Vaginal and vulval dryness is common during the menopause, yet rarely talked about. A new anonymous survey wants to hear real experiences from women, partners and healthcare professionals to help change that.
The Dry Vagina Survey has been launched by the University of Melbourne, led by researcher Dr Sue Downie. It’s open to women over 40, their partners (of any gender), and healthcare professionals worldwide, and asks about experiences of dryness, burning, itching, bleeding, inflammation, infections or painful sex during peri- and post-menopause.
The survey takes just 5–10 minutes to complete, asking five questions in total. It is fully anonymous – researchers only see combined answers, not who submitted them. Results will inform a free consumer guide, Dry Vaginas, to help women, partners and clinicians discuss the topic more openly.
Take part in the survey: redcap.link/DryVaginaSurvey
If you have any questions email Sue.Downie@UniMelb.edu.au
Vaginal dryness is common but rarely discussed. This anonymous survey offers a simple way to share your experience and support better understanding for women and partners everywhere. It doesn’t replace medical advice. If you’re affected, speak to your GP or a menopause specialist – you don’t need to simply live with it.
This survey has ethics approval from the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (approval #32758)