Learn the Remedies for Vaginal Atrophy 

If you have been feeling pain during intercourse, persistent vaginal dryness, or an itching or burning sensation without apparent reason, you may have vaginal atrophy.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone: it is estimated that almost 40% of women between age 40-55 develop vaginal atrophy. What is even worse is that approximately only half of these women seek medical attention.

The good news is that vaginal atrophy is a common condition that your OB/GYN can help you treat with simple and effective methods. We’re here to help you understand more about vaginal atrophy and explore treatment options that will radically improve your condition and make you feel more comfortable!

What is Vaginal Atrophy?  

Vaginal Atrophy is a common condition that affects vaginal tissue, changing the way your vagina feels. What exactly does “atrophy” mean? In short, when your vaginal tissue becomes atrophic it means that your vaginal walls become dry, thin and prone to inflammation. This condition not only makes intercourse painful but can also bother you while you pee and worsen urinary incontinence.

 

What causes Vaginal Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is caused by lower estrogen levels. The loss of estrogen decreases the blood flow to the vagina, making the vaginal tissue thinner, drier, and less elastic. With time, the epithelium, the top layer of the vaginal walls, may disappear completely, leaving your vagina sensitive and vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.

 

Does menopause cause vaginal atrophy?

Menopause and vaginal atrophy are deeply connected, although younger women may experience vaginal atrophy as well. It is estimated that after going through menopause, approximately 50% of women develop vaginal atrophy.
This is because of the sharp drop in estrogen levels that directly impacts your vaginal tissue. However, there are more causes of vaginal atrophy

• Childbirth:Estrogen levels drop right after childbirth.
• Early menopause symptoms: Pre-menopausal women can develop vaginal atrophy before other menopause symptoms.
• Medication: Hormonal medications that treat different illnesses from, breast cancer to endometriosis and infertility, can reduce estrogen levels.
• Diabetes: When diabetes is not controlled, it can affect estrogen production.
• Chemotherapy and radiation: Chemotherapy can mess with your hormones, including estrogen.

 

 What are some common symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?

There is more than one symptom that can indicate you have vaginal atrophy. If you are experiencing any of these, be sure to talk to an OB/GYN.

• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sexual intercourse, even if you are aroused
• A watery yellow or gray discharge
• Constant UTIs
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Burning and itching of the vagina

 

Treatments and remedies for Vaginal Atrophy

There are several treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy so you don’t have to live with pain and discomfort.

While a decrease in estrogen levels is inevitable for menopausal women, a cure for vaginal atrophy is possible. Treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms on a daily basis, minimizing the damage to your vaginal walls, and overall, improving your quality of life.

For mild cases of vaginal atrophy, those that occur when estrogen levels are naturally low, such as breastfeeding or right after childbirth, solutions include:

• Lubricants: Using topic lubricants, and jellies can help reduce discomfort during sex. Your doctor can prescribe you one or you can find some OTC.
• Vaginal moisturizers: Water-based vaginal moisturizers that come in prefilled applicators or vaginal suppositories improve dryness for days at a time.
• Healthy lifestyle: Lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, taking vitamin E, and avoiding cigarettes can help with dryness.
• Topical estrogen creams: Pharmacies sell estrogen creams that are applied directly to the vagina and can help relieve some of the symptoms.
• Hormone replacement therapy: Your doctor can prescribe medication to supply your whole body with estrogen, benefitting your vaginal walls. However, some women try to stay away from hormone replacement therapy due to potential side effects. As with any hormonal treatment, open communication with your doctor regarding side effects will indicate if this approach is right for you. If it’s not working, talk to your doctor and try another treatment.

 

Laser treatment for vaginal atrophy

When OTC or hormonal treatments are not doing enough to alleviate vaginal atrophy symptoms, laser treatments specifically designed for women are a great option.

A minimally invasive treatment such as Juliet, the feminine laser,  can help improve the connective tissue inside the vagina without hormones or surgeries. When the laser is applied, a painless process, the vaginal walls receive a stimulus that helps restore the metabolism of the connective tissue. By doing this, laser treatment stimulates collagen production, increase natural lubrication and elasticity.

Laser treatments usually require 3 sessions, spaced out over 6 to 8 weeks. Every session takes less than 30 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime, making it an optimal solution for women who need an effective, long-lasting treatment for their vaginal atrophy.

Finding a cure for vaginal atrophy will depend entirely on the patient. If you, like millions of women are afraid to discuss this with your doctor, we suggest you reconsider. Vaginal atrophy can be treated and in some cases, reversed almost entirely. There is no need to be in constant pain or discomfort.

 

Want to learn more about how to solve vaginal atrophy?

Contact VIDA Wellness and Beauty at 619-738-2144 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Javier Saldaña, board-certified OB/GYN and women wellness expert. We can help you find an effective solution for vaginal atrophy, so you can go back to enjoying life.