The Nu Guide: 5 reasons you might have an irritated or sensitive vulva

The reasons your vulva or vaginal tissue may be irritated are varied, and not necessarily to do with age or life stage. One thing is for sure: you don’t have to put up with the discomfort any longer, thanks to Nu Intimate Balm.

  1. Menopause

    • Before, during or post-menopause, vaginal tissue integrity lessens due to a reduction in oestrogen, which can lead to increased sensitivity and irritation. Given signs of menopause can appear for women from their mid-30s onwards, this irritating situation is not just a problem that older women face

  2. Motherhood

    • Sensitivity and irritation can occur after childbirth and during breastfeeding. Nu can be used for perineal massage pre-childbirth, and when returning to sex following childbirth.

  3. Menstruation

    • As hormones fluctuate throughout the month according to a woman’s menstrual cycle, so can the sensitivity of our most intimate areas. On certain days of the month you may be more susceptible.

  4. Medication

    • Side effects of medication can have a huge impact on the ability of the vagina to self-lubricate. This includes side effects as a result of chemotherapy or radiation.

  5. Movement

    • Exercise such as cycling can cause irritation to the vulva, and tight exercise clothing can exacerbate the problem. You can use Nu as a pre- and post-exercise balm to help reduce the friction caused during these activities.


All of these symptoms are exacerbated by friction-type movements including sexual ‘inter’ or ‘outer’ course.  Use Nu if you are experiencing dryness, discomfort, or dyspareunia (painful sex). You can also use Nu with silicone dilators or sex toys (just make sure you clean them thoroughly to maintain their quality.) 

We acknowledge that symptoms can affect CIS women, non-binary persons, and trans men. Our aim is to be inclusive of all, however you identify. 

Niamh Clerkin

BSc Hons Physiotherapy & PG Dip Sports Medicine | Director Mná Pelvic Health and Co-Founder of Nu.

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The Nu Guide: Returning to sex postpartum

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The Nu Guide : The many symptoms of menopause