Vaginal Dryness in Women
Vaginal Dryness in Women
Vaginal Dryness in Women
Women can experience bouts of vaginal dryness at any age, but most often notice it during and after menopause when estrogen levels fall. When chronic dryness occurs during menopause, the condition is called atrophic vaginitis. The decrease in estrogen causes the vaginal walls to lose the normally present layer of clear lubricating fluid. The resulting dryness causes vaginal lining to thin and lose elasticity. This often makes intercourse painful and many women experience stinging or itching around the vaginal opening.
Vaginal Dryness in Younger Women
Up to 17 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 50 experience symptoms of vaginal dryness well before menopause, or even perimenopause, occur. While dropping estrogen levels are usually responsible for atrophic vaginitis in peri- and postmenopausal women, a number of other factors may cause acute vaginal dryness symptoms in younger women.
Causes of Vaginal Dryness Symptoms in Young Women
Lack of sexual arousal during intercourse
Fragranced hygiene products, such as soaps and deodorant sprays
Chemicals in swimming pools and hot tubs
Over the counter drugs, such as allergy and cold medications
Prescription medications, such as certain antidepressants and those used to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids
Decreased estrogen levels due to childbirth and breastfeeding
Chemotherapy
Surgical removal of the female reproductive organs as in partial or full hysterectomy
Vaginal Dryness in Women Over the Age of Fifty
During menopause, the decrease and ultimate halting of estrogen production causes a number of largely unwelcome physical changes: hot flashes, wide mood swings, a lowered voice, and an increase in visible facial hair. In addition to these common changes, one-third of women will experience chronic vaginal dryness during menopause. The number rises considerably after menopause ends. While a bit of vaginal dryness may seem like a minor worry, the condition causes considerable discomfort, impacting the many older women who enjoy active sex lives. Vaginal dryness and the pain and loss of elasticity associated with it can have a profoundly negative effect on a person's sex life.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Dryness
Any burning, itching, or pain in the vaginal area warrants a timely visit to a gynecologist. At the visit, the OB/GYN will ask about length of time since symptoms began, current medications, as well as conduct a thorough medical history. He will then perform a pelvic examination to evaluate whether redness and thinning of the vaginal lining is present. To eliminate other possible causes, such as infection or cancer, he may also ask for a urine sample, draw blood, and take cervical cells for lab analysis.
Treatment of Vaginal Dryness
Whether vaginal dryness is caused by low estrogen or some other factor, physicians have many remedies available to combat the condition and restore a healthy vaginal environment.
Treating Dryness Caused By Low Estrogen
Most OB/GYN physicians choose topical estrogen therapy to combat vaginal dryness symptoms caused by low estrogen levels. The topical estrogen formulation provides the amount of hormone required to relieve symptoms and discomfort, but does not result in the high hormone levels in the blood stream caused by oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Topical estrogen therapies come in a variety of formulations:
Vaginal Estrogen Ring A physician inserts this rubber-like ring into the vagina during an office visit. The ring remains in the vagina for three months before replacement is necessary. During that time, the ring releases a constant flow of estrogen directly into the vaginal lining.
Vaginal Estrogen Tablet/Capsule A woman administers this topical therapy herself by inserting a dissolvable tablet into the vagina using a disposable applicator similar to those used to insert tampons. She must insert a tablet daily for the first two weeks and two times per week thereafter as long as needed.
Vaginal Estrogen Cream A disposable applicator is used by the patient to insert estrogen cream into the vagina. Frequency and amount depend on the brand of medication and formulation.
Treating Dryness Caused By Other Factors
Physicians can usually treat vaginal dryness caused by fragranced hygiene products, harsh soaps, or swimming pool chemicals by recommending patients avoid these environmental irritants. Most pharmacies carry a variety of water-based lubricants that mimic a woman's natural vaginal fluids. Used right before intercourse, these lubricants can alleviate much of the discomfort caused by dry vaginal lining. Women who experience dryness due to prescription medications should ask their physicians about alternative medications or lowering the dosage.
Tips For Planning Your Very Own Marriage Ceremony Do you missing Edward Cullen and Jacob Black | Enjoy their action in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Hot Water Bottles - 5 Reasons Why They Make Fab Gifts for Women Pattaya Girls - Meet Thailand's Beautiful Women Save Your Marriage Alone - Maybe Some Sneaky Tactics Will Help You Pull It Off Devil Comics Entertainment: Wonder Woman #600 Review Woman sues 144 defendants in mesothelioma situation Mail Order Brides - Over a thousand successful marriages have been set Tips on How to Achieve Plump Lips Without Surgery Possible Causes Of Hair Loss In Women Dynasty Warriors Diao Chan Cosplay Costume Magical Girl New Advice - Turning Her On - Secrets To Make A Woman Crazy Over You Marriage Vows & Commitment