After giving birth, why is the vaginal area dry, and can pelvic floor rehabilitation help?

Generally speaking, vaginal dryness after childbirth may be caused by postpartum hormonal changes, the effects of lactation, endocrine disorders, vaginitis, or a deficiency of vitamin B2. It is recommended that postpartum women undergo pelvic floor rehabilitation training under a doctor's guidance. Prompt medical consultation is advised for treatment under professional guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Causes

1. Postpartum Hormonal Changes

After childbirth, declining estrogen levels in women's bodies may lead to thinning of the vaginal mucosa and reduced secretions, resulting in a sensation of dryness. Water-soluble lubricants may be used to help alleviate the dryness.

2. Lactation Effects

During lactation, elevated prolactin levels may suppress estrogen activity, causing vaginal dryness. Maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding the use of irritating cleansing products are recommended.

3. Endocrine Disorders

A postpartum woman's endocrine system might not have fully recovered, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect secretion and cause vaginal dryness, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and dull skin. Treatment may include progesterone capsules, Wuji Baifeng pills, Xiaoyao pills, or other medications as directed by a physician.

4. Vaginitis

Vaginitis is associated with poor personal hygiene and bacterial infection. It may cause congestion and edema of the vaginal mucosa, reduced secretions, and consequently vaginal dryness, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching of the vulva and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatment may include clotrimazole vaginal tablets, metronidazole suppositories, or metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets as directed by a physician.

5. Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Vitamin B2 is one of the essential nutrients for maintaining normal human metabolism. If a woman's diet lacks vitamin B2, it may lead to dryness of the vaginal walls and congestion of the mucous membranes. In addition to vaginal dryness, symptoms such as angular cheilitis, cheilosis, glossitis, and other mucocutaneous lesions may also occur. Treatment may include vitamin B2 tablets, compound vitamin B tablets, or topical vitamin B2 gel as directed by a physician.

2. Can Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Be Performed?

During childbirth, a woman's pelvic floor muscles may sustain varying degrees of damage. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help restore the contractility and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles, improve vaginal blood circulation, promote increased secretions, and thus alleviate the sensation of dryness. Pelvic floor rehabilitation combines methods such as Kegel exercises, electrical stimulation therapy, and infrared irradiation to enhance the contractile capacity of the pelvic floor muscles, promote local blood circulation and nerve recovery, improve pelvic floor muscle function, and thus help women regain their health and improve their quality of life.

Kegel exercises involve rhythmically contracting and relaxing the muscles around the anus and vagina, effectively enhancing the tension and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles. Electrical stimulation therapy uses electrical currents to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, inducing passive contractions that enhance muscle activity and contractile capacity. Infrared irradiation involves applying infrared light to the pelvic floor area, promoting local blood circulation, increasing nutrient supply to muscles and tissues, and aiding in the recovery of nerves and muscles.

In daily life, maintaining regular作息 and dietary habits, and keeping the vulva clean while avoiding the use of strongly irritating cleansing products are recommended.