Vaginal Dryness: The Symptom No One Warned Us About (and How to Fix It)

Menopause brings many changes, but few are as uncomfortable, isolating, or misunderstood as vaginal dryness.

For many, it seems to appear out of nowhere, disrupting intimacy, causing relentless itching, and making simple daily movement feel like sandpaper.

If you’re struggling with dryness, irritation, painful sex, or constant soreness, you are far from alone. And the good news is, there are practical, science-backed solutions that work.

What Is Vaginal Dryness Really Like?

Vaginal dryness isn’t just “mild discomfort.” Many women describe it as a relentless, chafing sensation, with burning, itching, and pain so severe it can feel like ground glass in your knickers.

For some, it’s not only sex that hurts — walking, wearing tight clothing, or even wiping with tissue can tear fragile skin and leave it raw. This isn’t a small inconvenience; it’s a hallmark symptom of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) that affects both physical wellbeing and mental health.

From real women:

“I kept trying to ignore it but when even sitting became uncomfortable, I realised something was very wrong.”

“The itching got so bad I ended up scratching myself bloody. I didn’t know dryness could be so traumatic.”

“I thought dryness meant less discharge. I had watery, clear discharge and never realised that was the first stage, it wasn’t protective, just constant friction and soreness.”

Why Does Vaginal Dryness Happen?

As oestrogen levels fall during peri- and post-menopause, the vaginal tissues lose moisture, elasticity, and natural lubrication.

This thinning leaves skin fragile, with less cushioning and protection, making it more vulnerable to:

• Microtears and soreness
  

• Recurrent infections (such as UTIs, thrush, or BV)

• Reduced clitoral sensitivity or atrophy
  

• Urinary symptoms like burning, urgency, or mild incontinence
  

These changes are hormonal, but they’re also treatable.

How Sudden and Severe Can It Get?

For some, dryness develops gradually. For others, it arrives almost overnight — sometimes alongside mouth or eye dryness.

Women describe the shock when sex suddenly goes from enjoyable to excruciating. It can happen during perimenopause, years after menopause, or even in younger women following surgery, medication changes, or breastfeeding.

From real experiences:

“I could barely walk, let alone wear pants. I had sores - the slightest touch made me scream.”

“Sex went from fantastic to impossible in just months, all because no one warned me about this ‘minor’ symptom.”

How Does This Affect Sex and Relationships?

Painful sex, sore tissues, and a loss of natural sensation can impact confidence and relationships. Many couples find themselves relying on lubricants that still don’t bring relief.

Some women describe losing all pleasure and libido, not from lack of desire, but from fear of pain. The emotional toll can be significant, leading to frustration, sadness, or distance between partners.

But there’s hope. Many women who find the right support and products describe a complete turnaround:

“What a great product. I’ve used it for many years since going through menopause. I’d be in a sorry state both physically and mentally without it.”

How Can You Treat Vaginal Dryness?

When it comes to soothing and overcoming vaginal dryness, YES offers a trusted, clinically proven range designed for comfort, safety, and effectiveness.

Whether you’re newly navigating menopause or have struggled for years, YES products provide gentle, natural relief that helps you restore confidence and intimacy.

YES Water-Based Vaginal Moisturiser

The YES Water-Based Vaginal Moisturiser is clinically proven to replenish dryness, restore moisture, and ease irritation. Its unique formulation mimics the body’s natural lubrication, making it ideal for everyday use, even for the most sensitive skin.

YES Organic Coconut Oil-Based Lubricant

For those needing deeper, longer-lasting hydration — especially overnight or during intimacy — the YES Organic Coconut Oil-Based Lubricant delivers rich, nourishing comfort. Coconut oil’s naturally soothing properties make it ideal for fragile or severely dry skin. YES Coco is also very soothing and lubricating for the vulva. This can help if walking, playing sport or cycling are uncomfortable. 

YES products are:

• pH-balanced to support vaginal flora
  

• Certified organic — free from glycerin, parabens, fragrances, and petrochemicals
  

• Safe for use with condoms and sex toys (water-based version)
  

What to Expect

Healing takes time. It can take several weeks of consistent use before full relief returns. Some women experience slight stinging on first application, similar to applying cream to chapped skin, but this usually settles as tissues rehydrate.

Regular, consistent use makes the biggest difference. Many find daily application at first, then reducing to every few days, helps maintain lasting comfort.

Always consult your GP or a menopause specialist for personalised advice. There are several effective options, and you should never feel you have to “just live with it.”

The Bottom Line

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common — and most under-discussed — symptoms of menopause. But it’s also one of the most treatable.

With the right products and consistent care, it’s entirely possible to restore comfort, confidence, and pleasure.

YES products are designed to work in harmony with your body, gently hydrating, soothing, and protecting sensitive tissues without hormones or irritants.

Explore the YES range to find the right natural, effective relief for you.