Vaginal dryness and itching are very common, but they are still hard to talk about. If you are noticing these sensations, you are not alone, and there are gentle steps that often help.

This guide shares clear, science led information about vaginal dryness and itching, including common causes, practical self care tips, and clear signs it is time to speak with a clinician. It is educational only and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are also noticing discharge changes, our guide on vaginal discharge, the microbiome, and pH can help you understand how patterns sometimes connect.

Vaginal dryness can make vulvovaginal tissue feel sore, tight, or itchy, especially when oestrogen levels change or when the skin is irritated. Many people feel better by avoiding perfumed washes and choosing the right product for the job, and the NHS overview of vaginal dryness explains practical self care options and when to see a GP.

If symptoms persist, it is worth getting checked because thrush, dermatitis, and other causes can feel very similar.

• Dryness is often linked to hormonal changes, but irritation from products and fabrics can also trigger itching.

• If you notice discharge changes, unusual bleeding, or ongoing pain, it is important to seek medical advice instead of trying to guess what is going on.

• Many people get relief by following NHS basics such as avoiding perfumed washes and douching, and using vaginal moisturisers or water based lubricants when needed, as outlined in the NHS vaginal dryness guidance.

• If symptoms happen around perimenopause or menopause, our guide on menopause vitamins B6, D3, and K2 support explains common nutrient foundations and their roles in the body.

• For transparency on how we keep content evidence led, you can explore our Science Library, plus our standards on testing and quality and how we choose ingredients.

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If your symptoms are new, persistent, or getting worse, especially if there is bleeding, unusual discharge, fever, pelvic pain, or burning when you pee, it is best to speak with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic.

Dryness and itching often happen when tissue becomes more sensitive and friction increases. That can be linked to hormone shifts, irritants touching the vulval skin, or conditions that overlap in symptoms.

You may see the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause, often shortened to GSM. It is used for vulvovaginal and urinary symptoms linked to low oestrogen, including dryness and irritation. A UK overview is available in the British Menopause Society consensus statement on GSM.

In a comfortable state, vaginal tissue is supported by natural lubrication and healthy elasticity. When lubrication decreases, the tissue can feel more sensitive and friction can lead to soreness or itching.

Hormones, especially oestrogen, play a major role in tissue comfort. The NHS vaginal dryness guide notes that dryness can happen during menopause or breastfeeding, when taking certain medicines, if you are not aroused during sex, or if perfumed washes and douches irritate the area.

• Perimenopause and menopause: oestrogen levels fall, which can reduce lubrication and make tissue feel thinner or more sensitive. The Women’s Health Concern factsheet on vaginal dryness provides a patient friendly summary.

• After childbirth and while breastfeeding: oestrogen can be temporarily lower, which may contribute to dryness.

• Hormonal contraception: some people find that certain methods affect lubrication or tissue comfort.

The NHS overview of vaginal dryness lists several factors that can contribute, including some antidepressants, hormonal contraception, hysterectomy, and cancer treatments, as well as underlying conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome. If you suspect a medication is contributing, do not stop it suddenly. Discuss options with your prescriber.

The vulva is sensitive skin. Irritants can include perfumed soaps, strong shower gels, bubble baths, scented wipes, and douching. Dermatology guidance often recommends avoiding fragranced products and keeping routines simple, and the British Association of Dermatologists vulval skincare leaflet explains this approach.

Itching can be caused by dryness, but it can also be caused by infections or skin conditions, and symptoms can overlap.

Thrush often causes itching and irritation, sometimes with thicker white discharge. The NHS thrush guidance lists common symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis usually causes a fishy smelling discharge and is not typically itchy, but it can still be confusing. The NHS bacterial vaginosis page explains typical symptoms.

Vaginitis is a broader term covering inflammation that can include discharge changes, soreness, and dryness. The NHS vaginitis page recommends medical advice if symptoms are new, different, or not improving.

If you keep treating thrush with over the counter products and it is not improving, that is a strong sign to get checked rather than repeating the same approach.

Many people mix these up:

• Vaginal moisturisers are for ongoing hydration.

• Lubricants are mainly for reducing friction during sex.

The NHS vaginal dryness guide suggests vaginal moisturisers for ongoing dryness and water based lubricants before sex. If you want a simple explanation of the difference, Harvard Health explains moisturiser vs lubricant.

• Avoid douching and perfumed washes around the vagina.

• Clean gently on the outside only.

• Choose breathable underwear and change out of damp gym wear promptly.

If you want a skin first approach, the British Association of Dermatologists vulval skincare leaflet is a useful reference.

Dryness often feels worse if arousal is rushed. Taking more time, reducing friction, and using a water based lubricant can help protect sensitive tissue while you work on the underlying cause.

Dryness related to hormone changes often needs targeted clinical options, but some women also like to support general wellbeing habits without treating supplements as a substitute for diagnosis.

For a neutral overview, our page on women’s microbiome support explains the concepts in plain language, and Probiotics 101 explains what to look for on labels.

If you are building a daily routine for general feminine balance, some women choose Women’s Probiotic plus Prebiotic pH Balance or a simpler format like Feminine Probiotic Gummies for pH Balance. For broader gut focused support, some prefer a higher CFU option like Women’s Probiotic 20 Billion Gut Balance.

If intimate moisture support is your main focus as part of a wellness routine, you can also explore Juicy V Care Vaginal Moisture Support by Ellasie. The key is to treat persistent dryness or itching as a symptom to evaluate, not something to push through with supplements alone.

Book an appointment if:

• Symptoms last more than a couple of weeks despite gentle self care.

• You have bleeding after sex, spotting between periods, or any bleeding after menopause.

• Discharge changes significantly or there is a strong odour.

• You have pelvic pain, fever, or pain when you urinate.

• It is your first time having these symptoms or they feel different from usual.

The NHS explains when to seek help on its vaginal dryness page and also recommends medical advice for persistent or new symptoms on its vaginitis page.