Gynaecology | Atrophic Vaginitis | Gleneagles Global Hospital

Overview

A condition that mostly affects women after menopause, atrophic vaginitis causes the vagina walls to thin. Because of this, the possibility of vaginal and urinary infections increases. Women with this condition also experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Often women are embarrassed about discussing these problems and choose to remain silent. Having a frank discussion with the doctor will not only help treat the problem the right way, it will also relieve them of mental stress.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the vagina
Burning sensation in the vagina
Burning sensation while passing urine
Urine leakage
Urinary tract infection

Causes and Risk Factors

Decrease in estrogen is the main cause as this results in the vaginal walls becoming thin. When the walls thin, they are more susceptible to injury and infection.
Other than post-menopausal women, women who are breastfeeding and those undergoing cancer treatment may also have reduced levels of estrogen.
Smoking inhibits circulation of blood. As a result, the vagina does not get enough oxygen and the tissues become thin.
Not being sexually active can also lead to atrophic vaginitis.

Complications

More susceptibility to vaginal infections
Increased urination
Burning sensation while passing urine
Increased urinary tract infections
Incontinence

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will be done with the help of:

Detailed past medical history
Physical examination
Blood test
Urine analysis
Vaginal smear and acidity test

Surgery

Treatment options are non-surgical.

Lubricants to deal with dryness of vagina
Estrogen therapy
Applying moisturizers (that are meant for the vagina)
Stretching the muscles of the vagina using dilators

Prevention

Wearing comfortable underwear, preferably in cotton
Staying sexually active improves blood flow and keeps tissues healthy

Atrophic Vaginitis