What is vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a condition where the lining of the vagina gets thinner and drier. This causes itching, burning, and pain during sex. It can also lead to problems with your urinary tract, such as UTIs and frequent infections. When a woman urinates, she is using the vagina. The term “vaginal atrophy” refers to a wasting away or diminution of the vagina. The newer term “genitourinary syndrome of menopause” (GSM) helps to describe not just the vaginal symptoms, but also the urinary symptoms. Estrogen can have negative effects.
Vaginal atrophy (a decrease in the size of the vagina) most often occurs during menopause, when a woman's hormone levels change. It can also happen to women who are younger, when their estrogen levels are reduced.
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Hormones are produced by the endocrine system and stored in glands. Women need estrogen to have good health, especially during the child-bearing years. When menopause happens around age 50, the ovaries produce fewer hormones and a woman ceases to menstruate monthly. During menstruation, there are many uncomfortable symptoms for women. These might include vaginal dryness and other symptoms that suggest vaginal thinning.
Internal reproductive organs
External reproductive organs
Medical terms
- Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls which will occur once your body has less estrogen. Channel atrophy happens most frequently once change of life.
- For several women, vaginal atrophy not solely makes intercourse painful however conjointly results in distressing urinary symptoms. as a result of the condition causes each vaginal and urinary symptoms, doctors use the term "genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)" to explain vaginal atrophy and its related to symptoms.
- Simple, effective treatments for GSM are available. Reduced estrogen levels end in changes to your body, but it doesn't mean you've got to live with the discomfort of GSM.
- Vaginal atrophy is a condition that affects many women in perimenopause and menopause It means your vagina becomes thinner drier and less elastic due to the drop in estrogen levels during this time of life Vaginal atrophy has several effects on your body one being pain with sex This can lead to decreased desire for sex at a time when you’re already probably struggling with changes in your relationship due to the onset of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.The good news is vaginal atrophy isn't just caused by lack of.
- Vaginal atrophy also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal dryness is a condition that afflicts up to 40% of postmenopausal women The symptoms associated with the condition include itching burning and soreness in the genital area Treatment for vaginal atrophy can include local estrogen therapy oral hormone replacement therapy and other treatments designed to restore vaginal health.
- Dryness, itching, redness, and pain are some of the symptoms of both vaginal atrophy and yeast infections. However, vaginal atrophy is caused by a lack of estrogen, while yeast infections are caused by a fungal infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the symptoms you're experiencing so that you can work together to find a solution. Look at the condition of the plant.
Women over 50 who are in menopause are the most likely to experience vaginal thinning. Other factors that increase your chance of developing vaginal atrophy include:
Lack of sexual intercourse.
Chemotherapy or radiation can cause a decrease in ovarian function.
Immune disorders.
Medications that contain estrogen-blocking properties include Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Medroxyprogesterone (Provera), and Nafarelin (Synarel).
Nonfluctuating estrogen levels.
Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).
Postpartum loss of placental estrogen.
Smoking.
Breastfeeding.
What is the prevalence of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis GSM)?
Many women who enter menopause experience signs and symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
symptoms Vaginal Atrophy
Symptoms of vaginal atrophy can include:
Dryness of the vagina.
Burning and/or itching of the vagina.
Dyspareunia (pain during sex).
When a woman has sex, she may release a discharge that is yellow in color.
Spotting or bleeding.
Vulvar itching (pruritus).
Feeling of pressure.
Pesticides can also harm your urinary system and cause symptoms, including: -Urine that is dark or clouded -Urinary tract infections -Frequent need to go to the bathroom
You should go to the bathroom often.
Having pain when going to the bathroom.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Urinating more.
Stress incontinence.
Painful urination (dysuria).
Blood in the urine (hematuria).
Burning during urination.
When to see a doctor
Many biological girls experience GSM. however few look for treatment. girls could also be embarrassed to debate their symptoms with their doctor and should resign themselves to living with these symptoms.
create an arrangement along with your doctor if you've got any unexplained epithelial duct recognizing or bleeding, uncommon discharge, burning, or soreness.
conjointly make an appointment to check your doctor if you experience painful intercourse that' not resolved by employing a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) or water-based material (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others).
If you are experiencing any symptoms of dryness such as pain, burning, itching, urinary problems, UTIs, unusual spotting or bleeding, or discharge, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. If weeks go by and the over-the-counter medications you're using for dryness haven't worked, then it might be time to see a doctor. If you notice any unusual discharge or bleeding, please see your healthcare provider. Also, always see your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that negatively affect your daily life.
Causes Vaginal Atrophy
During menopause, your body produces less estrogen. Without estrogen, the lining of the vagina can become thinner and less stretchy. The vaginal canal can also narrow and shorten. Less estrogen decreases the amount of normal vaginal fluids. It also alters the acid balance of the vagina. Women who are going through menopause may experience changes in their vaginal fluid levels. Breastfeeding can cause a drop in estrogen. This happens to women who have just had a baby or are taking medications that block the production of estrogen (such as for breast cancer treatment).
The first sign that vaginal atrophy is occurring is usually a decrease in vaginal lubrication.
Genitourinary syndrome of change of life is caused by a decrease in sex hormone production. Less estrogen makes your duct tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and additionally fragile.
A drop in estrogen levels may occur:
After menopause
During the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause)
After surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause)
During breast-feeding
While taking medications that can affect estrogen levels, such as some birth control pills
After pelvic radiation therapy for cancer
After chemotherapy for cancer
As a side effect of breast cancer hormonal treatment
GSM signs and symptoms may begin to hassle you throughout the years leading up to menopause, or they will not become a retardant till many years into menopause. Though the condition is common, not all biological time ladies experience GSM. Regular sexual activity, with or while not a partner, will assist you maintain healthy vaginal tissues.
Risk factors
Certain factors may contribute to GSM, such as:
Smoking. Cigarette smoking affects your blood circulation, and should reduce the flow of blood and chemical elements to the channel and different nearby areas. Smoking additionally reduces the consequences of present estrogens in your body.
No vaginal births. Researchers have discovered that girls who have not been born canally are more likely to develop GSM symptoms than women who have had vaginal deliveries.
No sexual activity. Sexual activity, with or while not a partner, will increase blood flow and makes your channel tissues a lot of elastic.
Complications Vaginal Atrophy
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause increases your risk of:
Vaginal infections. Changes in the acid balance of your vagina make vaginal infections more likely.
Urinary problems. Urinary changes related to GSM will contribute to urinary problems. you may experience accumulated frequency or urgency of micturition or burning with urination. Some ladies experience a lot of tract infections or excretory product discharge (incontinence).
Prevention Vaginal Atrophy
Regular sexual activity, either with or while not a partner, might facilitate stop sex organ syndrome of menopause. sexual intercourse will increase blood flow to your vagina, that helps keep canal tissues healthy.
As a woman ages, her body produces less estrogen. This cannot be prevented. If it doesn't happen naturally, it's unlikely that the ovaries will produce more of the hormone.
There are ways to keep vaginal atrophy from getting worse. Avoid clothing, such as panty liners and perineal pads, that are too tight or irritating to your vagina.
Perfumes.
Powders.
Deodorants.
Spermicides.
Lubricants.
What is the fastest way to get rid of vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a constant burning sensation in the area of the vagina It affects the vulvar tissue and can make a woman's sex life very difficult because it makes intercourse painful uncomfortable or impossible At first glance you might think that treating vulvodynia means taking pain pills to relieve pain And while some treatments do involve medications there are other ways to treat this condition as well.
How do you make vulvodynia go away?
What is Vulvodynia? Vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is called a gynecological condition However this isn’t the same as you may have thought It isn’t an infection of any kind but one that results from painful sensitivity to touch in and around the vaginal opening also known as the vestibule What Are The Symptoms Of Vulvodynia? The first noticeable symptom of this condition is usually pain upon direct contact with the surrounding area most especially the vestibule Even light touching can cause excruciation.
What triggers vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic painful disorder of the vulva that can affect women of any age It’s characterized by burning and irritation in the region between the anus and clitoris This condition usually develops suddenly but it may also result from an underlying cause like allergies or infections There are two types: generalized vulvodynia and localized vulvodynia The first one means that discomfort affects parts of your entire vulva area; localized refers to pain in a limited area (the clitoris or labia) Either way there are many potential triggers for vulvar pain including sexual intercourse or other.
What is the home remedy for clitoris pain?
For pain in the clitoris a woman can use an over-the-counter numbing cream for relief Women should be careful to follow the instructions for application and not apply too much of the product to avoid irritation and discomfort If this is not enough or if the clit swells it may indicate an infection and she will need medical attention If no bacteria are present soothing baths with epsom salts may reduce swelling.
Does vulvodynia affect the urethra?
: The urethra is the passage that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body It is located in the front wall of a woman’s vagina In some women it opens near the clitoris rather than at the vaginal opening Vulvodynia refers to chronic pain in and around this area not just pain during urination Women with vulvodynia may also experience itching burning or stinging sensations that make sex painful or impossible.
What is the best medicine for vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is best treated with a combination of topical and oral treatments that help reduce inflammation and pain Some women may need to use more than one type of treatment which may include: A cream or ointment containing lidocaine (a local anesthetic); An antifungal medication; or A steroid medication applied directly to the vulva or taken as a pill Also when possible removing tight-fitting undergarments can help relieve pressure on the area If you have any questions about your vulvar condition — from diagnosis to treatment options — contact a doctor who specializes in.
Does vulvodynia feel like UTI?
Vulvodynia (also known as vestibulitis) is a chronic condition that causes severe pain in the vulvar area Women who have this problem describe their symptoms as an overall burning sensation that can range from mild to excruciating and which may be worsened by sitting or tampon use The location and intensity of the pain may fluctuate but it is rarely relieved by urination or physical activity Although there is no one cause of vulvodynia women are most often diagnosed with the disease between menstruation and menopause when hormone levels are at their lowest.
Does coconut oil help vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar and vaginal area characterized by severe burning stinging and irritation As many as 18 percent of women in the U.S live with this condition on a regular basis — more than 40 million in total — with an estimated 10-20 percent of women suffering from it at some point in their lifetimes There are some aspects of life that can be managed when you have vulvodynia like avoiding sitting for too long or wearing tight clothing but there are also times when it's hard to predict what will make the pain worse or better This is.
Diagnosis Vaginal Atrophy
The healthcare provider can diagnose vaginal atrophy based on your symptoms and a pelvic exam to see how the vulva appears. Knowing whether or not you are in menopause can help to diagnose the condition. Classic signs of atrophy during a pelvic exam include: -A decrease in the size and firmness of the vulva -A decrease in the number ofpubic hairs
Diagnosis of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may involve:
Pelvic exam, during that your doctor feels your girdle organs and visually examines your external genitalia, channel and cervix.
Urine test, which involves collecting and testing your urine, if you have urinary symptoms.
Acid balance test, which involves taking a sample of duct fluids or putting a paper indicator strip in your epithelial duct to check its acid balance.
A shortened or narrowed vagina.
Dryness, redness and swelling.
Loss of stretch in the skin.
Whitish discoloration to the vagina.
The lack of hair in the pubic area.
A bulge in the back wall of the vagina.
Vulvar skin conditions (dermatoses) can cause vulvar lesions and redness (erythema).
If a bladder has fallen into the vagina, it is called a vaginal prolapse.
Urethral lesions.
If you have cuts near the vaginal opening, they are not too deep.
How is vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis GSM) diagnosed?
A trained clinician can usually easily diagnose atrophic and GSM changes with a careful physical exam. Occasionally laboratory tests may be necessary to differentiate vaginal atrophy from other conditions, such as:
Urine sample.
Serum hormone testing.
Vaginal pH.
Microscopy
Treatment Vaginal Atrophy
You and your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan to help reduce the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. They will decide which plan is most effective based on your symptoms and the severity of them. Estrogen therapy may be the most effective option.
Some treatments are meant to correct the symptoms of tissue loss. Other treatments address the loss of estrogen specifically, which will relieve symptoms.
Moisturizers and lubricants may be used to provide moisture and to loosen the vagina. This will make sex more comfortable. OTC moisturizers are available that can be used for irritation or dryness in the vagina. However, they will not completely restore its health. It is recommended to use a skin moisturizer throughout the day if you are feeling dry. Others are personal lubricants that can be used for sexual activity. Vaseline is not recommended for use. Olive oil is inside the vagina because it can lead to yeast infections. Many women use olive or coconut oil as a moisturizer and lubricant occasionally, but this can cause an allergic reaction in the vaginal area. Vitamin E and mineral oils should not be used because they may also cause irritation.
Women use dilators to widen their vagina so they can have sex again without pain. A woman's vagina usually starts out at a narrow width and gradually expands to a larger size. The best results are usually achieved when you start with a small dilator and work your way up to a larger one over time. Dilators are used in combination with local hormone therapy to treat enlarged lymph nodes.
Hormone therapy improves symptoms of vaginal atrophy as well as the health of the skin by restoring the normal acid balance of the vagina and thickening the skin (back to how it was originally) while also maintaining natural moisture and improving bacterial balance. RepHresh vaginal gel can be used to restore normal vaginal pH. Avoid douching.
To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options, including:
Vaginal moisturizers. Try a channel moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to revive some moisture to your vaginal area. you'll need to apply the moisturizer each few days. The consequences of a moisturizer typically last a small amount longer than those of a lubricant.
Water-based lubricants. These lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, different) are applied simply before sexuality and may scale back discomfort throughout intercourse. select merchandise that don't contain alcohol or warming properties as a result of ladies who are sensitive to those substances may experience irritation. Avoid jelly or other rock oil-based products for lubrication if you're additionally mistreating condoms, because petroleum can break down latex condoms on contact.
If those options don't ease your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
Topical estrogen
Vaginal estrogen has the advantage of being effective at lower doses and limiting your overall exposure to estrogen as a result of less reaching your bloodstream. it should conjointly give higher direct relief of symptoms than oral estrogen does.
Canal estrogen medical aid comes in a variety of forms. As a result of all of them appearing to figure equally well, you and your doctor will decide that one is best for you.
Vaginal estrogen cream (Estrace, Premarin). You insert this cream directly into your epithelial duct with an associate degree applicator, sometimes at bedtime. Usually ladies use it daily for one to a few weeks then one to three times per week thereafter, however your doctor can allow you to acumen an abundant cream to use and the way typically to insert it.
Vaginal estrogen suppositories (Imvexxy). These low-dose estrogen suppositories are inserted concerning a pair of inches into the channel canal daily for weeks. Then, the suppositories solely got to be inserted twice a week.
Vaginal estrogen ring (Estring, Femring). You or your doctor inserts a soft, versatile ring into the higher part of the vagina. The ring releases an even dose of estrogen whereas in situ and desires to get replaced concerning each 3 months. Many ladies just like the convenience this offers. A different, higher dose ring is taken into account as a general instead of topical treatment.
Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem). You use a disposable device to position a duct steroid hormone pill in your vagina. Your doctor can allow you to insert the tablet. You might, for instance, use it daily for the primary period of time so doubly per week thereafter.
Ospemifene (Osphena)
Taken daily, this pill will facilitate relieve painful sex symptoms in ladies with moderate to severe GSM. It's not approved in women who've had carcinoma or who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Prasterone (Intrarosa)
These channel inserts deliver the internal secretion DHEA on to the canal to assist ease painful sex. DHEA may be a hormone that helps the body turn out different hormones, as well as estrogen. Prasterone is employed nightly for moderate to severe vaginal atrophy.
Systemic estrogen therapy
If canal status is related to different symptoms of menopause, comparable to moderate or severe hot flashes, your doctor could counsel steroid hormone pills, patches or gel, or a better dose estrogen ring. a steroid hormone taken orally enters your entire system. raise your doctor to elucidate the risks versus the advantages of oral estrogen, and whether or not or not you'd conjointly have to be compelled to take another hormone referred to as progestogen alongside estrogen.
Vaginal dilators
You may use canal dilators as a nonhormonal treatment option. canal dilators can also be employed in addition to steroid hormone therapy. These devices stimulate and stretch the vaginal muscles to reverse narrowing of the vagina.
If painful sex may be a concern, vaginal dilators may relieve vaginal discomfort by stretching the vagina. they're out there while not a prescription, however if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest girdle floor physiotherapy and vaginal dilators. Your health care supplier or a pelvic healer will teach you the way to use vaginal dilators.
Topical lidocaine
Available as a prescription ointment or gel, topical topical anesthetic are often accustomed reduce discomfort related to sexual activity. Apply it 5 to ten minutes before you start sexual activity.
If you've had breast cancer
If you have a history of breast cancer, tell your doctor and consider these options:
Non Hormonal treatments. Try moisturizers and lubricants as a first choice.
Vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilators are a non hormonal choice that may stimulate and stretch the canal muscles. This helps to reverse the narrowing of the vagina.
Vaginal estrogen. In consultation together with your cancer specialist (oncologist), your doctor may advocate low-dose duct estrogen if non hormonal treatments don't facilitate your symptoms. However, there's some concern that vaginal estrogen might increase your risk of the cancer coming back, particularly if your carcinoma was hormonally sensitive.
Systemic estrogen therapy. Systemic estrogen treatment usually isn't recommended, particularly if your carcinoma was hormonally sensitive.
What are the hormonal treatment options?
Fortunately, there are several options available to women who are only experiencing vaginal atrophy symptoms. These options allow estrogen to be delivered only to the vagina, which reduces hormone levels in the rest of the body. Women who are also experiencing other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may find these options helpful. Some women experience—and may choose to use hormone therapy at higher doses to treat all of their symptoms (referred to as systemic hormone therapy). The local vaginal hormone options will not treat any menopausal symptoms aside from the vaginal ones. Hormone therapy can cause—which can make it difficult to sleep and experience other symptoms. Some women may choose to use hormone therapy at a higher dose to treat all of their symptoms; this is known as systemic hormone therapy. Local vaginal hormone treatments will
Vaginal low-dose estrogen therapy is delivered locally (in the form of a cream, pill/suppository, or ring).These medications are meant to treat only vaginal symptoms. They are not absorbed into the rest of the body, so they are only effective for vaginal symptoms. After three months the old ring is removed and a new one is inserted. Vaginal estrogen only treatments do not require systemic hormone therapy, which can have risks such as blood clots, heart disease, etc.
Hormone therapy is a type of treatment that goes to other parts of the body besides the vagina. If you are more than 10 years past menopause or only have vaginal symptoms, you will likely be using local therapy. However, many women who use hormone therapy take higher doses that go to other cells in the body. Systemic hormone therapy has many benefits, including improved bone health, vaginal health, better sleep, and reduced hot flashes. You should talk to your doctor to see if systemic hormone therapy is right for you.
Ospemifene is a pill that women take by mouth daily with food. It has many of the same benefits as estrogen, but it also has some serious side effects, including blood clots and an increase in the lining of the uterus. Some women may also notice more stimulation (thickening) of their vaginal tissues. Most women will have no symptoms when they experience hot flashes and vaginal discharge. However, a small number of women will experience these symptoms.
Most mild symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter remedies. Some people may require prescriptions for more severe symptoms.
If you have vaginal atrophy, sex should not be avoided. In fact, sexual activity can actually help to improve the condition. Sex increases blood flow in the vagina, which helps to produce fluids.
What are the potential side effects of the treatment?
Be sure to keep track of any new symptoms that occur after beginning treatment. These could include skin irritation, more pain or discharge. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. You should also consult your healthcare provider if you feel uncomfortable.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or irritation, you may find relief if you:
Try an over-the-counter moisturizer. Examples embrace K-Y Liquibeads, Replens and Sliquid. This could restore some wet to your epithelial duct area.
Use an over-the-counter water-based lubricant. A lubricator will cut back discomfort throughout intercourse. Examples embrace Astroglide, K-Y Jelly and Sliquid.
Allow time to become aroused during intercourse. The canal lubrication that results from arousal will facilitate scale back symptoms of powerlessness or burning.
Alternative medicine
Some medicines are accustomed treat canal status and irritation related to menopause, however few approaches are backed by ample proof from clinical trials. Interest in complementary and different medicine is growing, and researchers are operating to work out the advantages and risks of assorted alternative treatments for gu syndrome of menopause.
speak together with your doctor before taking any flavourer or dietary supplements for perimenopausal or biological time symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate herbal products, and a few could act with different medications you take, putting your health at risk.
Preparing for your appointment
You'll most likely begin by discussing your symptoms along with your medical care supplier. If you aren't already seeing a doctor who focuses on women' health (gynecologist or medicine women' health specialist), your primary care provider could refer you to one.
What you can do
To prepare for your appointment:
Make a list of any signs and symptoms you're experiencing. Include those that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
Make a note of key personal information. Include any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications that you take. Include prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins and supplements and note the doses.
Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it will be troublesome to recollect all the data provided throughout an Associate in Nursing appointment. somebody who goes with you'll remember one thing that you just incomprehensible or forgot.
Prepare questions. Make the foremost of it slow along with your doctor by making an inventory of queries before your appointment.
Some basic questions to ask include:
What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
What kinds of tests do I need?
Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
What treatment options are available? What do you recommend for me?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
I have some other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Should I see a specialist?
Are there brochures or other printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor can raise questions on your symptoms and assess your secretion status. queries your doctor might ask include:
What vaginal or urinary symptoms have you noticed?
How long have you had these symptoms?
Are you still having menstrual periods?
How much distress do your symptoms cause you?
Are you sexually active?
Do your symptoms limit your sexual activity?
Have you been treated for cancer?
Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?
What medications, vitamins or other supplements do you take?
Have you tried any over-the-counter moisturizers or lubricants?