On a list of conversations you’d rather not have, one about vagina woes might sit between talking finances with the in-laws and discussing politics with a co-worker over morning tea. But vaginal dryness affects women of all ages—approximately one in three pre-menopausal women, and around half of those aged over 51.
Often caused by lower levels of oestrogen, it can be a not-so-fun perk of a lot of inevitable and already unpleasant major life events, including menopause, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, the use of antidepressants or an oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries), but can also be triggered by stress, child birth, breastfeeding, and even some soaps and washing powders.
Of course vaginal dryness is not only physically uncomfortable—common symptoms include pain during intercourse, a burning or itching sensation, or all three—but also makes you more susceptible to infection caused by pathogens and bacteria. This is because the moisture that should be present in your vagina generally contains naturally occurring acids to help fight otherwise common infections, such as thrush.
Whether during sex, or just your day-to-day routine, one way to both ease the discomfort and re-build a protective barrier is to use a silicone- or water-based personal lubricant—most of which are available without a prescription and suitable for everyday use.
During a recent blind trial at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, which compared one of pjur med’s silicone-based lubricant with another brand’s water-based formula, the silicone-based pjur med personal lubricant was found to more significantly reduce the pain associated with sex. Because silicone molecules are larger than those of the skin, they aren’t able to be absorbed, creating a protective layer that not only soothes, but is also suitable to highly sensitive skin.
If you prefer water-based lubricants, which are made of natural and nature-identical ingredients, try pjur med’s Sensitive Glide . Just be mindful that all water-based lubricants may need to get reapplied.
With every purchase of one of pjur med’s preservative-free and dermatologically tested products, you’ll also be helping out women commonly at the whim of vaginal dryness—those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for breast cancer. From this month, pjur med will donate a portion of the sale of every one of its products to the McGrath Foundation, so that its McGrath Breast Care Nurses can continue to support women diagnosed with breast cancer—a win-win.
Sponsored by pjur med
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