Measures to improve vaginal atrophy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Vaginal atrophy is a thinning of the vaginal wall caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen. This is the most common condition in women after menopause, the disease causes conditions such as: dryness, burning, pain during intercourse, recurrent bladder infections, ...

1. Learn about vaginal atrophy

According to the American Association of Family Physicians, about 40% of women after menopause will experience vaginal atrophy due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen. Vaginal atrophy increases a woman's risk of vaginal infections and changes the acidic environment of the vagina, making it easier for bacteria, fungi and microorganisms to survive and thrive in the vagina. .
For many women, the beginning of vaginal dryness isn't at menopause, it begins a few years later as estrogen levels decline over time reducing the vaginal tissue's smoothness and luminosity. narrow and shorten.
Symptoms of vaginal atrophy that accompany problems with atrophy of the urinary system include urinating more often or having a burning sensation when urinating. Some women will also have urinary incontinence and will have more urinary tract infections. Women who have never had a vaginal birth (natural birth) are more prone to vaginal atrophy than women who have had a vaginal birth.

2. How to have vaginal atrophy?

The long-term treatment of vaginal atrophy is necessary because not only to relieve the symptoms, but also to deal with other uncomfortable problems, such as: Sexual dysfunction, bleeding after sex and recurrent urinary tract infections. Treatment options include both hormonal and non-hormonal measures.
For vaginal dryness or pain during sex related to atrophic vaginitis, the first treatment option is not a hormone but a vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. If these preparations do not effectively relieve symptoms, estrogen therapy can be used for women with no contraindications. In addition, sexual activity and/or use of a vaginal dilator can help maintain a healthy vaginal epithelium.
2.1 Non-hormonal Treatment of Vaginal Atrophy Vaginal Humectants and Lubricant Symptoms of vaginal dryness can be improved with regular use of vaginal moisturizers. Adding vaginal lubricants during sex will help vaginal moisture last longer, helping vaginal moisture last longer. Products containing water and silicone are recommended to be used more than oils because oil can tear condoms, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. These substances can improve sexual comfort and increase vaginal moisture, but are not effective in severe cases of vaginal atrophy. Therefore, these substances are mainly used for women with mild symptoms.
Sexual activity more often Research shows that: Women who have a lot of sex often do not have uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Postmenopausal women showed a significant reduction in the severity of atrophic vaginitis in those with a higher frequency of intercourse than in those with less intercourse. Increasing the frequency of sexual activity needed to maintain vaginal elasticity and prevent pain during intercourse or vaginal atrophy is not known.
Vaginal dilators Women with contraindications to estrogen therapy and who desire vaginal intercourse can improve vaginal function with the use of vaginal dilators. This can be especially effective for women who avoid painful intercourse, as dilatation kits are available in incremental sizes and can be used in small sizes initially.
2.2 Hormonal Treatments Vaginal estrogen therapy The use of vaginal estrogen is not appropriate for all women and the risks and benefits of use should be discussed with your doctor. . Vaginal estrogen is highly effective in improving vaginal blood circulation, improving vaginal tissue thickness and elasticity, and restoring symptoms in the long run. During perimenopause, oral estrogen is often used to treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But long-term use of high doses of oral estrogen can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Adequate estrogen therapy resulted in restoration of normal acidic pH in the vagina and resident flora, thickening of epithelial cells, increased vaginal secretions, and reduction of vaginal dryness.
In addition, estrogen therapy with urinary benefits reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections and overactive bladder symptoms.

2.3 Other Treatments Change in hygiene habits and products: Avoid douching, hard soaps, scented soaps, and vaginal washes, which can cause dryness and itching. Vagina worse. Use plain toilet paper: Use only unscented white toilet paper. Use color- and fragrance-free products: Avoid scented detergents, dyes, fabric softeners, and anti-adhesive products when washing your underwear to avoid irritation. Spend more time: Increase the time before intercourse to allow enough time for the vagina to be lubricated and stimulated. Wearing cotton underwear and underwear that fits your body can improve your symptoms. Cotton underwear allows air to circulate in the genitals and, therefore, less bacteria growth. Vitamin E oil can also be used as a lubricant. There is also some evidence that vitamin D may increase vaginal moisture. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium. This will help slow or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, especially when combined with regular exercise. Smoking cessation is recommended for its general health benefits and because women who smoke are relatively estrogen deficient. Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package for customers with abnormal symptoms such as:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems Vaginal discharge abnormality (bad odor, different color than usual) Pain, itching in the genital area.... Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, unsafe sex, abortion pregnancy,.. Female customers with other symptoms of infection... When registering for the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can perform ultrasound techniques, examination for early detection of inflammatory diseases makes treatment easy and inexpensive; Screening for early detection of gynecological cancer.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.