The Sore Dry Vagina Chronicles 2 – Reflecting the Morning (or Two) After the Night Before

 So, how did Valentine's Day go?

Are you walking like you’ve been on a horse, or are you much more devastated than that?

This is where I am going to get serious…

The vagina can be a source of joy, or it can be a wrecking ball on the most stable of relationships - and that’s if you actually have any libido to start with. Couples have split over this, and I have heard the phrase “if only someone had just told me that” more times than I can count.

The difficulty in talking about this subject - with partners, friends, or even healthcare professionals - is something I hear about day in, day out. Many women struggle to even raise it in conversation, let alone work up the courage to see a doctor, only to bail and talk about something else once they’re there.

Not just that - older women often accept recurrent urinary infections, painful intercourse, or a prolapsed vagina as just part of ageing. But let me be clear: just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal, and it absolutely doesn’t mean you can’t get treatment. You are not wrong for asking for help!

A Few Things to Reflect On:

• How was your last smear test? Was it uncomfortable? Did you feel burning, soreness, or tightness when the speculum went in?

• Is penetration painful? Do lubricants help but not completely solve the issue? Do you experience pain during or after sex? (And if you get blood during or after sex - see a doctor! No, it’s not normal!)

• Was your libido so low that you didn’t even want to have sex in the first place?

• Do you experience discomfort outside of sex? Does wearing certain clothes irritate you? Do tampons feel uncomfortable, or does sitting for long periods cause soreness?

• Have you noticed an increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) or vaginal infections? Did you know these can be linked to vaginal atrophy?

• Have you felt dismissed or unheard when discussing vaginal discomfort with a healthcare professional? Did you leave feeling like you got the support you needed?

• Have you ever avoided intimacy due to fear of pain or discomfort? How has this affected your confidence, your relationship, or your sense of self?

• Are you aware of all the available treatments for GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)? Have you considered hormone therapy, vaginal moisturisers, or other options?

• How do you feel about talking about vaginal health? Are you happy to discuss it among girlfriends but not with your partner? Do you feel embarrassed, unsure, or underconfident?

• If you could go back and give your younger self advice about vaginal health and menopause, what would you say?

Taking Control of Your Vaginal Health

If any of these questions hit home, it's time to take action. Many women delay seeking help because they believe their symptoms are inevitable, but they don’t have to be. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or simply starting the conversation, you have options.

If you experience vaginal discomfort, keeping a journal of your symptoms can help you identify patterns and provide useful information for your doctor. Educate yourself on the options available - there is a wide range of treatments, from hormonal to non-hormonal, that can significantly improve your comfort and well-being. To help you get started, The Sore Dry Vagina Chronicles 3 will have more details coming up.

Most importantly, don’t feel ashamed or alone. Millions of women experience these issues, yet the silence around them persists. Talking openly with friends, partners, and healthcare providers can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about vaginal dryness; it’s about quality of life, relationships, and self-confidence. You deserve to feel comfortable in your body at every stage of life. So, if any of this resonates with you, please know that help is available, and you are absolutely not alone. Talk about it, seek support, and don’t settle for suffering in silence.