Vaginal atrophy, causes and treatment

The vagina, like the rest of the body, ages and when this happens, the vagina becomes dry, which can cause irritation, burning and pain during intercourse.

Vaginal atrophy, known as vaginal dryness, It is common after menopause, and even in the years before it, and in many cases patients do not notice it.

Often, patients become aware of the symptoms after they have not had sex for a long time, then become intimate with their partner and find that sex is painful.

according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)The most common cause of vaginal atrophy is low hormone levels, associated with menopause, when the body produces less estrogen.

Gynecologist and obstetrician Alejandra Andrino (@medifemgt) He commented that estrogen has the function of keeping vaginal tissue lubricated and healthy, including thickness and elasticity.

A decrease in the production of this hormone causes weight lossdryness and inflammation of the walls of the vagina, but there are other causes that can also affect the level of estrogen.

“Estrogen levels may drop after birth, with breastfeeding, during cancer treatment, or with anti-estrogen medications,” according to ACOG.

There are also non-hormonal factors such as medications for Cold and allergies, some antidepressants, and Sjögren’s syndrome (an autoimmune condition) can dry out vaginal tissue.

Andrino emphasized that dryness makes it difficult for patients to enjoy them sexualitytherefore, it is recommended not to self-medicate and to consult a gynecologist.

Treatment may vary for each patient and among treatment options the problem is moisturizers and vaginal lubricants, estrogen creams and pills, and vaginal rings.