Vaginal atrophy is the thinning of the vaginal wall caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen. This is the most common condition in women after menopause, the disease causes conditions such as dryness, burning, pain during intercourse, and recurrent bladder infections. Let’s find out how to treat vaginal atrophy in this article!
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Learn about vaginal atrophy
According to the American Association of Family Physicians, about 40% of women after menopause will experience vaginal atrophy due to a decrease in estrogen. Vaginal atrophy increases a woman’s risk of vaginal infections. It changes the acidic environment of the vagina, making it easier for bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms to survive and thrive in the vagina.
For many women, the onset of vaginal dryness isn’t at menopause, it begins a few years later as estrogen levels decline over time, reducing the luminosity and causing the vaginal tissues to shrink. narrow and shortened.
Vaginal atrophy symptoms that accompany problems with atrophy of the urinary system include more frequent urination or a burning sensation when urinating. Some women will also have urinary incontinence and more urinary tract infections. Women who have never had a vaginal birth (vaginal delivery) are more prone to vaginal atrophy than women who have had a vaginal birth.
What to do when you have vaginal atrophy
The long-term treatment of vaginal atrophy is necessary not only to relieve the symptoms but also to deal with other uncomfortable problems, such as Sexual dysfunction, bleeding after sex, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Treatment options include both hormonal and non-hormonal measures.
For vaginal dryness or pain during sex associated with atrophic vaginitis, the first treatment option is not hormonal but vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. If these preparations do not effectively relieve symptoms, estrogen therapy can be used for women with no contraindications. In addition, sexual activity and/or the use of a vaginal dilator can help maintain a healthy vaginal epithelium.
Ways to treat vaginal atrophy
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
Symptoms of vaginal dryness can be improved with the regular use of vaginal moisturizers. Adding vaginal lubricants during sex will help vaginal moisture last longer, helping vaginal moisture last longer. Products containing water and silicone are recommended to be used more than oils because oil can tear condoms, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
These substances can improve sexual comfort and increase vaginal moisture but are not effective for severe cases of vaginal atrophy. Therefore, these substances are mainly used for women with mild symptoms.
Having sex more often
According to research, women who have a lot of sex often do not experience unpleasant symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Postmenopausal women showed significantly less severe atrophic vaginitis in those with a higher frequency of intercourse than in those with less intercourse. Increasing the frequency of sexual activity needed to maintain vaginal elasticity and prevent pain during intercourse or vaginal atrophy is not known.
Vaginal dilator
Women with contraindications to estrogen therapy and who desire vaginal intercourse can improve vaginal function with the use of vaginal dilators. This can be especially effective for women who avoid painful intercourse, as dilatation kits are available in incremental sizes and can be used in small sizes initially.
Vaginal estrogen therapy
The use of vaginal estrogen is not appropriate for all women and the risks and benefits of use should be discussed with your doctor. Vaginal estrogen is highly effective in improving vaginal blood circulation, improving vaginal tissue thickness and elasticity, and restoring symptoms in the long run.
During perimenopause, oral estrogen is often used to treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But long-term use of high doses of oral estrogen can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Adequate estrogen therapy leads to the restoration of normal acidic pH in the vagina and resident flora, thickening of epithelial cells, increased vaginal secretions, and reduction of vaginal dryness.
In addition, estrogen therapy with urinary benefits reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections and overactive bladder symptoms.
Other ways to treat vaginal atrophy
Changing habits and hygiene products: Avoid douching, hard soaps, scented soaps, and vaginal washes, which can make vaginal dryness worse.
Use plain toilet paper: Use only unscented white toilet paper.
Use color- and fragrance-free products: Avoid scented detergents, dyes, fabric softeners, and anti-adhesive products when washing your underwear to avoid irritation.
Spend more time: Increase the time before intercourse to allow enough time for the vagina to be lubricated and stimulated.
Wearing cotton underwear and underwear that fits your body can improve your symptoms. Cotton underwear allows air to circulate in the genitals and, therefore, has fewer bacteria growth.
Vitamin E oil can also be used as a lubricant. There is also some evidence that vitamin D may increase vaginal moisture. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium. This will help slow or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, especially when combined with regular exercise.
Smoking cessation is recommended for its general health benefits and because women who smoke are relatively estrogen deficient.
Final thought
Top News hopes this article can help you learn more about how to treat vaginal atrophy, make sure you follow the instructions above to cure this problem as soon as possible!
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