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Birth Control and Vaginal Dryness
Many find birth control a great addition to their sexual health. Whether it helps prevent pregnancy, manage painful periods, or level out hormonal imbalances, birth control can be a great option for women.
That said, it’s not completely without its side effects. One of the most common and uncomfortable side effects of birth control is vaginal dryness, caused by a decline in natural vaginal lubrication. Vaginal dryness can range from uncomfortable to painful, and in some cases may have significant impacts on your sex life.
If you’ve found that birth control has decreased your vaginal lubricationt, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn all about birth control and vaginal dryness, why it occurs, and how to manage it.
How Birth Control Causes Vaginal Dryness
Have you noticed an increase in vaginal dryness after starting birth control? You’re not alone. Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of some types of birth control. Read on to learn all about it.
Hormonal Changes and Their Effects
No matter your gender, everyone has hormones. They’re chemicals created by our bodies to control and regulate many of our bodies’ essential processes: growth, metabolism, mood, stress and, of course, reproduction.
Though both men and women have hormones, women tend to be significantly more affected by their hormones than men. That’s because, with the exception of puberty, women experience much greater fluctuations in hormone levels than men do.1 Female hormones fluctuate on both a daily basis and a monthly basis, significantly affecting your body throughout the process.2
Impact of Estrogen Levels on Natural Lubrication
Estrogen is a key hormone in women’s sexual and reproductive health. It’s the hormone that triggers secondary sex characteristics like breasts and hips, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.3 During your reproductive years, your body produces a form of estrogen known as Estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen.3
Estrogen levels naturally rise during puberty, preparing your body for reproduction. One of its many impacts on sexual health is maintaining vaginal lubrication, which helps keep your vaginal lining moist, healthy, and ready for reproduction. As a woman undergoes menopause, estrogen levels drop, ending ovulation and pregnancy.3 As estrogen levels decline, so does natural lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness.
The Role of Progestin in Certain Birth Control Methods
Another key reproductive hormone is progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that thickens your uterine lining to create a hospitable environment for pregnancy. During ovulation, progesterone spikes to prepare for an egg to implant in your uterus. During your period, progesterone decreases, causing your uterine lining to deteriorate and shed.4
Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone that’s commonly used in birth control, either in tandem with estrogen or by itself. Progestin stops ovulation, preventing your body from releasing an egg. It also thickens your cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and thins your uterine lining, making a less hospitable environment for pregnancy.5
Types of Birth Control That May Lead to Vaginal Dryness
Estrogen and progestin are the two primary hormones in most types of birth control. These hormones work in tandem, or on their own, to help prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, a common side effect of birth control for many is vaginal dryness. Let’s review the connection between birth control and vaginal dryness.
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)
Low estrogen birth control pills, also known as low dose birth control, are a popular form of birth control that prevents pregnancy by providing a steady, low dose of estrogen throughout the reproductive cycle. In a sense, this type of birth control mimics menopause, causing a drop in estrogen levels and stopping ovulation. Estrogen birth control pills can cause vaginal dryness. As estrogen declines, so can vaginal lubrication.6
Hormonal IUDs
While there are several different types of hormonal Intrauterine Devices ( IUDs), all use the same hormone to prevent pregnancy: progestin. Though progestin has less impact on vaginal dryness than estrogen, the two are still linked. 7
Implants and Injections
Just like hormonal IUDs, birth control implants and injections both release progestin into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Again, though this hormone is less likely to lead to vaginal dryness, it still can.8
Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness Linked to Birth Control
If you’re interested in starting hormonal birth control, it’s a good idea to understand the potential impacts of vaginal dryness prior to beginning your new birth control.
Reduced Natural Lubrication
Birth control can cause natural dryness by reducing your natural lubrication. Because hormonal birth control can lower your estrogen level, depending on the kind you take,, your body may not produce as much vaginal lubrication, causing vaginal dryness.
Discomfort During Intercourse
A primary symptom of vaginal dryness is an increase in discomfort during intercourse. That’s because your lack of lubrication increases friction, which can make for uncomfortable sex. In some cases, the increase in friction can even cause tears on the walls of your vagina, leading to bleeding.
Itching, Burning, or Irritation
Other common side effects of a dry vagina can include irritation, as well as burning and itching sensations, especially when walking or doing physical activity. Again, friction is a huge culprit here. Your sensitive vaginal skin can’t glide smoothly against itself, causing significant discomfort.
Solutions for Managing Vaginal Dryness While on Birth Control
Good news: vaginal dryness doesn’t have to control your sex life or happiness. There are many options for this uncomfortable side effect of birth control!
Over-the-Counter Lubricants and Moisturizers
There are plenty of over-the-counter options for vaginal dryness that may work for you. For day-to-day comfort, explore vaginal moisturizers. Just like other types of moisturizers, vaginal moisturizers help keep your vaginal tissue moist. They’re typically applied every few days. Remember: you should never use face or body moisturizer in your vagina!
During sex, an easy solution for vaginal dryness is lube, which supplements your vagina’s natural lubrication and helps reduce friction for increased comfort and pleasure. You can explore a range of formulations: water-based, silicone-based, and oil based. Just remember to verify compatibility with your condoms prior to use!
Lifestyle Changes to Support Hydration
In addition to over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to help combat vaginal dryness from birth control. Follow these tips:9
- Stick to gentle, fragrance-free soaps and lotions
- Shower with lukewarm or cool water, as hot water can be additionally drying
- Avoid douching
- Skip all baby or adult wipes
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and 100% cotton underwear
How to Maintain Intimacy and Comfort
Vaginal dryness from birth control can have impacts on your sex life. Discomfort, irritation, and the potential for bleeding may make sex the last thing on your mind. If you’re finding that vaginal dryness may be impacting your sex life, consider these tips.
Communicating with Your Partner About Changes
A sudden change in sex drive may confuse your partner. Rather than letting their mind run wild with potential explanations, let your partner know what’s going on. Not only can this help decrease tension or emotional discomfort, but it can also increase your levels of emotional intimacy with your partner.
Experimenting with Different Types of Lube
Not all lubes are created the same. Some may find that oil-based and water-based lube absorb into their skin too quickly to truly combat vaginal dryness. Others may find increased levels of irritation with different lube formulations.
Our recommendation is to try out a few. Look for sensitive formulas or try a silicone-based lube, which can remain wet for longer than other types. With so many options, you’re bound to find one that works.
Exploring Non-Penetrative Forms of Intimacy
Sex isn’t only penetration. There are many ways that you and your partner can make one another feel good without irritating your already sensitive vaginal skin. Use this as an opportunity to explore other, non penetrative types of sex. You may even find a new favorite!
References
- "Hormones’ Role on Our Health and Wellness." Weill Cornell Medicine, 28 Jan. 2020, https://weillcornell.org/news/hormones%E2%80%99-role-on-our-health-and-wellness.
- "24 Hours in the Life of a Hormone: What Time Is the Right Time for a Pituitary Function Test?" The Endocrinologist, vol. 134, Winter 2019, https://www.endocrinology.org/endocrinologist/134-winter19/features/24-hours-in-the-life-of-a-hormone-what-time-is-the-right-time-for-a-pituitary-function-test/.
- "Estrogen." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen.
- "Progesterone." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone.
- "Progestin." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24838-progestin.
- Birth control pill: Types, side effects & effectiveness. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. From https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3977-birth-control-the-pill
- Intrauterine device (Iud): Birth control, use & side effects. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. From https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24441-intrauterine-device-iud
- Birth control implant: How it works, side effects & benefits. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. From https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24564-contraceptive-implant
- "Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing Vaginal Dryness." Mayo Clinic News Network, 17 Oct. 2019, https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-managing-vaginal-dryness/.
