Can birth control cause dryness?

Are you experiencing dryness down there? Before you blame it on the weather or your partner’s technique, it may be worth considering if birth control could be causing your discomfort.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about whether birth control can cause dryness.

Types of Birth Control

Before we dive into how birth control affects vaginal lubrication, let’s briefly touch upon the different types of contraceptives available in the market today:

  1. Hormonal Methods
    • Pills
    • Patches
    • Injections
  2. Barrier Methods
    • Condoms
    • Diaphragms
  3. Sterilization
  4. Natural Family Planning

Each has its own mode of action and side-effects.

Why Does Vaginal Lubrication Matter?

Vaginal lubrication is a natural process that occurs when a woman becomes aroused, reducing friction during intercourse and enhancing pleasure for both partners involved. Certain medications and health conditions can interfere with adequate lubrication leading to dehydration down there which causes itching sensations and even disruptions in intimacy.

Dry vagina isn’t something to take lightly neither does it always imply that something is wrong medically-wise; however, prolonged cases require cautionary concern as they are symptoms that point towards more serious problems such as UTIs.

So let’s get back to what really matters – Can birth control cause dryness?

How Hormonal Birth Control Work?

Hormonal methods introduce synthetic forms of hormones (estrogen/progestin) into your body which alters reproductive physiology , making ovulation impossible but also thickens cervical mucus which makes penetration oh so seamless…ah! It then acts upon neuromuscular receptors giving the illusion one feels high libido while being too relaxed at actually getting any positive feedback from their sexual encounter resulting in less bodily response.
Overtime this synthetic hormonal intrusion causes dryness because the hormonal chemistry that should occur naturally is inhibited causing other symptoms some of which include mood swings and unhealthy weight gain.

Which Hormonal Birth Control Causes Dryness?

Pills, patches or injections containing nonlow-dose estradiol can contribute to vaginal dehydration. 2/3 of women who used birth control pills have reported experiencing some degree of vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes.
Those using progesterone-only contraceptives may also experience less lubrication as progestin (synthetic contraception) causes a thinning effect on cervical mucus resulting in reduction in general fluid production.

What about Natural Family Planning?

In natural family planning — abstinence during your fertile days helps prevent pregnancy; therefore no synthetic medication such hormones need be introduced into one’s bloodstreams hence likelihood for Vaginal Dehydration becomes relatively low.

Remedies For Birth-Control induced Dryness

If you think your reproductive organs are feeling dryer than usual, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor first rather than taking self-initiated steps without medical recommendation but there could be simple ways out including:

  • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated keeps body organs well moisturized including down stairs so keep drinking!
  • Switching types of contraception if possible during intercourse hitherto severity permits
  • Using lubricants: Not any common over-the-counter products would do here though, lookout for those specified safe for sensitive skin!
  • Low-Dose Pills: high dose oral contraceptives possibly have more severe consequences towards sexual function compared to their low dosed colleagues

For long-term relief, consider incorporating kegels – these exercises target pelvic muscles responsible for sexual performance enhancing sensations making them stronger thus increasing stimulation.

Final Word

As always, taking note if something feels different regarding our bodily change(s), and discussing those changes with a health professional provides insights surrounding possible remedies specific to one’s physical needs. So, now you know the likely causes of dryness down there thanks to birth control, and how best you can manage it. Stay healthy and hydrated – down there too!

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