Menopause is a fact of life for women reaching a certain stage in their lives. It is different for all women: symptoms, effects, and even the time in their lives can vary from person to person. However, this week we will briefly explain one of the more underreported symptoms of postmenopausal changes: vulvovaginal atrophy.
What is vulvovaginal atrophy?
Vulvovaginal atrophy is a condition in which the vaginal walls start to thin, dry out, and get inflamed. This is due to your vaginal tissue having less estrogen, which is why it is linked to symptoms of postmenopause, when levels of estrogen start to decline.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Women with vulvovaginal atrophy may experience pain during intercourse and urination. Women often report itching, burning, light bleeding, and even urinary incontinence.
What can I do to prevent or treat it?
Given that the single largest cause is a drop in estrogen levels, a way to relieve the symptoms or prevent it entirely would be to take estrogen supplements, in the form of oral or topical supplements.
Other treatments include Osphena, a hormone-free oral medication that reduces painful sex in women caused by menopause. Another oral treatment is Intrarosa, which is a vaginal insert that is also prescribed to reduce painful sexual intercourse in women.
Non-drug therapies also exist, including the Monalisa Touch, which is a laser treatment for the symptoms of menopause. Other non-invasive, non-medicinal therapies include the ThermiVa, which uses radiofrequency waves to heat vaginal tissue.
If you are suffering from the painful effects of menopause or postmenopause such as vulvovaginal atrophy, there is hope. There are many therapies out there aimed at women to provide the best outcomes for each patient.
Call us at Southern Urogynecology to learn more about the best therapy option for you. Don’t delay in improving your quality of life and reducing pain to bring enjoyment back to your sex life.
