose skin.

I’m truly grateful for the professional, encouraging, and caring team at Prologue who have supported me every step of the way. Highly recommended to any postpartum mother looking to recover, rebuild, and regain confidence.

Fleur Bloom

Thank you Prologue, especially Shonia, Serene and Jodie who never cease to bring their bright smiles to every session. Seeing progress so far and looking forward to more!

Eunice Ee

I had a a great experience at Prologue Wellness. The staff was friendly, professional, and efficient from the moment I walked in. The facility was clean and well-organized, and consultant and doctor took the time to explain everything clearly.Highly recommend!

Valerie Boh

Would highly highly recommend this place to postpartum ladies. Other than the many machine services to help with various issues such as DR, weak pelvic floor muscles and loose skin, they also have trained nutritionist and physiotherapist to help provide a holistic recovery experience! Truly glad that Proloque team has helped to resolved my DR and I have seen improvements in my core and pelvic floor muscles! Lastly, the space here is nicely done up and the team of ladies here are very friendly and professional.