I am 42 year old female and have a very healthy sex life but for the past few months i keep getting dry during sex but can't understand why.

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

There is a possibility that you are in peri-menopause and with the decline of estrogens:

• The wall of the vagina becomes thinner and more fragile

• The lack of moisture causes dryness in the vaginal walls because the constriction of the blood vessels reduces the nutrient supply to the vagina

• There could be an increase of itching, irritation, discharge or unpleasant smell due to the lack of protective chemicals in the vaginal secretions.

This dryness could also come from medications (including cold medications, over the counter medications for allergies, anti-depressives). A lubricant can help. Your gynecologist can help further by running tests on your hormone levels.

Best,
Susan