Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Why Vaginal Dryness Increases In Winter, Doctor Explains

During the winters, our skin gets dry and irritated and this dryness is not just limited to our body and face, but it can extend to vagina too. Many women during the winters struggle with <span>vaginal dryness</span>, itching, and infections. To understand why this happens and what can be done about it, Health and Me spoke to Dr Amodita Ahuja, Consultant Gynecologist, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, who said that <span>seasonal</span> change is largely linked to the environmental, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that influence the body's natural moisture balance and include sensitive vaginal tissues. 

<h2>Why Does Vaginal Dryness Happen During Winters?</h2>

"One of the major factors contributing to increased vaginal dryness during winter is the relatively low humidity in the atmosphere. Cold weather, it may be noted, has very little moisture in it by nature, and the general application of room heaters makes the indoor atmosphere even more dry. Much like the effects on skin and lips during the cold, low humidity also decreases moisture within the vaginal tissues, thus leaving them dry, tight, or irritated," says the doctor. 

Dr Ahuja also points out that hormonal balance could also affect vaginal dryness through the action of estrogen, which keeps the vaginal lining thick, elastic, and well-lubricated. What happens during the winter that estrogen gets impacted? "During winters, physical activities are often reduced, and sun exposure is lower; factors that can indirectly affect hormonal balance. Specifically, breastfeeding, postmenopausal, or approaching menopause will notice a more pronounced dryness increase in winter due to lowered levels of estrogen," suggests Dr Ahuja.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/essential-tests-every-woman-should-go-through-before-2025-ends-article-153341720" data-type="tilCustomLink">Essential Tests Every Woman Should Go Through</a>

<h2>Water Intake Suffer During Winter</h2>

Research shows that water intake dips by 40% during the winters and this what impacts health, and vaginal health during the winters. " In winter season, women often have lower water as they find themselves less thirsty than in other seasons like summer. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration in the body. In dehydration conditions in the body, it is likely that there will be reduced vaginal fluid production," explained Dr Ahuja. 

What we wear also impacts our vaginal health. As Dr Ahuja explains that winter lifestyle factors can also add to vaginal dryness. "Wearing tight, layered clothes for extended periods can lower genital airflow, thereby interfering with the normal vaginal environment. Taking hot showers or baths, which are often common in winters, can result in the removal of natural skin oils, including in the vaginal area, thereby increasing vaginal dryness."

<h2>What Can Help With Vaginal Dryness During The Winters?</h2>

Some of the medicines that people generally take during winter according to Dr Ahuja are antihistamines, which are used to relieve an allergic response or a cold. These medicines tend to decrease mucus and fluids in the body and might lead to vaginal dryness as a secondary effect. 

Vaginal dryness in winter may cause symptoms such as itching, burning, discomfort during daily activities, or pain during intercourse. While occasional dryness is common and usually not serious, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored, as they may affect quality of life and sexual health.

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During the winters, our skin gets dry and irritated and this dryness is not just limited to our body and face, but it can extend to vagina too. Many women during the winters struggle with vaginal dryness, itching, and infections. To understand why this happens and what can be done about it, Health and Me spoke to Dr Amodita Ahuja, Consultant Gynecologist, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, who said that seasonal change is largely linked to the environmental, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that influence the body's natural moisture balance and include sensitive vaginal tissues. Why Does Vaginal Dryness Happen During Winters?"One of the major factors contributing to increased vaginal dryness during winter is the relatively low humidity in the atmosphere. Cold weather, it may be noted, has very little moisture in it by nature, and the general application of room heaters makes the indoor atmosphere even more dry. Much like the effects on skin and lips during the cold, low humidity also decreases moisture within the vaginal tissues, thus leaving them dry, tight, or irritated," says the doctor. Dr Ahuja also points out that hormonal balance could also affect vaginal dryness through the action of estrogen, which keeps the vaginal lining thick, elastic, and well-lubricated. What happens during the winter that estrogen gets impacted? "During winters, physical activities are often reduced, and sun exposure is lower; factors that can indirectly affect hormonal balance. Specifically, breastfeeding, postmenopausal, or approaching menopause will notice a more pronounced dryness increase in winter due to lowered levels of estrogen," suggests Dr Ahuja.Read: Essential Tests Every Woman Should Go ThroughWater Intake Suffer During WinterResearch shows that water intake dips by 40% during the winters and this what impacts health, and vaginal health during the winters. " In winter season, women often have lower water as they find themselves less thirsty than in other seasons like summer. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration in the body. In dehydration conditions in the body, it is likely that there will be reduced vaginal fluid production," explained Dr Ahuja. What we wear also impacts our vaginal health. As Dr Ahuja explains that winter lifestyle factors can also add to vaginal dryness. "Wearing tight, layered clothes for extended periods can lower genital airflow, thereby interfering with the normal vaginal environment. Taking hot showers or baths, which are often common in winters, can result in the removal of natural skin oils, including in the vaginal area, thereby increasing vaginal dryness."What Can Help With Vaginal Dryness During The Winters?Some of the medicines that people generally take during winter according to Dr Ahuja are antihistamines, which are used to relieve an allergic response or a cold. These medicines tend to decrease mucus and fluids in the body and might lead to vaginal dryness as a secondary effect. Vaginal dryness in winter may cause symptoms such as itching, burning, discomfort during daily activities, or pain during intercourse. While occasional dryness is common and usually not serious, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored, as they may affect quality of life and sexual health.