The Hidden Struggle with Vaginal Dryness (and How to Gently Support Your Body)

Vaginal dryness is one of those things so many women quietly deal with, but almost no one talks about. It can make daily life uncomfortable, intimacy painful and leave you feeling like something is “wrong” with your body.

The truth? Vaginal dryness is incredibly common, can happen at any age and is nothing to be ashamed of. Your body isn’t broken, it’s simply asking for a little more care, support and nourishment.

How Common Is Vaginal Dryness?

Studies show that a large number of women – from their 20s right through to post-menopause – experience dryness, irritation or pain at some point in their lives. Many will try lubricants or moisturisers in silence without ever mentioning it to a partner or doctor.

For younger women, dryness can show up as:

• Burning or friction during sex
• Stinging after shaving or wiping
• Feeling like you “need lube to function” even when you’re turned on
• Delayed healing from small nicks, cuts or irritation

For women 40+, hormonal changes (especially peri-menopause and menopause) can intensify dryness, itching and pain with penetration – often impacting self-confidence, desire and relationships.

What Vaginal Dryness Can Feel Like Day to Day

Dryness isn’t just about sex. It can ripple into your whole life. You might notice:

• A “scratchy” or tight feeling around the vulva or inside the vagina
• Burning or discomfort when you sit, walk or wear tight clothing
• Feeling like your vagina is more sensitive after periods, shaving or swimming
• Dodging intimacy because you’re worried it’ll hurt – or feel like sandpaper

If any of that sounds familiar, you are absolutely not alone, and there are gentle, supportive ways to shift it.

Common Causes of Vaginal Dryness

Dryness can have several overlapping causes. Some of the most common include:

• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, breastfeeding, peri-menopause and menopause can all reduce natural lubrication.
• Medications – some antidepressants, allergy meds, acne treatments and hormonal contraceptives can affect moisture levels.
• Dehydration & lifestyle – low water intake, high stress, over-exercise or poor sleep can all influence your vaginal tissues.
• Harsh products – scented washes, wipes, douches and strong soaps can strip your natural oils and disrupt the microbiome.
• Underlying conditions – infections, vaginitis, skin conditions and autoimmune issues can all play a role.
• Emotional factors – stress, anxiety, trauma and lack of safety can show up in the body as tension, pain or reduced arousal.

How to Support Your Body at Home

While it’s always worth ruling out anything medical with a healthcare provider, there’s a lot you can do at home to nourish your vulva and vagina.

1. Switch to Gentle, Vulva-Friendly Care

• Skip fragranced soaps, bubble baths and “feminine washes”.
• Use warm water or a mild, pH-balanced cleanser around the vulva (never inside the vagina).
• Choose breathable cotton underwear and avoid sitting in wet swimmers or gym tights for too long.

2. Hydrate From the Inside Out

• Drink enough water through the day – dryness in your body can show up everywhere, including your vagina.
• Support your nervous system with rest, slow mornings, gentle movement and magnesium-rich foods where you can.

3. Use Nourishing Oils for Daily Comfort

A high-quality, body-safe oil blend can be a game-changer for everyday comfort. Look for natural oils and botanicals designed specifically for the vulva – think soothing, anti-inflammatory and barrier-supportive, not heavily perfumed.

Our Natural Yoni Oil is formulated for sensitive intimate skin and can be used:

• Externally around the vulva after showering or before bed
• After shaving or waxing to calm irritation
• Before intimacy (if oil-compatible with your contraception) to add slip and comfort

4. Choose the Right Lubricant for Intimacy

Lube is not a luxury; it’s basic comfort. Even when you’re very aroused, your body might not produce enough natural lubrication – especially if you’re tired, on medication or going through hormonal shifts.

• Water-based lubricants – great for sensitive vulvas, toys and condoms; easy to wash off and reapply.
• Oil-based products – beautiful for massage and vulva moisturising; just avoid latex condoms as oil can weaken them. You can use our Massage & Body Oil for full-body ritual and external nourishment.
• Specialised arousal blends – warming / cooling formulas can increase blood flow and sensation for some people, like our Warming & Cooling Arousal Lubricant .

It can take a little experimenting to find what feels best in your body – and that’s completely okay.

When to See a Doctor or Specialist

Please don’t push through ongoing pain or discomfort. It’s a sign your body is asking for support, not something you just have to “live with”.

Book in with your GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health specialist if you notice:

• Burning, itching or pain that doesn’t settle with gentle care
• Bleeding after sex or persistent pain with penetration
• Unusual discharge, strong odour or signs of infection
• A history of trauma, vaginismus or intense anxiety around sex

Medical support + nervous-system care + the right products can be a powerful combination.

How Gaiae Can Support Your Rituals

At Gaiae, everything we create is designed to support soft, sensual, body-safe pleasure – especially for sensitive, easily-irritated vulvas.

• Yoni Oil : a plant-based blend for daily vulva nourishment, post-shave soothing and intimate massage.
• Massage & Body Oil : perfect for full-body ritual, partner touch and relaxing the nervous system before intimacy.
• Warming & Cooling Arousal Lubricant : a playful option to enhance sensation and comfort when things heat up.

However you choose to care for your body, remember: dryness doesn’t make you any less sensual, feminine or worthy of pleasure. Your vagina isn’t “difficult” – she’s just asking to be listened to, loved and supported.

You deserve soft, comfortable, juicy pleasure – at every age.

This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with a qualified health professional about ongoing pain, infection, hormonal changes or other health concerns.