Causes and Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy

The history of vaginal symptoms such as itching, dryness, or pain with sexual intercourse is typically sufficient to assume that a women is suffering from vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy if she is experiencing other symptoms typical of the menopausal transition. Of course, a careful physical examination, including a pelvic examination, is necessary to rule out other conditions (such as infections) that may be causing vaginal symptoms. There are no specific tests available to determine whether the vaginal wall has become thinner or less elastic.

Vaginal atrophy is caused by a decrease in estrogen production. Less circulating estrogen makes your vaginal tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile.

A drop in estrogen levels and vaginal atrophy may occur:

* After menopause
* During the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause)
* During breast-feeding
* After surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause)
* After pelvic radiation therapy for cancer
* After chemotherapy for cancer
* As a side effect of breast cancer hormonal treatment

Vaginal atrophy due to menopause may begin to bother you during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), or it may not become a problem until several years into menopause. Although the condition is common, not all menopausal women develop vaginal atrophy. Regular sexual activity helps you maintain healthy vaginal tissues.

Treatments for vaginal atrophy

Mild vaginal atrophy could be treated with over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. However, over-the-counter lubricants might not heal excessive vaginal dryness. Topical estrogen is the most effective remedy for vaginal dryness.

Vaginal estrogen creams could be applied to the vaginal walls to reduce the discomfort and irritation. Occasionally vaginal estrogen rings are inserted into the vagina to treat this condition.

The estrogen ring gradually releases estrogen in the vagina, lubricating the vaginal walls, and reducing the vaginal dryness.

Read about Herbal Breast Enlargement Pills .

The ring should be replaced every 3 months. Sometimes vaginal tablets are inserted into the vagina to treat vaginal atrophy. Physicians often recommend hormone replacement therapy for treating vaginal dryness. However, estrogen therapy in any form is not recommended for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer.

Although women with vaginal atrophy lose interest in sexual activities due to pain and discomfort that occur during intercourse, studies have shown that vaginal atrophy could be prevented with regular sexual activities. During sexual activities, blood flow through the vaginal tissues increases, which improves the health of the vagina, reducing vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness might be reduced by consuming plant products containing phytoestrogen or plant estrogen. Soy, beans, legumes, potato and apple could reduce vaginal irritation and discomfort.

Also know about Herbal Breast Enlargement Cream . Read how Vaginal Tightening Cream improves the tightening sensation.