QuestionHi, I'm seventeen years old and have been sexually active for 2 years. Lately I've been having severe problems with vaginal dryness. I experienced this once before while taking birth cocontrol pills (Sprintec). I am on Nuvaring currently. I did not experience dryness issues in between hormonal methods.
I have several big problems here. Firstly, I am allergic to latex, which is why I prefer hormonal methods of birth control. I don't have any reaction upon entry, but afterwards I experience severe pain and itching.
Secondly, I am prone to vaginal infections. WHen these began and I drastically changed my hygiene habits, which helped, but they still happen. I recently had a serious yeast infection that caused my outer organs (clitoral hood, inner labia, tissues surrounding vaginal entrance) to become inflamed and very tender and sore. I took medication and the itching and discharge were relieved, but one side of my inner labia and some of the tissue on the bottom of my entrance has remained swollen and tender.
3, I know my dryness is not due to lack of arousal. I can think of several instances in which I was very very highly aroused and excited, but when it came time for penetration, found myself to be dry as a bone. This was incredibly disappointing. My partner and I have all but stopped genital massage' because I find it very painful and it irritates the inflamation. This seriously upsets me because I enjoyed it previously and I miss the intimacy accociated with it. We tried moistening fingers with saliva but that would dry up too quickly.
Fouthly, due to my infection problems, I am very hesitant to use a vaginal lubricant.
Fifthly, I know this is not an STD. I have been with 3 different partners. One was a virgin, the second had only ever been with a virgin, and the third had been recently tested.
I understand that I really ought to go see my doctor but I was wondering if you could offer me any suggestions before I do so. I am noticing a whitening of my discharge and increased dryness in general and am considering going to buy more yeast infection medicine but that won't help my sexual dysfunction.
Please help.
AnswerVaginal dryness is a common problem. Usually no specific reason can be found, and usually it can be considered a variation of normal. It may come and go and varies some with hormonal changes. Fortunately it's easily treated with vaginal lubricants, which is what I would recommend. Vaginal lubricants have no relationship to vaginal infections. Occasionally a woman may be allergic to lubricants, but this is unusual, and can generally be resolved by changing lubricants.
Since one side of your vagina and labia have remained swollen, I would see your doctor to try to figure out the reason for it.
I would hesitate to use yeast medication for whitening of discharge and increased dryness. Most likely there is no yeast infection present. Best wishes.
