what is the best treatment for atrophic vaginitis

Medication

• Try to maintain a healthy weight and body mass index. However, don’t drop the weight too quickly.
• Exercise may help promote blood circulation and balance out hormone levels. Excess exercise can lead to dryness so don’t overdo it.
• Avoid using douches, or any feminine hygiene products that are scented. ...

Self-care

Topical estrogen

• Vaginal estrogen cream (Estrace, Premarin). You insert this cream directly into your vagina with an applicator, usually at bedtime. ...
• Vaginal estrogen suppositories (Imvexxy). ...
• Vaginal estrogen ring (Estring, Femring). ...
• Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem). ...

Nutrition

There are also some supplements that are beneficial for improving vaginal atrophy symptoms:

• Sea buckthorn oil – Sea buckthorn oil can improve moisture and elasticity in the vaginal-vulvar area. This helps relieve vaginal dryness and irritation. ...
• Vitamin D – Vitamin D plays many parts on overall health and may be helpful for vaginal atrophy too. ...
• Maca – Some research shows maca stimulated natural hormone production in postmenopausal women. ...

What are the best natural remedies for vaginal atrophy?

Solutions include:

• Not smoking, as smoking decreases estrogen levels, worsening vaginal atrophy.
• Avoiding perfumed products near the vagina including powders, soaps, deodorants, douches and scented personal lubricants.
• Getting plenty of exercise, which will improve blood flow to the vagina as well as help to balance hormones.

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What is the best over the counter for vaginal atrophy?

What is the best oil for vaginal atrophy?

What helps vaginal atrophy?

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What is good for atrophic vaginitis?

ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT. Because the lack of circulating, natural estrogens is the primary cause of atrophic vaginitis, hormone replacement therapy is the most logical choice of treatment and has proved to be effective in the restoration of anatomy and the resolution of symptoms.

How can I treat vaginal atrophy at home?

You may consider adding foods that contain plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, such as soybeans, soy products, or flaxseed. A recent study shows a reduction in vaginal dryness with the use of plant estrogens. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try to limit caffeine and alcohol.

What happens if you don't treat atrophic vaginitis?

Changes in the acid balance of your vagina make vaginal infections more likely. Urinary problems. Urinary changes associated with GSM can contribute to urinary problems. You might experience increased frequency or urgency of urination or burning with urination.

Can you buy estrogen cream over the counter?

Yes, you can buy OTC estrogen creams without a prescription from your healthcare provider. However, you shouldn't try to substitute OTC estrogen creams for prescription estrogen products. If you're looking for vaginal estrogen creams for vaginal dryness, these aren't available for OTC purchase.

What is the best alternative to Premarin?

Top 5 Premarin alternativesEstrace. Estrace is one brand name used for estradiol preparations. ... EstroGel. EstroGel is a topical gel consisting of 0.06% estradiol. ... Prempro. Prempro is an oral tablet preparation of 0.3 mg/1.5 mg conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone. ... Estring. ... Vivelle-Dot.

Is there any way to reverse vaginal atrophy?

Currently, estrogen replacement is the best way to reverse vaginal atrophy and GSM. Not every woman will be able to use this treatment option, however. Concerns about the long-term effects of increased estrogen sometimes discourage doctors from prescribing it.

What are the risks of using estrogen cream?

Side EffectsBreast pain.enlarged breasts.itching of the vagina or genitals.stinging or redness of the genital area.thick, white vaginal discharge without odor or with a mild odor.

What does vaginal atrophy look like?

Clinical findings include atrophy of the labia majora and vaginal introitus. The labia minora may recede. Vulvar and vaginal mucosae may appear pale, shiny, and dry; if there is inflammation, they may appear reddened or pale with petechiae. Vaginal rugae disappear, and the cervix may become flush with the vaginal wall.

What is the best treatment for vaginal atrophy?

They’ll help you decide which plan is most effective based on your symptoms and the severity of them. Estrogen therapy is considered to be the most effective.

What age is the most likely to have vaginal atrophy?

Women age 50 and over, in menopause, are the most likely to experience vaginal atrophy. Other factors that increase your likelihood of developing vaginal atrophy include: Lack of sexual intercourse. Decreased ovarian functioning due to chemotherapy or radiation. Immune disorders.

How to tell if you have menopause or atrophy?

The healthcare provider can diagnose vaginal atrophy based on your symptoms and a pelvic exam to look at how the vagina appears. It will help to know whether or not you are in menopause. Classic signs of atrophy during a pelvic exam include: A shortened or narrowed vagina. Dryness, redness and swelling.

What is the difference between vaginal atrophy and genitourinary syndrome?

Vaginal refers to the vagina while atrophy means “a wasting away or diminution.”. Recently, the term vaginal atrophy has been replaced with the newer term, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Why does vaginal atrophy occur during menopause?

Vaginal atrophy most often occurs during menopause, the “change of life.”. This happens because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen.

What is the difference between a yeast infection and a vaginal atrophy?

However, vaginal atrophy is caused by a lack of estrogen while a vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungal infection.

What is the term for a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner?

What is vaginal atrophy? Vaginal atrophy (also called atrophic vaginitis) is a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner. This results in itching, burning and pain during sex, among other symptoms.

How to treat vaginal atrophy?

Treatment can focus on symptoms or the underlying cause. Over-the-counter moisturizers or water-based lubricants can help treat dryness.

What are the complications of atrophic vaginal atrophy?

Atrophic vaginitis increases a woman’s risk of contracting vaginal infections. Atrophy causes changes in the acidic environment of the vagina, making it easier for bacteria, yeast, and other organisms to thrive. It also increases the risk of urinary system atrophy (genitourinary atrophy).

What is the term for the thinning of the walls of the vagina caused by decreased estrogen levels?

Contents. Overview. Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis, or vaginal atrophy, is the thinning of the walls of the vagina caused by decreased estrogen levels. This most commonly occurs after menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life, usually between ages 45 and 55, when her ovaries no longer release eggs.

Why does atrophic vaginal tissue thin out?

The cause of atrophic vaginitis is a decline in estrogen. Without estrogen, vaginal tissue thins and dries out. It becomes less elastic, more fragile, and more easily injured. A decline in estrogen can occur at other times besides menopause, including: during breastfeeding.

What is the test for acidity in the vagina?

vaginal acidity test. blood test . urine test. The smear test is a microscopic examination of tissue that has been scraped from the vaginal walls. It looks for certain types of cells and bacteria that are more prevalent with vaginal atrophy. To test acidity, a paper indicator strip is inserted into the vagina.

How to prevent genital infections?

Prevention and lifestyle. In addition to taking medication, you can make certain lifestyle changes as well. Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing can improve symptoms. Loose cotton clothing improves air circulation around the genitals, making them a less ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Is smoking a risk factor for vaginal atrophy?

Women who have never given birth vaginally are more prone to vaginal atrophy than women who delivered their babies vaginally. Smoking impairs blood circulation, depriving the vagina and other tissues of oxygen.

How to treat atrophic vaginal sex?

Treatments for atrophic vaginitis include lubricants and lifestyle changes to increase comfort and improve sexual performance, as well as hormonal treatments to address the underlying cause of the condition.

What is atrophic vaginitis?

Atrophic vaginitis is a common condition that may affect up to 47% of postmenopausal women. It occurs due to low levels of estrogen which can be caused by menopause, medical treatments, and hormonal conditions, among other things.

What causes atrophic vaginal ovaries?

Hormonal disorders. Certain hormonal disorders can lower the levels of estrogen in the body and lead to atrophic vaginitis. These disorders usually involve the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary gland, which are in the brain and normally release hormones that trigger the ovaries to release estrogen.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vagina. Atrophic vaginitis affects 47% of postmenopausal women and is caused by low levels of estrogen. Symptoms may include vaginal dryness, itching, or burning. Treatments may include lubricants, lifestyle changes as well as estrogen therapy.

Why does atrophic vaginal bleed?

It occurs due to low levels of estrogen which can be caused by menopause, medical treatments, and hormonal conditions, among other things. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include vaginal dryness or irritation, especially during sexual activity, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and changes in urination.

What is the treatment for cancer in the pelvic area?

Chemotherapy or radiation. Having chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat cancer in the pelvic area can damage the ovaries, decreasing the ability to produce estrogen and potentially leading to atrophic vaginitis.

What is the treatment for a swollen thigh?

You should speak with your physician to discuss symptoms and treatment options. Treatment may include estrogen replacement, moisturizers, and lubricants.

Drugs used to treat Atrophic Vaginitis

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

What is the best treatment for vaginal vaginosis?

For this type of vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets that you take by mouth or metronidazole (MetroGel) gel or clindamycin (Cleocin) cream that you apply to your vagina.

What is the best antibiotic for yeast infection?

Yeast infections. Yeast infections usually are treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat 1), clotrimazole, butoconazole or tioconazole (Vagistat-1). Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan). The advantages of over-the-counter treatment are convenience, cost and not waiting to see your doctor. However, you might have something other than a yeast infection. Using the wrong medicine may delay an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

What is the instrument used to check for vaginal inflammation?

During the pelvic exam, your doctor may use an instrument (speculum) to look inside your vagina for inflammation and abnormal discharge. Collect a sample for lab testing. Your doctor might collect a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge for lab testing to confirm what kind of vaginitis you have. Perform pH testing.

How to treat labial fungus?

Follow package directions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you're feeling better right away. Apply a cold compress, such as a washcloth, to the labial area to ease discomfort until the antifungal medication takes full effect .

Can estrogen be used for menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Estrogen — in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or rings — can effectively treat this condition. This treatment is available by prescription from your doctor, after other risk factors and possible complications are reviewed. Noninfectious vaginitis.

Do you need a prescription for trichomoniasis?

You'll need prescription medication to treat trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal atrophy. If you know you have a yeast infection, you can take these steps:

How to treat atrophic vaginal symtoms?

Treat atrophic vaginitis with creams. Estrogen creams can also be used to help with the symptoms of this condition. This cream is absorbed into the skin when you apply it to the vaginal area. This helps produce its effects and treat the symptoms concentrated in your vaginal region.

How to treat contact dermatitis vaginalis?

You can then use steroid creams that are available over the counter, such as hydrocortisone cream 1%, and apply them to the area twice a day for five days. This will reduce the signs of itchiness and inflammation.

What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection?

In the case of a yeast infection, the treatment will be an antifungal agent in the form of a pill or an over the counter topical cream that you apply directly to the affected area. Another possible cause of vaginitis is trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.

How to prevent recurrent BV?

You can take probiotics to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal flora. These can come in the form of an oral probiotic you take twice a day for one week to intra-vaginal dosing for 30 days.

Why does my vagina hurt?

[1] Vaginitis is inflammation in your vagina, which often causes discharge, itching, pain, and odor.

What is BV in women?

BV is a disturbance of the natural balance of the vagina. It occurs when the bacterial flora become disrupted and the pH of your vaginal flora is higher than normal. This often develops in women who use douches, have multiple sexual partners, and who smoke. ...

How to tell if you have BV?

There is one main symptom of BV. You will have a white, milky discharge that has a fishy odor. The best way to diagnosis BV is through a test done by your doctor. She will take a sample of the discharge for microscopic examination in the office. Under microscopic exam, there is the presence of Clue cells, which are bacteria-coated cells.

What is atrophic vaginal disease?

Atrophic vaginitis is a common disorder that causes dryness of the vaginal tissues and other troubling symptoms. As the average age of the population rises, knowledge of self-care interventions for age-linked conditions such as atrophic vaginitis is becoming increasingly important. Thus, pharmacists must know which products can be recommended ...

What is the role of estrogen in vaginal growth?

Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the appropriate vaginal rugosity. However, with insufficient estrogen, the rugae decrease in prominence, causing vaginal tissues to develop a smooth, shiny, thin, and pale appearance.

Does avoidance help with vaginal health?

However, avoidance contributes to the problem, because intercourse enhances vaginal blood flow and helps preserve tissues in their more youthful state. 6 Furthermore, vaginal health is improved when tissues are bathed by the steroids, prostaglandins, and essential fatty acids present in male ejaculate.

Do lubricants help dry vagina?

All lubricants provide relief of vaginal dryness, but they differ in several important parameters, such as the number and variety of line extensions marketed under each trade name, dosage forms, and auxiliary benefits claimed by their manufacturers. 9.

Does smoking cause vaginal atrophicity?

Breast-feeding can cause atrophic vaginitis. 6 In addition, cigarette smoking can affect vaginal tissues adversely, reducing blood perfusion and the bioavailability of estrogen. 6 (Smoking also lowers the age at which menopause begins. 5 )

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