Answer
If you’re a woman and you have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma or another autoimmune disease, you may also have Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition that can occur simultaneously. Symptoms, in addition to dry eyes and mouth, can include reduced vaginal lubrication, which can cause sexual intimacy to be painful.

Several antidepressant medications can also lead to vaginal dryness. Menopause, too, may be playing a role. In that case discuss the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy, which can restore natural lubrication, with your doctor.

No matter what the cause of dryness, try one of the new over-the-counter lubricants like Astroglide, Replens or Slip. They can work wonders, according to Seifer.