Does drinking more water help with vaginal dryness?
Drinking more water can help maintain general hydration, but it has a limited direct effect on vaginal dryness. Most cases require targeted treatments like moisturisers or hormone therapy.
Detailed Medical Explanation
General hydration is important for health, but vaginal dryness is mainly due to hormonal changes, especially low oestrogen, not dehydration. While drinking enough water supports overall mucosal tissue health, studies show that it alone will not resolve moderate to severe vaginal dryness. Targeted treatments such as vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, or local oestrogen therapy are much more effective. NHS: Vaginal Dryness Treatments.
Clinical Context
We recommend good hydration for general wellbeing, but persistent vaginal dryness needs medical assessment and evidence-based management for best outcomes.
Evidence-Based Approaches
National guidelines do not support increased water intake as a cure for vaginal dryness. Rely on NHS-approved moisturisers and therapies for symptom relief. RCOG: Managing Vaginal Dryness.