Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for atropic virginitis?

by Karley Pollich Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

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.May 15, 2000

Medication

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). ...

Self-care

  • 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. ...

Nutrition

  • Lactation can reduce the production of this hormone.
  • Some medicines may also reduce the levels of estrogen (especially taken for breast cancer, myomas, etc.)
  • Cancer Treatments also typically alter estrogen production
  • Removal of the ovaries also affects hormone production.

What is the best over the counter for vaginal atrophy?

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?

What medications are used for vaginal atrophy?

What is the best oil for vaginal atrophy?

image

What is the best treatment for dry vagina?

Systemic estrogen therapy. If vaginal dryness is associated with other symptoms of menopause, such as moderate or severe hot flashes, your doctor may suggest estrogen pills, patches or gel, or a higher dose estrogen ring. Estrogen taken by mouth enters your entire system.

How to get rid of dryness in vagina?

Lifestyle and home remedies. If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or irritation, you may find relief if you: Try an over-the-counter moisturizer. Examples include K-Y Liquibeads, Replens and Sliquid. This can restore some moisture to your vaginal area. Use an over-the-counter water-based lubricant.

How to treat genitourinary syndrome?

To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options, including: Vaginal moisturizers. Try a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every few days.

Is a ring a systemic treatment?

A different, higher dose ring is considered a systemic rather than topical treatment. Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem). You use a disposable applicator to place a vaginal estrogen tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will let you know how often to insert the tablet.

Can alternative medicine be used for menopause?

Some alternative medicines are used to treat vaginal dryness and irritation associated with menopause, but few approaches are backed by sufficient evidence from clinical trials. Interest in complementary and alternative medicine is growing, and researchers are working to determine the benefits and risks of various alternative treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Can a vaginal dilator be used for estrogen?

Vaginal dilators may also be used in addition to estrogen therapy. These devices stimulate and stretch the vaginal muscles to reverse narrowing of the vagina. If painful sex is a concern, vaginal dilators may relieve vaginal discomfort by stretching the vagina.

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.

What is atrophic vaginal disease?

Treatment. Prevention. Atrophic vaginitis is a vaginal disorder that usually happens after menopause. When estrogen levels fall, the vaginal walls can become thin, dry, and inflamed. This can be uncomfortable. Between 10 and 40 percent of women experience symptoms of atrophic vaginitis after menopause, but only 20 to 25 percent will seek medical ...

What are the symptoms of atrophic vaginal discharge?

Atrophic vaginitis commonly affects women after menopause. Here are the main indicators of atrophic vaginitis: vaginal dryness. pain during sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia. thin, watery, yellow or gray discharge. paleness and thinning of the labia and vagina.

What causes atrophic vaginal ovaries?

Other causes include: treatment to the pelvic area. uncontrolled diabetes. chemotherapy. severe stress. depression. rigorous exercise. Atrophic vaginitis may occur in younger women who have had surgery to remove their ovaries.

What causes dryness in the vagina?

Smoking, tampons, yeast infections, and condoms may also trigger or worsen vaginal dryness.

What are the symptoms of a swollen vagina?

These include: painful urination. blood in the urine. increased frequency of urination. incontinence. increased likelihood and occurrence of infections. There may also be a reduction in public hair, and the vagina may become narrower and less elastic.

Why do some people not do home treatment?

Others may not do so because they use home treatment or because they feel embarrassed due to the sensitive nature of the condition.

Can petroleum jelly be used for vaginal atrophic vaginal?

Petroleum jelly is not suitable to treat atrophic vaginitis.

How is atrophic vaginitis treated?

Treatment of atrophic vaginitis is directed at relief of symptoms related to vaginal dryness and discomfort. Estrogen replacement is one of the main treatments for atrophic vaginitis. It may be replaced locally, so that very little of the estrogen reaches the rest of the body, or systemically, so that it is distributed throughout the body.

What is atrophic vaginitis?

Atrophic vaginitis is the thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissues due to a drop in estrogen levels. This is accompanied by a decrease in lubrication. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include itching, burning and discomfort; sometimes a bad-smelling, yellowish discharge may be present. Sexual intercourse may be painful and may be followed by light bleeding.

What are the risk factors for atrophic vaginitis?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing atrophic vaginitis. Not all people with risk factors will get atrophic vaginitis. Risk factors for atrophic vaginitis include:

What are the potential complications of atrophic vaginitis?

Complications of untreated atrophic vaginitis can be serious. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of atrophic vaginitis include:

What hormones affect vaginal tissue?

Estrogen is a female hormone that plays many roles, including keeping the vaginal tissue healthy and lubricated. Estrogen levels naturally drop during menopause; therefore, atrophic vaginitis mostly affects postmenopausal women. It is estimated that 10% to 40% of all postmenopausal women have symptoms related to atrophic vaginitis (Source: AAFP ).

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.

What is the term for menopause atrophy?

Because the condition causes both vaginal and urinary symptoms, doctors use the term "genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)" to describe vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms. Simple, effective treatments for GSM are available. Reduced estrogen levels result in changes to your body, but it doesn't mean you have to live with ...

What is the term for thinning and drying of the vaginal walls?

Vaginal atrophy ( atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms.

Why does menopause cause genitourinary syndrome?

Causes. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen production. Less estrogen makes your vaginal tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile. A drop in estrogen levels may occur: After menopause. During the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause)

How does sexual activity help menopause?

Regular sexual activity, either with or without a partner, may help prevent genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Sexual activity increases blood flow to your vagina, which helps keep vaginal tissues healthy.

What is the best treatment for vaginal atrophy?

Low-dose estrogen products recommended specifically for the treatment of vaginal atrophy include vaginal creams ( Estrace and Premarin ), the vaginal tablet Vagifem, and Estring (an estradiol -infused silicone ring that sits around the cervix and releases a very low, steady dose of estrogen).

What is Vaginal Atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis)?

Vaginal atrophy is a change of the vagina that develops when there is a significant decrease in levels of the female hormone estrogen. The condition also is called atrophic vaginitis.

What is the role of estrogen in the vagina?

Estrogen, which is produced by the ovaries, plays a vital role in keeping vaginal tissues lubricated and healthy. When levels of estrogen are low, vaginal tissue becomes atrophic — thin, dry and shrunken. The vagina may become more prone to inflammation in an atrophic state. Common conditions with low estrogen levels that cause vaginal atrophy ...

Why does my vagina get atrophied?

The vagina may become more prone to inflammation in an atrophic state. Common conditions with low estrogen levels that cause vaginal atrophy include: Menopause, when normal, age-related body changes cause the ovaries to decrease their production of estrogen.

How long does it take for a woman to notice a vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy typically develops so slowly that a woman may not notice any symptoms until five to ten years after menopause begins .

Why is vaginal lubricant used?

A water-soluble vaginal lubricant can be used to moisten the tissues and prevent painful sexual intercourse. Regular sexual activity also can help to prevent symptoms. This is because sexual intercourse improves blood circulation to the vagina, which helps to maintain vaginal tissue.

Can you use lubricant before or after a vaginal sex?

Vaginal lubricants. In addition to a moisturizer, you may want to use a lubricant during intercourse. One example is Astroglide, a clear, thin, odorless liquid with a slippery feel that closely approximates natural vaginal secretions. You can apply it before intercourse to the vaginal opening or to the penis.

How to treat atrophic vagina?

Treatment of atrophic vaginitis involves restoring estrogen levels to normal through supplements. Gels and estrogen creams are also a part of treatment.

What is atrophic vaginitis?

Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis is the thinning of the walls of the vagina. The cause of vaginal atrophy is the falling levels of estrogen during menopause.

What tests are done for atrophic vaginal syringe?

Test for atrophic vaginitis includes a physical examination and smear tests. Your doctor will discuss your reproductive health history.

What causes atrophic vaginal atrophy?

There are many causes for atrophic vaginitis other than menopause. Anything that leads to the reduction in the level of estrogen comes under risk factors for vaginal atrophy.

Why is my vagina thinning?

The cause of atrophic vaginitis is low estrogen , and so thinning of the vaginal walls is foreseeable .

How to reduce inflammation in a lining?

Moisturizers: Gels and mild, safe moisturizers will reverse the dryness and reduce inflammation. You will have to apply them frequently until the lining is moist. Later lifestyle changes will reduce your dependence on them.

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Khutaija Bano
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment begins with topical applications of vaginal moisturizer and depending on the severity, hormone medication may be involved.
Medication

Hormone therapy -Vaginal: Low-dose estrogen therapy available as cream, pill, suppository or ring may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition. These are specific to vaginal symptoms and help relieve symptoms. Use as recommended by your doctor.

Estrogen


Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM): An oral pill, relieves pain during sexual intercourse.

Ospemifene


Hormone replacement therapy: Also known as systemic hormone therapy. Available as pill, patches, gel or rings. This higher dose of estrogen enters the other cells of the body and not specific to the vagina.

Estrogen

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Over-the-counter moisturiser restores moisture in the vaginal area
  • Over-the-counter water based lubricant reduces discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • Allowing time to get aroused during intercourse as vaginal lubrication can reduce symptoms of dryness and burning

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods that contain phytoestrogens such as soybeans, soy milk, flaxseed, red clover-improve menopausal symptoms
  • Vitamin E containing foods such as avocados, vegetable oils
  • Omega-3 fatty acids rich foods such as fish, salmons-keep vaginal walls healthy

Specialist to consult

OBGYN
Specializes in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options, including: 1. Vaginal moisturizers.Try a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every few days. The effects of a moisturizer generally last a bit longer th…
See more on mayoclinic.org

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9