Atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy is the inflammation, drying and thinning of vaginal walls because of little estrogen levels in the body. The disease happens frequently with women after menopause, during breast-feeding or at a time when estrogen production slumps. For most women, vaginal atrophy makes sexual intercourse painful so many of them lose interest in sex.
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis
With controlled or serious vaginal atrophy, you may go through the following urinary and vaginal signs and symptoms:
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Genital itching
- Urgency with urination
- Urinary incontinence
- More infections on the urinary tract
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- A lowered vaginal lubrication while having sex
- Tightening and shortening of the vaginal canal
Nearly half of the women who reach menopause experience this disease but very few of them seek treatment. If you happen to experience the above signs and symptoms, you should make an appointment with your medical practitioner. Before visiting your doctor, try out some vaginal moisturizer creams like the V-Tight Gel.
Causes of Vaginal Atrophy
- A lowered production of estrogen in the body may happen:
- After menopause
- During premenopausal periods
- During breast feeding
- After removal of ovaries
- After a pelvic radiation therapy in women cancer patients
- After chemotherapy
Risk factors associated with vaginal atrophy
Some of the factors that contribute towards atrophic vaginitis include:
1. Smoking
Cigarette smoking has an effect upon blood circulation resulting to body tissues and the vagina getting less oxygen. Smoking will also affect the production of the naturally occurring estrogens in an individual’s body. Most women who have the habit of smoking get menopause earlier.
2. No vaginal births
Studies show that many women who do not give birth via the vagina have a higher probability of acquiring vaginal atrophy.
3. No sexual activity
Any form of sexual activity with or without the male counterparts makes a woman’s tissues more elastic and increases blood flow.
Complications associated with vaginal atrophy
Women who have this disease have a higher probability of getting:
1. Urinary problems
Studies link vaginal atrophy to an alteration to the urinary system leading to urinary troubles. You may experience urgency of urination, increased frequency of urination or a burning sensation while urinating
2. Vaginal infections
Vaginal atrophy may lead to an alteration of acid balance of a vagina making such women with this disease more likely to acquire vaginal infection
How to prepare for an appointment
You may talk to a medical practitioner who deals with women concerning your symptoms but first:
- Make your list of any symptoms experienced including the unrelated symptoms
- Note down any personal information like recent life changes or stresses.
- List all medication that you have utilized in the recent past including supplements, vitamins, non prescription drugs and the prescribed drugs
- Consider tagging along a friend or a family member who might remember something about your sickness that had slipped your mind
- Prepare any related questions including the tests required, whether your condition is chronic or temporary and how to manage your disease
Diagnosis of vaginal atrophy
Your medical practitioner may refer you to a gynecologist who might perform any of the following tests to ascertain that you have atrophic vaginitis:
- Vaginal smear test
- Pelvic examination
- Vaginal acidity test
- Urine test
- Blood test
Treatments of atrophic vaginitis
Not all women have similar signs and symptoms. Therefore, the treatment highly depends on the most bothersome symptoms.
Topical estrogen
Some of the forms of topical estrogen use include the use of vaginal estrogen creams that a woman applies at bedtime. Most women use the cream on a daily basis for 3 weeks.
An example of such a vaginal estrogen cream is the V-Tight Gel. The V-Tight Gel is a natural cream that aids in boosting estrogen levels resulting from hormonal changes, childbirth and aging. You will be able to achieve the desired results while using this cream without the need of surgery or drugs. The most active ingredient in V-Tight Gel is Manjakani Extract.
Another topical estrogen way is the use of vaginal estrogen rings. Your doctor will insert the flexible and soft ring on a woman’s upper vagina. The ring works by releasing the recommended dosage of estrogen and you should replace the ring after three months. You can also use a vaginal estrogen tablet on a disposable applicator to release estrogen in the vagina or by oral estrogen in the form of pills that goes to your system via the mouth.
