May 25th, 2016
Vaginal atrophy is a complication of persistently low levels of estrogen, usually after menopause in elderly women. In vaginal atrophy (also known as atrophic vaginitis), the walls of vagina becomes thin, dry and inflamed, which makes it uncomfortable (or even painful) to engage in normal sexual intercourse. In poorly managed cases, atrophic vaginitis may lead to recurring vaginal infections, disturbing urinary symptoms and other related ailments.
“Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)”, is a more appropriate term that is often used by healthcare professionals instead of vaginal atrophy as vaginal and urinary symptoms often co-exist in this condition.
The classic presentation of vaginal atrophy varies; depending upon the age of patient and severity of atrophic changes; most characteristic symptoms are:
As discussed previously, insufficient or declining levels of estrogen can lead to vaginal atrophy. Following are some factors which can lower estrogen levels; such as:
Doctor may recommend following treatment options:
OTC Estrogen Products:
If symptoms are not improved with over the counter medications then various estrogen therapies can be utilized:
Topical Estrogen:
There are various forms of topical estrogens which can prove very effective against vaginal atrophy.
Alternative treatments are trending these days. Although there are some alternate medicines for treating the dryness and irritation of vagina but you should ask your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal medication.
Self-management
The genitourinary syndrome due to menopause can be prevented if sexual activities are performed on regular basis either with partner or without partner. As blood flow toward vagina is increased during a sexual act, which helps in keeping the tissues healthy.
Speak to your doctor if vaginal atrophic changes are interfering with the quality of your sex life.
1. Kingsberg, S. A., Wysocki, S., Magnus, L., & Krychman, M. L. (2013). Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women’s VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey. The journal of sexual medicine, 10(7), 1790-1799.
2. Fernandes, T., Costa-Paiva, L. H., Pedro, A. O., Baccaro, L. F. C., & Pinto-Neto, A. M. (2016). Efficacy of vaginally applied estrogen, testosterone, or polyacrylic acid on vaginal atrophy: a randomized controlled trial. Menopause.
3. Portman, D., Shulman, L., Yeaw, J., Zeng, S., Uzoigwe, C., Maamari, R., & Iyer, N. N. (2015). One-year treatment persistence with local estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women diagnosed as having vaginal atrophy. Menopause, 22(11), 1197-1203.
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