There's no getting away from it, vaginal dryness is difficult to talk about. It's awkward, it's embarrassing and it leaves us feeling uncomfortable.
Health on Female First
Yet research, amongst 2,000 adults, reveals that despite one in five women in the UK suffering with the condition, 90 per cent of those affected have not sought help from their doctor, choosing instead to suffer in silence.
Despite being a common symptom of the menopause, the condition remains a taboo subject, as Brits continue to live up to their reputation of being a nation of prudes. Choosing not to treat the condition can have a serious impact on a woman’s overall sense of mental and physical wellbeing, with a fifth claiming that they have been left feeling depressed as a result.
A quarter of those who suffer from the condition claim that it makes them feel ‘less feminine’, while nearly half say it leaves them feeling ‘old’. The research conducted by Vagisan found that it's not just women who are affected by the issue – one in 10 men claim that their partner's vaginal dryness has impacted on their sex life.
It goes without saying that sex is an important part of a healthy relationship, yet a third of sufferers claim that vaginal dryness has driven a wedge between them and their partner in the bedroom, with nearly a fifth no longer having sex at all.
The lack of intimacy is leading to relationship meltdowns up and down the country and a third of those surveyed admit they do not talk about the condition with their partner and a staggering 90 per cent do not broach the subject with close female friends.
Leading sex and relationship psychologist, Susan Quilliam offers her expert opinion on the emotional effect of the condition: "No matter how self-confident a woman appears on the outside, vaginal dryness can leave a big dent in her self-esteem. Sex may become less enjoyable, and this in turn may impact on her capacity for intimacy.
“If she's single, she may hesitate to start a relationship, and if she's with someone, she may become anxious about getting physical, sparking feelings of rejection from her partner. Vaginal dryness may seem like a single small issue, but its effects can ripple out through a woman's entire life – effecting relationships, self-confidence and self-worth."
The survey also asked women what they would be prepared to give up in order to no longer suffer from vaginal dryness. Surprisingly almost a fifth responded with chocolate, followed by alcohol and their daily coffee, proving that many would surrender life’s simple pleasures for relief from the condition.
Tagged in Women's Health