We might have come to know Vitamin C as the healthy nutrient that we often find in some fruits, vegetables, and other consumables, including freshly squeezed natural and organic juice. However, this important, and perhaps vital nutrient is more than an immune booster or potential barrier against flu and the common cold.
For the longest time in modern medicine, Vitamin C has been one of the most celebrated and most effective nutrients in our diets, and rightfully so.
Some experts have found that consuming a healthy dose of Vitamin C or incorporating this element into our diet can protect the body against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, and prenatal health problems, among many other things.
More than this, in recent years, researchers have found that Vitamin C can potentially improve skin health, allowing for more even-tone and wrinkle-free healthy skin. In menopausal and postmenopausal women, Vitamin C can be used for vaginal dryness which provides some relief to female lubrication.
Impact of Vitamin C on Vaginal Dryness
For many women, the time leading up to menopause, or even during perimenopause can feel difficult and uncomfortable.
Leading symptoms of menopause, including post-menopause are found to be night sweats, chills, mood swings, decreased sexual desire, and in the post-menopause stage, some women may experience vaginal dryness, often known as vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis).
One population study found that more than half of post-menopausal women, over the age of 51 had suffered from either mild or severe vaginal dryness, often related to specific changes in hormonal regulation.
However, in more recent years, some studies have indicated that sufficient supplementation of Vitamin C, including several other natural nutrients can significantly stimulate the improvement of vaginal lubrication in menopausal women. In one specific study published in 2003, researchers found that Vitamin C can improve endothelial function in healthy estrogen-deficient menopausal women.
During menopause, estrogen is a vital, and perhaps one of the most important elements of female vaginal lubrication. However, as women age, estrogen levels begin to decrease or severely fluctuate.
Take A Look At What Causes Vaginal Dryness?:
Estrogen is one of the many key ingredients that help to regulate natural female lubrication under a normal condition. Women that have lower estrogen levels may experience the drying and thinning of the vaginal wall.
The use of Vitamin C has been known to promote vaginal lubrication in menopausal and post-menopausal women, further alleviating severe menopause-related symptoms. Furthermore, Vitamin C can further assist with regulating menopausal symptoms, such as decreased mucous membranes which are often responsible for the lubrication of vaginal walls.
How Vitamin C Supports Vaginal Health
Mitigates Vaginal Dryness
Perhaps one of the most important beneficial effects of Vitamin C is the mitigation of vaginal dryness in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Vitamin C has been found the promote the production of natural lubrication, which can improve the integrity of vaginal tissue.
Scientific Research on Vitamin C and vaginal dryness has determined that the use of Vitamin C supplements had a positive result in women that experienced vaginal dryness, compared to other groups of participants.
Through effective incorporation, Vitamin C can significantly improve female lubrication, which in return improves sexual intercourse, allowing women to have more comfortable sexual activity without experiencing increased irritation or discomfort.
Restore and Maintain pH Balance
Naturally, the vaginal region has a pH level ranging between 3.8 and 5.0, which in most instances is a moderate acidic level. However, various factors such as regular menstrual periods, sexual intercourse, and hormone fluctuations due to menopause symptoms can lead to either higher or lower levels of vaginal pH.
Vaginal acidity plays a crucial role to maintain vaginal health, ensuring protection against bacteria, yeast infections, and other infections. However, Vitamin C has been found to regulate and maintain vaginal pH levels, which helps to restore the acidic pH balance, and potentially reduces the risk of infections and discomfort.
Reduces Risk of Vaginal Infections
A closer look shows that Vitamin C contains anti-microbial properties which in return can help to prevent, and in some instances effectively treat some vaginal infections.
Seeing as Vitamin C can help restore and maintain normal vaginal pH levels, Vitamin C is commonly considered a potential treatment that can reduce the risk of infections, including bacterial vaginosis, and more common yeast infections.
Effective and regular use of Vitamin C can further promote vaginal health, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the vagina, and further reducing any threatening health risks.
Alleviates Bacterial Vaginosis
Per research by the Cleveland Clinic, about 35 percent of women will often experience Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a fairly common vaginal infection. BV can affect women at any age but is most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years.
The presence of BV can cause an irregular imbalance of bacteria present in the vagina, leading to common symptoms of vaginal discharge, and an unpleasant odor, redness, and frequent irritation.
Women that experience BV can use Vitamin C as a possible solution to reduce irritation and irregular vaginal discharge. Additionally, Vitamin C can alleviate unpleasant odors, which can be an uncomfortable and distressing time for many.
Natural Supplements To Increase Female Lubrication With Vitamin C
Women can use a variety of supplements and topical applications to increase their vaginal lubrication.
Dietary Supplements
One of the most common, and perhaps best ways to improve female lubrication, especially for women experiencing menopause is through the use of dietary supplements that contain Vitamin C. This supplement form can be consumed orally and can provide potential benefits aside from the relief of vaginal dryness.
Women considering taking any type of dietary supplement as an alternative method to improve vaginal health will need to consult with a medical professional beforehand to ensure that they are well-informed about the various benefits and potential risks of any kind of dietary supplement.
Incorporating Vitamin C into Your Diet
Women that have limited access to dietary supplements, or may have other prior medical conditions that restrict them from using any form of supplement can consider incorporating various foods rich in Vitamin C.
Various types of citrus fruits, including kiwis, kiwi, and even papaya can be beneficial. Additionally, some forms of food, including bell peppers may be another source of Vitamin C.
It’s best to consider which foods are rich in Vitamin C and provide you with the best possible benefits. Try and consider how you can incorporate more of these fruits within your diet.
Topical Lotions and Creams
There’s also the possibility of using a topical application, that can either be in the form of a cream or gel. These are easily available and can be purchased over the counter.
Make sure to look for topical applications that naturally contain high levels of Vitamin C, and have been manufactured in a safe and clean environment.
Topical applications that contain a mixture of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids or Hyaluronic Acid have been found to be most effective.
You can use the application as directed in the instructions. Additionally, you can consult with an expert on the matter, or read reviews online about the product to ensure it’s safe to use.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take for The C Vitamin to Start Working?
Efficacy is largely dependent on the method of application, either through a lotion, cream or dietary supplement. However, some experts believe that Vitamin C will begin responding within 24 - 48 hours, depending on the dose applied or consumed. Consistency is key to ensuring effective relief.
What Are Natural Supplements that Increase Female Lubrication?
While there are various supplements available on the market, the most effective tend to be Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Other supplements including Sea Buckthorn/Seaberry Oil, hyaluronic acid, and DHEA have been found to significantly improve female lubrication in women that experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
Additional Considerations
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Vaginal Health
Various factors can influence vaginal health and well-being for women. However, diet, hygiene and sexual activity can often be some of the biggest causes for either good or poor vaginal health. Women need to incorporate a combination of supplements into their diet, including Vitamin C, D and E, or DHEA to further promote vaginal well-being in the long term and not only during menopause. Additionally, it's advised to consult with a medical professional or OB/GYN for vaginal inspection.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Women are advised to regularly consult with a medical professional, including frequent visits to a registered and licensed OB/GYN. Additionally, it's important to schedule a visit when you begin to notice changes to vaginal discharge, either a change in colour or a strong vaginal odor. Excessive itching, burning, or occurring irritation of the vagina and the surrounding skin, also known as the vulva, may be an indication of poor vaginal health and could mean that you will need to consult with a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Vaginal dryness is a fairly common experience many women may encounter once they enter menopause, or are in the postmenopausal phase. Incorporating Vitamin C, either in the form of a supplement, topical application, or through foods that naturally contain high levels of Vitamin C can be beneficial to overall vaginal health and well-being.