Plagued with vaginal dryness tearing and low libido

Posted By Earthstar (Chester, Cheshire, England, Uk) on 04/07/2012

After the birth of my first child, there were no vaginal tears, may have had something to do with the fact she was born prematurely and of low weight. However, when I resumed intercourse with my partner I started to experience tearing from the vaginal enterance down the perinium. I suffered with this for about 2 years, too embarassed to visit my GP.

Eventually, this was investigated by gyne-consultant who suggested that I stop taking any form of contraception (I was taking oral pill at that time) as it 'interfered'. It took 6 - 8 weeks of discountinuing the pill and I healed up nicely and there were no further tearing.

However. After the birth of my second child, I tore extensively. I was not taking any contracpetive pills and used purely natural fertility calender method so my previous 'cure' was no longer an option. It's been two years now and although the tearing has been investigated by a different gyne-consultant, they found no evidence and said my scar had healed nicely. Excuse me? Basically it was suggested this was a psychological pain. As I am a psychotherapist I saw a lot of irony in this experience and tried arguing but alas I have not been offered any further help.

Not only do I suffer from the vaginal tears, which are real not psychological might I add, I also suffer from vaginal dryness and extremely low libido. As I am only 32 you can imagine how traumatic this experience has been for me, after going from a more-than-healthy sexual appetite to something which is non existent.

I am in a secure and loving marriage, finding my husband attractive and supportive. However this effects me daily and have been scouring the internet for hopeful 'cures'.

In the past month I have started taking soya isoflavens and red clover tincture drops. I believe there has been a slight improvement with the dryness but I still need lots of bottled lubricant. My desire has improved slightly, going from wanting intercourse about once every 1-2 months to a few days this last week. However the tearing issue is still a huge problem, even with the extra lubrication. Obviously from not engaging in anything intimate for long periods of times, the tearing has significant time to heal. I have been with my husband for 7 years and we had no problems before I had children.

Also, I have started taking ginseng tincture drops in the past week and half as well as the soya isoflavens and red clover. Also introduced Apple Cider Vinegar and oil pulling into my daily routine. I will report back with any new improvements. I cannot seem to find similar experiences as mine but am sure I cannot be the only one suffering with this!

May I just add how appreciative of EarthClinic and am grateful to have such a warm and inviting community to be a part of.

Kind regards, EarthStar

REPLY         

Replied by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl) on 04/07/2012

Hi EarthStar, a lot of people have success using Vitamin E suppositories (... you can find them at Whole Foods) as vaginal suppositories to cure dryness and irritation. (They can also be used as rectal suppositories to help heal hemorrhoids). The Vitamin E quickly heals any fissures and the oil will help lubricate the area. Some people have also had similar success using coconut oil as a lubricant.

As for low libido, I have this too as a side effect of hypothyroidism, maca did help me but also caused me to gain weight very fast. Some women *lose* weight on maca, so it might be worth trying to see how it affects you. Good luck! Jennifer

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Replied by Gardener (Small Town, Nh, Usa) on 04/08/2012

Dear Earthstar, two things might help you: food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) and unrefined virgin coconut oil. DE contains silica, which when ingested is said to make the skin and underlying connective tissue more elastic. Several companies in the U. S. sell DE. One website in particular features many impressive testimonials regarding all kinds of improved health conditions, including softer skin. I learned from our daughter's time in gymnastics that softer skin injures (blisters) less readily. Perhaps some company in the U.K. sells DE. It's also called shell flour, as it's the finely ground fossilized shells of plants. I suggest starting with 1 tsp. in liquid once a day, gradually increasing to a rounded or heaping Tbsp. 2X/day. Silica is known to benefit the hair, skin and nails, among other things, and I can testify that it does.

Unrefined virgin coconut oil (VCO) is nourishing to the skin and nerves, is naturally anti-bacterial, and is an ideal lubricant and moisturizer. I suggest you use it for all your cooking needs, as well as eat some between meals. It's said to provide many health benefits, and give energy without adding weight. Two websites in particular feature many testimonials regarding improved health with use of coconut oil.

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Replied by Khatia (Mannheim, Germany) on 04/08/2012

Hi Earthstar, when I was trying to get pregnant with clomid I took 400 i ยต vitamin E for 14 days before ovulation for the production of egg white cervical mucus as I was told that clomid causes the dryness of vagina and makes the conception more difficult. As I am also 38 years old not so young to get pregnant. But vitamin E improved my vaginal dryness as much as I felt I am in my teen age again. Now with the grace of God I am six month pregnant. I hope this helps you. And best of luck.

P.S. With vitamin E I also took magnesium citrate 400 mg daily. But I took magnesium three months prior to my conception.

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Replied by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 04/08/2012

Wheatgrass juice helped me, totally turned around the problem and my libido as well. I think the dryness is a nutritional problem. I was having blood tests at the time and my FSH plummeted to 3.67 (after being 15) after 3 months on wheatgrass juice.
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Replied by Earthstar (Chester, Cheshire, England) on 04/16/2012

May I just like say a big thank you to all those that have replied to my post.

I guess my thinking is that there is no vitamin or supplement tree so feel apprehensive about taking all of these. It's just a personal observation however I have started to take 300mg magnesium and carrying on with coconut oil and acv. I would like to do some more investigating into what foods could be used instead, see what comes up.

I'd be happy not to give any more money to 'big pharma' to be fair!

There has been no change since my original post but will continue to update.

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Replied by Earthstar (Chester, Cheshire, England) on 04/16/2012

Interestingly foods richest in magnesium apparently are:

  • Bran (rice, wheat & Oat)
  • Dried Herbs... (why not fresh ones I don't know)
  • Squash, Pumpkin and Watermelon Seeds
  • Dark Chocolate (we instinctively knew chocolate was always good for us, right?! )
  • Flax, Sesame Seeds and Tahini
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Almonds, Cashews, Mixed Nuts, Pine nuts
  • Molasses
  • Dried Edamame

I had just purchased molasses for other reasons but it will be interesting to see if it helps with lubrication etc.

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Replied by Gerda (US) on 08/18/2014

What really helped me to reduce vaginal dryness is this supplement that promotes healthy cervical mucus. It's a fertility supplement that has L-arginine, N-acetil cysteine, coral calcium, grapeseed extract, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. You can buy this supplement online. I'm no longer afraid to make love to my boyfriend because I don't have to worry about being in pain or having constant low grade vaginal infections due to lack of lubrication. Also I would recommend to have intercourse on a regular basis once you start the supplement even though it still might be a little too dry. Your juices should start flowing pretty soon.

Good luck

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