Vaginal atrophy or vulvovaginal atrophy is characterized by overall inflammation, thinning, and drying of the walls of the vagina that might be possible in case of less estrogen produced in the body. It may occur after menopause in usual cases. It can lead to some urinary symptoms and dyspareunia. This is indicated as genitourinary syndrome of menopause or simply GSM for describing the atrophic vaginitis and other related symptoms.
The Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal atrophy
Some of the symptoms of the condition include some of the following:
- Vaginal burning and itching
- Dryness
- Genital discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Urination frequency or urgency
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Light bleeding after sex
- Urinary incontinence
- Discomfort during sex
- Lowered vaginal lubrication in sex
- Tightening or shortening of the vaginal canal
The Causes of Vaginal atrophy
Some of the causes include a decrease in estrogen levels in a woman with this condition. Less produced estrogen may result in drying, thinning, and weakening your vaginal walls. This drop-in estrogen levels include the following:
- After menopause
- Perimenopause period
- After the removal of ovaries by surgical
- Lactation
- Birth control pills and other medications which lower estrogen levels
- Pelvic radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy for breast cancer
The Treatment Options for Vaginal atrophy
Vaginal moisturizers and ointments are used to treat some symptoms of the condition. Also, estrogen creams and estrogen suppositories such as Premarin, Estrace, and Imvexxy are given. In some cases, a vaginal estrogen ring is used. Prasterone are the inserts that act to deliver DHEA hormone to the vagina for easing the pain during sex.
Your doctors might prescribe you patches, gel, a high-dose estrogen ring, or estrogen pills if you are going through menopause as well.
A treatment solution that doesn’t involve hormones includes vaginal dilators. These dilators might get used with estrogen therapy that helps in stretching and stimulating the muscles of the vagina for reversing the vaginal narrowing. Also, topical lidocaine might be prescribed to some women for lessening the overall discomfort that is related to sexual activity.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.
