As women age, they start noticing various changes in their bodies, including those in hormones that can affect their reproductive health. One of the most common conditions that can arise due to a lack of estrogen hormone is vaginal atrophy. Also known as atrophic vaginitis, this problem occurs when the tissues in the vagina become dry, thin, or inflamed, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like dryness, itching, pain during penetration, and urinary tract infections. These symptoms can sometimes be challenging and negatively impact your quality of life. Fortunately, many treatment options are available for atrophic vaginitis, such as hormone replacement therapy, vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and many others. 

At University Park OBGYN, we understand the discomfort and negative impact that vaginal atrophy can have on a woman’s life. That’s why we offer the MonaLisa Touch Procedure, a modern solution that stimulates collagen production in the vaginal tissue, improving overall vaginal health and function. If you are experiencing any discomfort and changes in your reproductive health, we urge you to contact us. With the MonaLisa Touch Procedure at University Park OBGYN, patients can experience relief from these symptoms and gain control over their vaginal health again.

Vaginal Atrophy

This health condition is common among many women, especially those who are getting older. It happens due to a drop in estrogen levels, which can weaken, inflame, and dry out the tissues in the vagina. This may result in painful signs such as itching, stinging, and pain during or after sexual activities. Although women of all ages can suffer from atrophic vaginitis, menopausal ladies or those undergoing cancer therapies are more likely to experience it. It’s essential to understand and notice the first signs of vaginal atrophy and seek help from a gynecologist as soon as possible if they feel uncomfortable. 

Symptoms

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Vaginal atrophy symptoms can be distressing and affect your mental health as well. The most typical ones include the following:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Burning and itching in the vulvovaginal area
  • Pain during penetration/intercourse
  • Yellow discharge from the vagina
  • Sensation of pressure

One of the most annoying issues when it comes to this health condition is that it can also cause problems in your urinary system and cause additional symptoms, such as:

  • Frequent trips to the bathroom
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Stress incontinence
  • Blood traces in urine
  • Painful urination
  • Burning sensation while urinating

Some women may even experience vaginal bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse. However, it is important to note that not all of them will experience the same symptoms as it is a unique condition with milder and more severe signs. 

Causes

There are several vaginal atrophy causes, but the most common ones are:

  • Menopause: This is the most common reason for atrophic vaginitis. As a woman ages, her body gradually stops producing as much estrogen as before, which leads to vaginal walls thinning and drying. This causes discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse due to friction and dryness and increases the risk of infections. Hormone replacement therapy is usually the recommended treatment option because it can alleviate the symptoms in menopausal women.
  • Breastfeeding: It can cause a decrease in estrogen levels, which ends in dryness as well. However, this issue is usually temporary and goes away when a person stops breastfeeding. Women currently in this phase and having problems with vaginal atrophy can use lubricants and vaginal moisturizers until the symptoms pass.
  • Surgical removal of ovaries: The surgery in which ovaries are removed also contributes to a drop in estrogen levels, which can cause atrophic vaginitis and other signs like hot flashes and mood swings. Those who undergo this surgery need to talk to their healthcare providers about these issues and hormone replacement therapy as a possible treatment option.
  • Medications: Some meds used to treat endometriosis and fibroids can create vaginal atrophy as a side effect. These medications work by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body, leading to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls. If you are taking those types of medications, talk with your doctor about your concerns.
  • Problems with immunity: Certain autoimmune disorders like lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome can cause atrophic vaginitis as a side effect as well. This happens because these diseases cause inflammation in the whole body, including the vaginal tissues. 
  • Cancer treatments: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are both known to damage the ovaries and decrease estrogen. Symptoms are usually similar to those of menopause, including hot flashes and mood changes.
  • Smoking: It increases the risk of atrophic vaginitis, as it negatively impacts blood flow to the vaginal region and causes a lack of estrogen levels. Women who are smokers are more likely to encounter vaginal dryness, pain, and discomfort and will benefit from quitting smoking and using hormone replacement therapy to alleviate vaginal atrophy symptoms. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

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To diagnose atrophic vaginitis, your gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam to catch any signs of thinning, inflammation, and dryness in your vaginal tissues. They will also review your medical history, including all the symptoms you are experiencing, and ask whether you are taking any medications or have any underlying medical conditions. Also, your doctor may order additional laboratory tests to check your estrogen levels or a vaginal swab to check for infections. 

During a pelvic exam, a gynecologist will use a speculum to open the vaginal walls and spread them apart so they can look for typical signs of vaginal atrophy symptoms, such as thinning, dryness, and pale vaginal walls. They may also do a bimanual exam, meaning they will use their fingers to check for abnormal changes in the uterus and ovaries.

Your health history is a crucial part of diagnosing atrophic vaginitis because it may reveal the reason behind your symptoms and why you might have gotten it in the first place. Therefore, feel free to talk about all the vaginal atrophy symptoms that you may be experiencing, such as vaginal itching, burning, dryness, and painful penetration or tampon insertion. All these methods can help determine the underlying cause and the next step in your treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. 

Conclusion

Atrophic vaginitis might seem embarrassing and challenging, but try not to stress too much about it. Ladies of all ages can be affected, but it is most common among postmenopausal women. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as vaginal stinging, itching, dryness, discomfort, and pain during sex. Fortunately, there are many vaginal atrophy treatment options available, some of them being vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle changes. 

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms mentioned here, we encourage you to seek medical attention and explore all the treatment choices that are available to you, including the MonaLisa Touch procedure at University Park OBGYN. We want to help you improve your quality of life and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.