By: Wildwood Birth Collective 

Wildwood Birth Collective is birth doula team in Portland, Oregon. They fight for equitable and just communities as a larger part of the movement of birth workers around the country working to bring awareness around and eliminate racial and racist disparities in birth and maternal outcomes.

 

What Is Postpartum Vaginal Dryness?

 

After giving birth, many people notice changes they weren't expecting, including vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, or discomfort during everyday activities and intimacy. While these symptoms can feel concerning, postpartum vaginal dryness is common and often linked to the dramatic hormonal shifts that occur after pregnancy.

For some, dryness resolves within a few weeks. For others, especially those who are breastfeeding, it can persist for months. Understanding why postpartum dryness occurs and how to support vaginal and vulvar tissue during recovery can help make this stage of healing more comfortable.

If you’ve recently given birth or are preparing to deliver your little one, you’re probably aware that the healing process takes time and impacts many areas of your life. And this includes your sex life. Many people experience reduced interest in sex, discomfort during penetration, and/or vaginal dryness in the weeks and months after giving birth.

Keep reading to learn about the causes of postpartum vaginal dryness, ways to alleviate any discomfort you’re dealing with, and how long you can expect it to last.

 

What Causes Vaginal Dryness After Giving Birth?

Postpartum vaginal dryness is extremely common and perfectly normal. According to a 2018 study, about 43% of new parents experience vaginal dryness six months after giving birth. 

For many, vaginal dryness causes painful or uncomfortable intercourse. Given that many people also experience a natural (usually temporary) decrease in libido, it’s perfectly normal for parents to become less satisfied with their sex lives after pregnancy. 

Hormonal Changes After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase dramatically. In general, these hormones are primarily produced in the ovaries. But during pregnancy, the placenta also produces them. After you give birth and the placenta is no longer in your body, levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease rapidly, often returning to pre-pregnancy levels within 24 hours of delivery.

Breastfeeding and Estrogen Levels

This rapid change in hormone levels, particularly concerning estrogen, can have a big impact on both your emotions and physiology. Estrogen is responsible for helping to boost the flow of blood to the genitals, increasing vaginal lubrication. Lower levels of estrogen after giving birth and during breastfeeding is the most common cause of postpartum vaginal dryness.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

In some cases, postpartum vaginal dryness is caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland after labor and delivery. This condition is known as postpartum thyroiditis, and only affects about 3-8% of people after giving birth.

Those with type 1 diabetes and a personal or family history of thyroid problems are more likely to develop the condition. In addition to vaginal dryness, common symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Irritability and depression
• Weight gain
• Shakiness
• Dry skin
• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures

Normal thyroid functioning resumes within 12-18 months for about 80% of people suffering from postpartum thyroiditis. Your medical provider can also help you determine the right treatments or symptom-management strategies for your situation.

 

What To Do About Vaginal Dryness

For the majority of people, vaginal dryness will resolve on its own with no persisting issues. However, vaginal lubrication helps to maintain the microbiome in the vagina by clearing away harmful bacteria. 

This means that, in some cases, extreme dryness may impact the bacterial makeup of the vagina, which can increase your risk of vaginal conditions such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.

 

Why Am I Still Experiencing Vaginal Dryness Months After Birth?

Generally speaking, vaginal dryness should subside within a few months of giving birth, if not before. For the majority of people, vaginal dryness primarily causes symptoms relating to sexual functioning in the early postpartum period, with these symptoms decreasing around the same time that pre-labor libido returns.

 

Ways to help alleviate vaginal dryness

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to potentially improve symptoms of postpartum vaginal dryness and painful sex. Effective methods include:

• Using a lubricant during intercourse
• Communicating honestly with your partner about what you’re experiencing and making adjustments to your sexual activities
• Experimenting with different sex positions
• Focusing on foreplay before intercourse
• Taking an estrogen supplement or other vitamins to balance hormones*
• Applying a vaginal moisturizer**
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated

 

When To See a Doctor About Postpartum Vaginal Dryness

In the majority of cases, postpartum vaginal dryness will resolve on its own without medical intervention, and the strategies discussed above can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms you may be dealing with.

However, there are medical interventions that you can pursue. If your postpartum vaginal dryness is impacting your sex life or daily comfort in a negative way or if symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor.

Some people choose to take an estrogen supplement to help combat the hormonal changes that contribute to the condition. If your vaginal dryness is caused by postpartum thyroiditis, your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers or hormone replacement therapy to improve your symptoms. 

Your provider may also recommend over-the-counter vitamins to help alleviate dryness. It’s important to discuss all the potential risks and drawbacks of any treatments with your doctor, and find out how these treatments may impact breastfeeding.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Vaginal Dryness

 

How long does postpartum vaginal dryness last?

There is no single timeline for postpartum vaginal dryness. Some people notice improvement within a few weeks of giving birth, while others experience symptoms for several months. Breastfeeding can extend the duration of dryness because estrogen levels often remain lower during lactation. If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options and supportive care strategies.

Does breastfeeding make vaginal dryness worse?

Yes, breastfeeding is one of the most common causes of prolonged postpartum vaginal dryness. During lactation, estrogen levels naturally decrease, which can affect the moisture and elasticity of vaginal tissues. This is a normal physiological response and often improves as breastfeeding frequency decreases and hormone levels begin to shift.

Is postpartum vaginal dryness normal?

Yes. Postpartum vaginal dryness is a common experience after childbirth. Hormonal fluctuations, physical recovery from delivery, breastfeeding, stress, and sleep deprivation can all contribute to temporary changes in vaginal moisture. While common, persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Can vaginal dryness cause itching after birth?

It can. Dry vaginal and vulvar tissues may become more sensitive to friction, which can lead to itching, irritation, burning, or discomfort. However, itching can also be associated with conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, allergic reactions, or skin conditions. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by unusual discharge or odor, consult your healthcare provider.

Can I use vaginal suppositories while postpartum?

Many people choose to incorporate vaginal suppositories into their postpartum wellness routine to help support comfort and hydration. However, the appropriate timing may depend on your individual recovery, whether you experienced tearing during delivery, and guidance from your healthcare provider. If you're unsure when to introduce new vaginal care products after birth, it's always best to ask your provider.

What's the difference between vaginal dryness and a yeast infection?

Although they can share symptoms such as irritation or discomfort, vaginal dryness and yeast infections have different causes. Vaginal dryness is often related to hormonal changes that reduce natural moisture, while yeast infections occur when yeast grows excessively within the vaginal environment. Yeast infections are more likely to cause thick discharge and intense itching, whereas dryness often presents as sensitivity, friction, discomfort, or a feeling of insufficient lubrication.

 

Browse the entire vaginal dryness line

 

Further Reading: 

• 5 best vitamins for vaginal health
• Vulvovaginal dryness myths debunked
• 10 tips for improving your vaginal health
• 3 menopause myths and where they come from

 

Organic Postpartum Vulva and Vaginal Dryness Solutions

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