CBD Suppositories for Vaginal Dryness
Time to read 6 min
Time to read 6 min
Vaginal dryness is a common concern among women of all ages, often leading to discomfort and impacting sexual health and quality of life. At Mello, we frequently encounter customers seeking solutions for this issue. Our Product Mello Flo, CBD suppositories are a potential remedy for vaginal dryness, offering a natural alternative to traditional treatments.
In this article, we break down the causes of vaginal dryness, current treatment options, and the potential benefits of CBD suppositories. Additionally, we'll discuss why your menstrual cycle phases, and life stages such as menopause, and childbirth can contribute to vaginal dryness and lubrication changes. Regardless of age or stage of life, vaginal dryness is completely normal and has a very easy fix.
Daily Lubrication: The vagina prefers to remain somewhat lubricated at all times as this helps maintain the integrity of the vaginal tissues and mucous membranes. Moisture in the vagina helps prevent dryness, itching, and irritation, promoting overall vaginal health and comfort.
The hormone estrogen, which comes from the ovaries, controls vaginal lubrication by making the cells in the vaginal walls produce glycogen. And glycogen helps the vaginal tissues hold onto water, keeping them hydrated.
Vaginal lubrication helps maintain the vagina's acidic pH, which is essential for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacilli) and inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. A healthy vaginal pH helps protect against vaginal infections and maintains microbial balance in the vagina.
Sexual Arousal: Sexual arousal triggers increased blood flow to the pelvic region, including the vagina. This increased blood flow stimulates the production of vaginal fluid by the vaginal walls' glands, further enhancing lubrication.
Cervical Mucus Production: The cervix contains glands that produce cervical mucus. This mucus changes in consistency and volume throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner and more lubricative around ovulation to facilitate sperm transport.
Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina lacks sufficient moisture and lubrication, leading to discomfort, itching, and pain during sexual activity. Several factors can contribute to vaginal dryness, including hormonal changes, medication use, stress, and certain medical conditions. It's important to recognize that vaginal dryness can affect women of any age and is not inherently normal or abnormal—it is simply a common concern that deserves attention.
Hormones and their fluctuations play a significant role in vaginal moisture levels. Managing this can prove challenging, as every stage of a woman's life includes estrogen hormonal shifts. Your period, breastfeeding, dealing with stress, menopause – all these stages impact your estrogen levels, thus affecting your lubrication. At Mello, we recommend taking the simple route to soothe vaginal dryness. Natural lubricants and CBD suppositories are holistic, non-harmful options that offer a straightforward solution for vaginal dryness
CBD suppositories, specifically formulated for vaginal use, offer a targeted approach to addressing vaginal dryness. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the vaginal tissues, potentially promoting relaxation, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, CBD's moisturizing properties may help restore vaginal lubrication and alleviate discomfort associated with dryness.
We developed Mello Flo, CBD Suppositories to soothe vulva irritation and vaginal dryness. They can be inserted directly into the vagina using clean hands. The oil dissolves and is absorbed by the mucous membranes inside the vagina, aiding lubrication.
When considering CBD suppositories for vaginal dryness, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
Their long-term effects and ability to reverse dryness have not been extensively studied or conclusively established. But here's what we do know about CBD suppositories and their potential role in managing vaginal dryness:
Moisturizing Properties: CBD has been found to have moisturizing properties that can help hydrate and soothe dry or irritated tissues. When used as a suppository, CBD may help promote moisture retention in the vaginal tissues, providing temporary relief from symptoms of dryness.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Inflammation can contribute to vaginal dryness and discomfort. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms.
Pain Relief: Some individuals experience pain or discomfort associated with vaginal dryness. CBD has been reported to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, which may help alleviate discomfort during sexual activity or other vaginal symptoms.
Enhanced Blood Flow: CBD has been suggested to promote vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can increase blood flow to the pelvic region. Improved blood flow may enhance tissue health and function, potentially contributing to improved vaginal lubrication over time.
Addressing the underlying causes of long-term vaginal dryness, such as hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or lifestyle factors, is crucial for long-term management. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to check if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. CBD suppositories may be used as part of a comprehensive approach to vaginal health, but they should not replace other medical treatments or interventions recommended by a healthcare provider.
Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels result in thinning of the vaginal walls (vaginal atrophy) and reduced vaginal lubrication.
Post-Childbirth: decrease in estrogen levels. Additionally, vaginal tissues may experience trauma or stretching during childbirth, which can affect vaginal lubrication.
Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations: Estrogen levels typically peak during ovulation, leading to increased vaginal lubrication, while levels decline in the premenstrual phase, potentially causing dryness.
Breastfeeding: decreased estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and changes in vaginal tissue health.
Perimenopause: Estrogen levels may vary during perimenopause, leading to changes in vaginal lubrication.
Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting sex hormone production.
We believe understanding these hormonal fluctuations and their impact on vaginal lubrication can help women anticipate changes in vaginal moisture throughout their cycle and relax and accept it for what it is.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during the menstrual phase, vaginal dryness is less common during the menstrual phase, as hormone levels are relatively stable.
Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Estrogen levels gradually rise during the follicular phase, peaking just before ovulation. Well lubricated. Excess lubrication and additional discharge can occur towards the end of this phase right before ovulation.
Ovulation (Day 14): Estrogen levels surge, reaching their highest point of the menstrual cycle, triggering ovulation. Many women experience increased vaginal lubrication and moisture around ovulation, which can enhance fertility and comfort during sexual activity.
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Estrogen levels remain elevated but begin to decline leading to dryness in the latter half of the luteal phase
*Note on days (Days 25-28): The PMS phase. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline sharply in the days leading up to menstruation, which may cause discomfort, itching, or irritation due to decreased lubrication.
Avoid any substances that can disrupt vaginal pH, cause irritation, or increase the risk of infections. Vaginas are self-cleaning but require a delicate balance of vaginal flora to prevent bacterial or yeast infections. Stay away from:
Petroleum-based Products: Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and other petroleum-based lubricants.
Perfumed or Flavored Lubricants: Perfumes, dyes, or flavors can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Glycerin: Glycerin is a common ingredient in many lubricants, but it can have a drying effect on the vaginal tissues for some individuals.
Alcohol: Lubricants containing alcohol can cause stinging, burning, or irritation when applied to the delicate tissues of the vagina.
Parabens and Other Preservatives: These may be linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Sugary Substances: Lubricants containing sugar or other sweeteners can increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections by providing a food source for yeast.
While it's generally recommended to use specially formulated lubricants for intimate purposes, there are a few household products that some people may use as makeshift lubricants in a pinch.
*If you're considering using a household product as lube, it's essential to proceed with caution, be aware of potential risks, and discontinue use if you experience any discomfort, irritation, or adverse reactions. Additionally, if you have any concerns about vaginal dryness or sexual health, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.