What to Know About Postpartum Vaginal Dryness

Bringing new life into the world comes with all sorts of changes, some joyful, others a little less welcome. Among the less-talked-about changes many women experience is postpartum vaginal dryness, a condition that can be uncomfortable, unexpected, and often brushed under the rug. While your focus is on healing and adjusting to motherhood, dryness and discomfort can quietly linger in the background, affecting daily comfort and intimacy alike.

Postpartum vaginal dryness is a common condition experienced by many women after childbirth, particularly while breastfeeding, due to fluctuating hormone levels. This dryness can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful and is often linked to decreased oestrogen levels, which are crucial for vaginal lubrication. 

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about vaginal dryness, from causes and symptoms to treatments and prevention. We’ll also address the questions many feel shy and hesitant to ask: how long does postpartum vaginal dryness last? How is vaginal dryness diagnosed? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

Why does vaginal dryness happen after birth?

The primary cause of postpartum vaginal dryness is hormonal changes; particularly the dramatic drop in oestrogen levels following delivery. During pregnancy, oestrogen levels are high, which helps maintain vaginal tissue thickness and natural lubrication. However, after birth, especially during breastfeeding, oestrogen levels can fall significantly. This can leave the vaginal tissues thinner, drier, and more fragile.

Symptoms of postpartum vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness after birth can present in several ways, and it varies from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• A dry or tight feeling in the vaginal area

• Itching or irritation

• Burning sensation, particularly during urination

• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity

• Light bleeding or spotting after intercourse

• A general sense of reduced moisture or flexibility in the vaginal tissues

Is it worse while breastfeeding?

Vaginal dryness after birth is often more noticeable and longer-lasting during breastfeeding. This is because breastfeeding increases the hormone prolactin, which supports milk production but also lowers oestrogen levels, a key hormone for maintaining natural vaginal moisture.

As a result, many women experience ongoing dryness and discomfort while nursing. Though this is a normal part of the postpartum journey, it can impact both physical ease and emotional well-being, making it important to acknowledge and address.

How long does postpartum vaginal dryness last?

There’s no exact timeline for how long vaginal dryness lasts after childbirth. For some, it resolves within a few weeks or months, especially once hormone levels begin to stabilise. For others, particularly those who continue breastfeeding for extended periods, the symptoms can linger.

It’s also worth noting that emotional stress, sleep deprivation, and lack of intimacy (which is completely normal in the early months) can also affect natural lubrication and make dryness feel more pronounced. If the symptoms persist beyond six months or significantly affect your comfort and quality of life, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper guidance and support.

Ways to manage postpartum vaginal dryness

The good news is that postpartum vaginal dryness can be managed. The following are a few effective measures to help ease discomfort and support recovery.

• Vaginal moisturisers

These are designed for regular use and can help restore moisture and comfort over time. They’re different from lubricants and can be used even when you’re not engaging in sexual activity.

• Water-based lubricants

If dryness is making intimacy uncomfortable, a good quality, fragrance-free water-based lubricant can make a big difference.

• Hydration and nutrition

Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support your overall healing and vaginal health.

• Pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor can improve blood flow to the vaginal area, which may help improve tissue health and moisture levels.

• Avoid harsh soaps and irritants

Stick to gentle, unscented cleansers for the vulval area. Avoid douching, perfumed products, or anything that may disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.

• Give yourself time

Your body needs time to heal and rebalance hormones after childbirth. Be patient with yourself and allow space for gradual recovery, postpartum changes are normal and take time.

When sex hurts after birth

Pain during sex after childbirth is more common than many realise, with postpartum dryness often being a significant factor. If you feel hesitant or anxious about becoming intimate again, rest assured, you are not alone; these feelings are completely normal. Besides dryness, changes in body image and tiredness can also contribute to discomfort.

Open and honest communication with your partner is essential. Take your time, consider using lubricants to ease any friction, and don’t feel pressured to resume sexual activity until you are both physically and emotionally ready. Should the pain persist, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional.

Tackling post-birth vaginal changes

Dryness and postpartum vaginal itching might feel like unwelcome reminders that your body’s been through a lot, and honestly, they’re quite common. Though they can be bothersome, these symptoms usually don’t hang around forever and can be eased with some simple care. Getting familiar with what’s happening down there can help you tackle these symptoms head-on and feel like yourself again in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes vaginal dryness after childbirth?

Vaginal dryness after childbirth is mainly caused by hormonal changes, especially the drop in oestrogen levels following delivery. Breastfeeding can further lower oestrogen, contributing to dryness.

2. Can vaginal dryness after childbirth cause pain?

Yes, dryness can lead to discomfort or pain during sex and everyday activities, as the vaginal tissues become thinner and less lubricated.

3. How long does postpartum vaginal dryness usually last?

The duration varies; for some, it resolves within a few weeks, while for others, especially breastfeeding mums, it can last several months or longer.