‘Dry’ – the worry of women after giving birth

Vaginal dryness is a phenomenon of decreased or no secretion of vaginal mucus, making it difficult for couples to have sex, reducing sexual pleasure, increasing the risk of gynecological infections. Vaginal dryness often occurs in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, but many women experience this condition after giving birth.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Head of the Department of Voluntary Gynecological Examination, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, said a woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Normally, hormone levels increase sharply during pregnancy to nurture a healthy fetus. After 24 hours of giving birth, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body begin to return to normal, causing hormone changes, leading to dryness.

Besides, during lactation, the mother’s body secretes prolactin hormone along with stress, stress when taking care of the baby, inhibiting estrogen. “This is a very important hormone for women that helps the glandular cells in the cervix secrete a natural lubricant for the vagina,” the doctor said. With a lack of estrogen, women are prone to dryness, accompanied by some menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry hair, and breakage.

In addition, the mother’s body after giving birth cannot be healthy and fully recover. Many people also lost a lot of blood, plus a wound in the private area or a wound in the abdomen (if a cesarean delivery) has not yet healed. Others are due to nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B2, which affects the ability to secrete mucus in the vagina, causing dryness, bleeding, vaginal infections… or some chronic diseases such as hepatitis, liver failure. Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction,…

According to Dr. Thuy, to overcome postpartum dryness, women need to have a reasonable diet to ensure enough nutrients. Increase eating more green vegetables, drink enough water, supplement with vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12); fatty acids from mackerel, salmon, tuna, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds; group A vitamins such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale and cantaloupe, tomatoes…

Add foods from soybeans, celery, nuts and legumes… to improve the decline in estrogen hormone. Practice sports with gentle movements to improve qi and blood, reduce stress, fatigue, and help relax your mind.

Women with vaginal dryness should avoid using products with a high concentration of acid douches, do not use cosmetics or fragrances to apply to the vagina, do not abuse feminine hygiene solutions.. Lubricants can be used during sex, wetting the vagina for many hours, helping couples overcome difficulties.

“However, when using lubricants, it can only solve the top, not the root and cause of the symptoms,” the doctor recommended.

According to doctors, women should talk to their husbands for understanding and sympathy, reducing unnecessary stress and anxiety. If the condition persists for a long time, causing discomfort and affecting your quality of life, you should see a doctor for early treatment to avoid complications later.

Thuy An