A thin layer of moisture coats the walls of the vagina. This moisture provides environment that sperm can survive in and travel in for sexual reproduction. These vaginal secretions also lubricate the vaginal wall, reducing friction during sexual intercourse. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with aging, are the most common cause of vaginal dryness. However, vaginal dryness can be caused by other conditions as well.
Other causes include (but are not limited to) breastfeeding, cigarette smoking, excessive stress, childbirth, immune system disorders, some cancer treatments, and medications. Vaginal dryness can cause, burning, loss of interest in sex, pain with sexual intercourse, light bleeding following intercourse, soreness, urinary tract infections (UTIs) that don’t go away or that reoccur, vaginal itching or stinging.