Vaginal atrophy is common in post-menopausal women and includes physical changes and symptoms associated with the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract.
ATROPHY
ITCHING
DISCOMFORT
Signs & symptoms
You may have Vaginal Atrophy...
If you have any of these
vulvovaginal symptoms…
If you have any of these
urinary symptoms…
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is the name given to the deterioration of vaginal tissues due to loss of oestrogen. This occurs in over 50% of post-menopausal women. This deterioration of vaginal tissue may cause a dry and uncomfortable feeling which unlike other symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes will not get better with time. This reduction in oestrogen can cause vaginal dryness, pain/burning sensation, or severe itching. These symptoms can lead to discomfort during sex, urgency with urination and recurrent urinary tract infections.
How can vaginal atrophy
affect my life?
Vaginal atrophy can cause a lot of discomfort which can make it uncomfortable to sit, stand and exercise. Some women find it painful to urinate as well as causing pain during sex. This discomfort can make it difficult to go about daily life and some people find it can even affect their work. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and can lead to loss in self-confidence and sexual-confidence which may lead to sexual dysfunction disorders.
Some signs of sexual dysfunction may include; difficulty in becoming aroused, reduced vaginal lubrication, issues climaxing or achieving orgasm, reduced ability to relax the vaginal muscles leading to sex becoming more difficult. As regular sexual activity increases blood flow which can help to maintain healthy vaginal tissues, less frequent sexual activity may lead to poor urinary tract health.
How is Vaginal Atrophy treated?
Many women will use vaginal moisturisers and lubricants which are available without prescription and generally provide short term relief. In addition (or alternatively) Oestrogen preparations may be prescribed by your doctor for ongoing treatment; although these may not be suitable for all women. Don’t be embarrassed, talk to your doctor today about treatment options.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is the name given to the deterioration of vaginal tissues due to loss of oestrogen. It occurs in over 50% of post-menopausal women. This may cause a dry and uncomfortable feeling which unlike other symptoms such as hot flushes is unlikely to go away with time.
What are the symptoms of vaginal atrophy?
The most common symptoms of vaginal atrophy are listed below however you may not get all of these symptoms:
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain/burning sensation
• Pruritus or severe itching
• Discharge
• Light bleeding after intercourse
• Discomfort with intercourse
• Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity
• Urgency with urination
• Frequent urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary incontinence
• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
Does vaginal atrophy only happen after menopause?
Vaginal atrophy is caused by a drop in oestrogen, this drop can also occur:
• During the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause)
• After surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause)
• During breast-feeding
• After pelvic radiation therapy for cancer
• After chemotherapy for cancer
• As a side effect of breast cancer hormonal treatment
• While taking medications that can affect oestrogen levels, such as some birth control pills
I am embarassed, how can I talk to my GP about Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal Atrophy is a very common condition with over 50% of post menopausal women having symptoms. Your doctor will be accustomed to managing women with these symptoms and so you should seek advice as soon as possible.