Hey Dr Sue — Why Does Being On Birth Control Make Me Dry So Quickly? What Can I Do To Help This?

If you’re using a hormonal birth control method, one that has estrogen or progesterone, then it’s absolutely possible that the vaginal dryness you’re experiencing is being caused by your birth control. It all has to do with hormone levels, specifically estrogen, and the amount of blood going to your vagina.

How do you fix this? Well, that’s a bit more complicated.

First thing you need to do is figure out if it really is your birth control. If you’re using a new method and that’s when the dryness started it may be the new method.

If you really like your birth control method (except for the dryness) then you can simply start using a lube during sex play. Make sure you use one that’s safe for your body, and that it works well with any condoms and/or sex toys you may use.

If you’re not totally in love with your birth control, but you want to stick to a hormonal method, then maybe switching is the answer for you.

Talk to your health care provider about switching you to anther brand if you’re using the pill, or another hormonal method. It might take some trial and error, but you may find a combination of hormones that’s a better match for your body.