vaginal dryness

http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=233

Fitango EducationHealth Topics

Vaginal Dryness

1

Overview

Atrophic vaginitis, or vaginal dryness, is a condition caused by thinning tissue, decreased lubrication, and low estrogen levels.

Vaginal dryness is typical during and after menopause, due to the normal drop of estrogen levels in the body.

2

Symptoms

Some symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

-- Burning upon urination

-- Light bleeding after sexual intercourse

-- Painful sexual intercourse causing a decrease in sexual interest

3

Symptoms

-- Slight vaginal discharge

-- Vaginal soreness, including itching or burning sensations

-- Urinary frequency or urgency

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000892.htm

4

Causes

A variety of conditions contribute to vaginal dryness, including decreased estrogen levels, certain medications, autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's symdrome, and douching.

5

Causes**Decreased estrogen levels**

Low estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness. The estrogen in a woman's body helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. These factors create a natural defense against vaginal and urinary tract infections. When your estrogen levels decrease, so does this natural defense, causing a thinner, less elastic and more fragile vaginal lining. Estrogen levels can decrease due to:

6

Causes**Decreased estrogen levels**

-- Menopause or perimenopause

-- Childbirth

-- Breast-feeding

-- Cancer therapy, including radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy (due to the effect they have on the ovaries)

7

Causes**Decreased estrogen levels**

-- Surgical removal of your ovaries

-- Immune disorders

-- Cigarette smoking

-- Various medications

8

Causes**Decreased estrogen levels**

-- Allergy and cold medications, as well as some antidepressants (Anti-estrogen medications, such as those used to treat breast cancer, also can result in vaginal dryness)

**Sjogren's syndrome**

In this autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks your healthy tissue. Sjogren's syndrome causes vaginal dryness, as well as dry eyes and dry mouth. **

9

Causes**Douching**

The process of douching disrupts the normal chemical balance in your vagina and can cause vaginal inflammation. This may cause your vagina to feel dry or irritated.

10

Diagnosis

Though many women live with the daily discomforts brought on by vaginal dryness, few make appointments to see health care professionals. If your vaginal dryness is affecting your lifestyle (in particular, your sexual relationship with your partner), make an appointment with a doctor.

11

Diagnosis

A doctor will typically ask you several questions in regards to your symptoms and daily routine. Some might include:

-- What vaginal symptoms are you experiencing?

-- How long have you experienced these symptoms?

-- Do you still have regular menstrual cycles?

12

Diagnosis

-- Does the condition limit your sexual activity?

-- Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?

-- What medications or vitamin supplements do you take?

Diagnosis of vaginal dryness might include **pelvic exams, Pap tests, and urine tests **

13

Diagnosis

to be sure your symptoms are directly related to vaginal dryness.

14

Treatment

In general, treating vaginal dryness is more effective with topical estrogen rather than oral estrogen. Estrogen applied topically to the vagina can still result in estrogen reaching your bloodstream, but the amount is minimal. Topical estrogen also doesn't decrease testosterone levels — important for healthy sexual function — the same way oral estrogen can.

15

Treatment

Vaginal estrogen therapy comes in several forms:

-- **Vaginal estrogen cream **

(Estrace, Premarin, others). Inserted directly into the vagina with an applicator, usually before bed. Typically, a daily regimen for the first few weeks and then two or three times a week thereafter is prescribed.

16

Treatment

-- **Vaginal estrogen ring**

(Estring). A soft, flexible ring inserted into the upper part of the vagina by you or your doctor. The ring releases a consistent dose of estrogen and gets replaced every 3 months.

-- **Vaginal estrogen tablet**

17

Treatment

(Vagifem). Use a disposable applicator to place a vaginal estrogen tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will let you know how often to insert the tablet.

If vaginal dryness is associated with other symptoms of menopause (like hot flashes) your doctor may prescribe estrogen pills, patches, gel or a higher dose estrogen ring along with a progestin.

18

Treatment

* Home remedies can also be used by women who suffer from vaginal dryness. They include over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers like Astroglide, K-Y, Replens, and Lubrin.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/vaginal-dryness/DS00550/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print

19

Prevention**Pay attention to sexual needs. **

Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you are not sufficiently aroused. Make time to be intimate with your partner and allow your body to become adequately lubricated. Having intercourse regularly may also help promote better vaginal lubrication**

20

Prevention**Avoid items **

like vinegar, yogurt, douches, hand lotions, soaps, and bubble baths.