Medication
Yet while 10% to 40% of women experience discomfort due to VVA, it is estimated that only 25% seek medical help. The main goals of treatment for vaginal atrophy are to improve symptoms and to restore vaginal and vulvar anatomic changes.
Self-care
Estrogen therapy is considered to be the most effective. Some treatments are meant to treat the symptoms of atrophy. Others address the loss of estrogen, specifically, which will also act to relieve symptoms. Lubricants and moisturizers to add moisture and to loosen the vagina can treat dryness. This improves comfort during sex.
Nutrition
Urologist. Vaginal atrophy is a chronic condition; therefore, the urologist may wish to refer a patient with vaginal atrophy to a gynecologist for long-term management. In most moderate-to-severe cases of vaginal atrophy, prescribing local vaginal estrogen is the quickest and most effective way to relieve symptoms.
What is the prevalence of vaginal atrophy in women?
One in four women report that vaginal atrophy has had a negative impact on other areas of their lives including their sleep, sexual health and general happiness. How do I take care of myself? Prioritize your sexual health as much as any other aspect of your health.
What are the treatments for vaginal atrophy?
Can a urologist prescribe estrogen for vaginal atrophy?
How does vaginal atrophy affect other areas of my life?
What percentage of women suffer from vaginal atrophy?
An estimated 10 to 40 percent of postmenopausal women have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, also referred to as urogenital atrophy. Despite the prevalence of symptoms, only 20 to 25 percent of symptomatic women seek medical attention.
Can an atrophied vagina be rehabilitated?
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.
Can vaginal atrophy be treated naturally?
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.
How do you beat vaginal atrophy?
Worsening atrophy can lead to avoidance of sex, which can lead to further atrophy. For mild symptoms, the first thing you might try is vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, which are available without a prescription. Vaginal moisturizers used every few days can help maintain the moisture of vaginal tissues.
How can I increase my estrogen levels naturally?
7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.
How to treat vaginal atrophy?
Traditional treatments for vaginal atrophy. Your doctor may suggest that you try vaginal estrogen therapy for your GSM. This type of treatment is applied to the vaginal area via tablet, ring, or cream form.
What is the term for a woman's vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is better known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It occurs due to the decrease in estrogen levels in the body. Because of this, postmenopausal women are particularly prone to developing this condition.
What lubricant is good for a woman who is having a sexual affair?
OTC lubricants, such as glycerin-free Astroglide or K-Y Jelly , may ease symptoms during intercourse. Taking the time to become aroused before intercourse may eliminate dryness and burning by providing you with more of your body’s natural lubrication. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about stopping.
What foods can help with vaginal dryness?
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.
Is sea buckthorn oil good for vagina?
Researchers in a 2014 study examined sea buckthorn oil as a possible alternative to traditional estrogen therapy . This oil is rich in essential fatty acids. Participants who took the sea buckthorn oil saw improvement in vaginal elasticity and tissue integrity.
Does estrogen affect the vagina?
Because it’s applied directly to the vagina, there’s less chance that excess estrogen will reach other parts of the body, such as the breasts, where the hormone could do damage. Vaginal estrogen therapy can alleviate dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse.
Can GSM cause vaginal atrophy?
shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal. Some experts estimate that about half of all postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy. Few women seek treatment, though, which makes getting accurate statistics difficult. If GSM affects you, you have a few treatment options you can try at home.
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.
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.
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).
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 dryness in vagina?
Others address the loss of estrogen, specifically, which will also act to relieve symptoms. Lubricants and moisturizers to add moisture and to loosen the vagina can treat dryness.
What is vulvovaginal atrophy?
Vulvovaginal atrophy is a frequently neglected symptom of menopause. While an estimated 10–40% of women are affected by the progressive symptoms of vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, dysuria and dyspareunia, only a quarter of symptomatic women are believed to seek medical attention. Until recently, treatments for vulvovaginal atrophy were limited to often insufficient or inappropriate oral estrogen therapies and over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers. Currently, a broader range of treatments, which address symptom reduction and estrogen restoration to affected tissue, are being developed. Among these treatments are local estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators, tissue-selective estrogen complexes, local androgens, dehydroepiandrosterone, oxytocin, phytoestrogens and nonhormonal options. The aim of this article is to discuss current treatments for vulvovaginal atrophy. In addition, we will discuss alternative therapies and explore emerging strategies for care.
Is vulvovaginal atrophy a symptom of menopause?
Vulvovaginal atrophy is often described as a 'silent symptom' of menopause. While an estimated 10–40% of postmenopausal women are affected, only 25% of symptomatic women seek medical attention. This condition, which can have a large impact on quality of life and sexual function, is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Does vulvovaginal atrophy resolve?
Unlike vasomotor symptoms of menopause, which typically abate over time, vulvovaginal symptoms are usually progressive and less likely to resolve without effective treatment. [ 1, 2] Treatment approaches for vulvovaginal atrophy focus on symptom reduction and restoration of affected tissues. Options for care range from over-the-counter preparations ...