Verified By Apollo Gynecologist September 23, 2023
3757Vaginal dryness is a widespread health concern in older women. It is the feeling of dryness and itchiness inside and around your vagina. Usually, this occurs due to low estrogen levels just before and after menopause.
Estrogen is the hormone responsible for maintaining the moisture of the vagina. It causes the release of a thin-clear fluid in and around the vaginal wall. It helps maintain the moisture and pH of the vaginal lining. It also acts as a lubricant during sex.
A lack of estrogen can occur at any age due to various causes. However, it is more common after menopause. It can cause a constant sense of itchiness and dryness, a major problem affecting a woman’s sex life. The good thing is that multiple treatment options are available to treat this problem.
The dryness of the vaginal lining causes the following symptoms:
See your doctor when you feel vaginal dryness or if the symptoms aggravate. If you have severe pain or bleeding during sex or your sex life is greatly affected due to vaginal dryness, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment from among the various options available.
One in every three women nearing menopause experiences vaginal dryness. So, the main cause is menopause. It increases gradually with time if not treated. Some of the major causes other than menopause are:
The most common treatment for vaginal dryness is optical estrogen therapy due to low estrogen levels. These replace some of the hormones the body is no longer making. That helps relieve vaginal symptoms, but it does not put as much estrogen in the bloodstream as hormone therapy you take in pills.
One of three types of vaginal estrogen may be used:
Topical estrogen might not be suggested when you:
You should practice regular, safe sex. Allow sufficient foreplay for the adequate release of vaginal fluids. Do not use perfumes, deodorants, and douchebags. Use soaps free of perfume and colour to clean your vaginal area.
Estriol, estrone, and estradiol are the three types of estrogen in the female. Maintaining healthy estrogen levels in the blood is important to avoid vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age due to various reasons. However, menopause is the main cause. It can be expected between 40 and 50 years of age.
When you notice symptoms and visit your doctor, your doctor will ask for your detailed medical history. It is likely that your doctor might perform an internal pelvic examination, checking your vagina for thinning or redness of vaginal lining. A Pap test might also be recommended.
Laser therapy is a breakthrough therapy for the treatment of vaginal dryness. It is a painless procedure that takes a total of five minutes. Your doctor might insert an intravaginal wand inside your vagina and give it a 360-degree rotation.
Cellular and elastin changes in the vagina start almost immediately after laser therapy. Women feel symptomatic relief very soon after the treatment.
It is moderately painful. Sometimes, this dryness may cause a tear in the vaginal lining. This might cause bleeding and pain during and after sexual intercourse.
If not treated, vaginal dryness can transform into vaginal atrophy eventually. It is essential to get treatment to prevent the thinning of the vaginal wall and loss of vaginal orifice elasticity. Other problems include painful sexual intercourse, low libido, and increased chances of bacterial and yeast infections.
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