Hallow Dear,

Yes, Depot provera is a progesterone preparation which can cause dryness of vagina. Sexual relations in dry vagina are very uncomfortable, may be even painful.

However, 6-7 months after discontinuing the Depot Provera, if still the uncomfortable sex due to dry vagina is continuing, you should get internally examined from a Gynaecologist. There is a possibility of vaginal infection. Though vaginal infections lead to discharge, in early phases, there may not be notably heavy discharge. It can be bacterial infection which is treated by antibiotics, may be fungal infection which can be treated by antifungal creams or it can be trichomonal infection which is treated by Metronidazole.

If the infection is not present, please use Lactysid vaginal to regain the vaginal flora of Lactobacilli. This will give you relief.

Meanwhile use of lubricants during intercourse will help you. Dry intercourse is always painful. Please do not use oil based lubricants since they are dangerous to your reproductory organs. Use water based lubricants. Vaginal jellies available are quite good for this purpose.

Please report to your Gynaecologist for vaginal examination.

I hope this helps you.

Dr. Nishikant

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I am trying to solve your problem.

According to your history, you are suffering from LOW sexual drive and unable to achieve orgasm being more excited. It is one type of sexual dysfunction & more common in female. About 15% of women face this type of difficulties.

There are several underlying causative factors in association with. These include:

1) Psychological causes/ stress/ anxiety/ emotional upset.
2) Pelvic trauma/ infection/ history of pelvic surgery/ vaginal dryness (more common).
3) Hormonal imbalance, particularly low level of estrogen.
4) Use of certain medication or neurological causes associated with reduce sensitivity to clitoris.

Therefore, I suggest you to consult with gynecologist/ sexologist for suggestive measures through complete physical examination including pelvic exam and some initial investigations like blood test for estrogen & progesterone level, prolactin level, thyroid profile, blood sugar, vaginal swab test & urine examination- routine & microscopy. Complete treatment can only be done on pin point diagnosis or after ruled out causative factors.

The following measures are helpful in achieving orgasm:

1) Need complete body fitness- by the means of taking healthy diet with consuming more vegetables & fruits, drink more water to stay hydrated, regular physical exercise through running/ jogging/ treadmill etc.

2) Try to avoid stress/ tension/ anxiety by regular yoga/ meditation or breathing exercise (20-30 at a times).

3) Keep more time on foreplay with your partner and give time to arouse yourself more & more before actual vaginal penetration or partner's ejaculation.

4) Specific treatment- by means of hormonal patches (estradiol) or medication to correct other hormonal imbalances, using clitoral vacuum pump devices or vibrator and drugs to improve blood flow/ sexual sensation/ arousal.

In recent study, drugs like sildenafil/ vardenafil (though used in men) are quite useful in the reversal of female sexual dysfunction. Also you need to treat other underlying causes.

5) Vaginal dryness can be treated with water based lubrication/ jelly/ estradiol cream etc.

6) Maintain genital hygiene properly and need adequate sleeping with complete relaxation. Avoid using unnecessary medication.

Hope, it helps for your information. Good luck.