Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic Vaginitis

Understanding Atrophic Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Atrophic Vaginitis?

Atrophic vaginitis, also known as vaginal atrophy, is a common condition that affects many women, particularly after menopause. It occurs when the walls of the vagina become thin, dry, and inflamed due to decreased estrogen levels. This can lead to discomfort, itching, and irritation, affecting a woman’s quality of life, intimacy, and overall well-being.

Why Does Atrophic Vaginitis Happen?

Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the health and elasticity of vaginal tissues. As women age, especially during and after menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen. This decline can result in a reduction in natural lubrication, causing the vaginal lining to thin and become less elastic.

Although atrophic vaginitis is most commonly associated with menopause, it can also occur in younger women who have undergone surgical removal of the ovaries, those receiving certain cancer treatments, or women who are breastfeeding.

Common Symptoms of Atrophic Vaginitis

The symptoms of atrophic vaginitis can vary, but they often include:

  • Vaginal dryness: A lack of natural moisture can lead to a feeling of dryness or tightness in the vaginal area.
  • Itching and irritation: The thinning tissues may cause itching or irritation, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation.
  • Discomfort during intercourse: Reduced lubrication and increased sensitivity can make sexual activity painful.
  • Light bleeding or spotting: Thin, fragile tissues are more prone to minor bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse.
  • Urinary symptoms: Some women experience frequent urination, urgency, or discomfort due to the proximity of the urethra to the affected tissues.

How is Atrophic Vaginitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination. Dr Li may perform a pelvic exam to check for signs of thinning or redness in the vaginal tissues. In some cases, a small sample of vaginal fluid may be taken to rule out infections. Dr Li may also evaluate a woman’s overall health, menstrual history, and any current medications to understand better the cause of symptoms.

Treatment Options for Atrophic Vaginitis

In Dr Li’s office, we offer a number of treatment options to manage the symptoms and improve vaginal health:

  1. Vaginal Moisturisers: Over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers are designed to help maintain and restore moisture levels in the vaginal tissues. Regular use of these moisturisers can improve overall vaginal comfort and health by alleviating dryness and maintaining adequate moisture levels.
  2. Lubricants: Vaginal lubricants are used to reduce friction and discomfort during intercourse. Lubricants come in various formulations, including water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, allowing individuals to choose the type that best suits their needs and preferences.
  3. Vaginal estrogen therapy: Low-dose vaginal estrogen is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe vaginal atrophy, especially if other treatments haven’t worked, as long as there are no health concerns that would make estrogen therapy unsuitable, such as certain hormone-sensitive cancers. When used correctly, estrogen therapy helps restore the normal acidic balance of the vagina, improves the thickness of the vaginal lining, increases natural moisture, and reduces dryness and discomfort during intercourse. This treatment aims to make the vaginal area healthier and more comfortable.
  4.  Hormone replacement therapy: For women experiencing additional symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, hormone replacement therapy (e.g., transdermal estrogen) may be considered. This type of therapy increases estrogen levels throughout the body, which can help alleviate symptoms.
  5. Laser and radiofrequency treatments: Some women may benefit from vaginal laser (FemiLift Laser) or radiofrequency treatments (FormaV). These procedures aim to stimulate collagen production and improve the elasticity and moisture of the vaginal tissues. They are performed in Dr Li’s room.
      • Femilift is a non-surgical treatment designed to improve vaginal atrophy. It uses laser technology to stimulate collagen production and enhance tissue health, which can help restore moisture and elasticity to the vaginal walls. This procedure is a good option for those looking for a non-hormonal approach to alleviating dryness and discomfort associated with vaginal atrophy.
      • Forma V is a non-invasive treatment used to address vaginal atrophy. It employs radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production and tighten the vaginal tissues. By improving tissue health and increasing moisture, Forma V can help reduce dryness and enhance overall vaginal comfort.
      • Morpheus8V is a non-surgical treatment for vaginal atrophy that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. This procedure stimulates collagen production and improves tissue health by delivering controlled heat to the vaginal tissues. Morpheus8V helps restore moisture and elasticity, increases sensitivity, reduces dryness and discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia), and can also help alleviate symptoms of urinary incontinence. It’s an alternate option for managing these conditions without the use of hormones.
  6. Lifestyle modifications: Staying sexually active, regular exercise, and avoiding irritants can help maintain vaginal health. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can also improve circulation and strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Living with Atrophic Vaginitis: Tips for Daily Comfort

  • Use gentle, unscented products: Avoid soaps, douches, or sprays that can irritate sensitive tissues.
  • Wash with warm water
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing: Cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes can reduce irritation and allow air circulation.
  • Maintain sexual activity: Regular sexual activity, with or without a partner, can help maintain vaginal elasticity and blood flow.

If you have any questions or concerns about atrophic vaginitis or wish to schedule a consultation, please give us a call on 07 3219 6868.

 

-Dr Sharon Xian Li (MED0001402739)

Registered Medical Practitioner, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

All gynaecological treatments come with potential risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding. The photos and videos on our website and social media are shared with patient consent. Individual outcomes, including risks and recovery times, vary based on factors such as genetics, health, and lifestyle. As a result, these images do not guarantee similar results for everyone. The information on our page is general and should not be taken as medical advice. For more specific guidance, please contact us directly.