The desert that is your hoo-hoo

Vaginal dryness: It's never pretty. There can be itchiness and irritation, burning and mind-melting discomfort. Have I mentioned the complete disruption of good loving while you grope around in the dark through a cluttered nightstand drawer for a nearly-empty bottle of lube just so you can get things going? Or the head-shaking possibility of buying, applying and carrying around some goopy bottle of cream in a Ziploc in your purse for those can't-stand-it-anymore moments?

Seriously, when the tumbleweed starts rolling through the southern regions, friends, it's no beautiful sunset, scenic drive. No need to detour into the desert of vaginal dryness, lady friends.

There are some real and practical reasons why we get there and some simple ways out. I read up and here's what I found out from Women's Health.com:

While not every woman experiences the ravages of vaginal dryness, nearly every woman does deal with it at some time the natural lubricants produced by the body slow down. This can be caused by bodily changes that cause a drop in estrogen or by any number of (for lack of a less graceful term) things you insert, wipe or come into contact with down there.

Did you know that things you use or do everyday can contribute to vag-ness? Soaps, condoms, tampons, antihistamines and laundry detergent and many other daily irritants could be causing you problems. Also, having sex and using some hormonal contraceptives can also contribute, which just seems totally unfair for we females.

If you're going through some bodily change or life transition, your estrogen levels and therefore, natural lubrication could be impacted in the process. If you are pregnant, nursing, experiencing changes in your period, exercising rigorously, overtired or overstressed, going through chemo or radiation, at any stage of menopause or recovering from surgery -- pretty much any and all points in most women's lives -- feel free to blame your situation for your dryness.

Thankfully, there are remedies. Water-based lubricants and special moisturizing creams may ease the irritation and if things have progressed beyond over-the-counter options, your doctor may be able to prescribe some relief for you.

You can also take matters (ahem) into your own hands more naturally. Take note of any drying agents in the personal care items you use. Next, it seems that regularly doing Kegels increases circulation to the cavernous areas (yeahhhh, Kegels) and help boost the healthy tissue in that part of your body. If you can make it through sex with a little tube of glidey goo or without, apparently consistent physical intimacy helps keep the (sorry, sorry, I am out of metaphors here) keep the juices flowing.

Here's to happier, healthier and slidier hoo-hoos, no matter where you are in your life!

[photo credit: David Buffington/Photodisc/Getty Images]