Atrophic Vaginitis
Atrophic vaginitis is when the tissues that line the vagina become dry and thin. This condition is most common in women who no longer have regular menstrual periods (menopause). This often starts between the ages of 45–55.
Estrogen helps keep the vagina moist. It stimulates the vagina to produce a clear fluid that lubricates the vagina for sexual intercourse. This fluid also protects the vagina from infection. Lack of estrogen can cause the lining of the vagina to get thinner and dryer. The vagina may also shrink in size. It may become less elastic. Atrophic vaginitis tends to get worse over time as the estrogen level drops.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by the normal drop in estrogen that happens around the time …show more content…
Options include creams, tablets, and inserts (vaginal rings). Before using vaginal estrogen, let your health care provider know if you have a history of:
○ Breast cancer.
○ Endometrial cancer.
○ Blood clots.
• Taking medicines. You may be able to take a daily pill for dyspareunia. Discuss all of the risks of this medicine with your health care provider. It is often not recommended for people with a family or personal history of breast cancer.
You also may not need treatment if your symptoms are very mild and you are not sexually active.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not use herbal or alternative medicines unless your health care provider says you can.
• Use over-the-counter creams, lubricants, or moisturizers for dryness only as directed by your health care provider.
• If your atrophic vaginitis is caused by menopause, discuss all of your menopausal symptoms and treatment options with your health care provider.
• Do not douche.
• Do not use products that can make your vagina dry. These include:
○ Scented feminine sprays.
○ Scented tampons.
○ scented
Atrophic vaginitis is when the tissues that line the vagina become dry and thin. This condition is most common in women who no longer have regular menstrual periods (menopause). This often starts between the ages of 45–55.
Estrogen helps keep the vagina moist. It stimulates the vagina to produce a clear fluid that lubricates the vagina for sexual intercourse. This fluid also protects the vagina from infection. Lack of estrogen can cause the lining of the vagina to get thinner and dryer. The vagina may also shrink in size. It may become less elastic. Atrophic vaginitis tends to get worse over time as the estrogen level drops.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by the normal drop in estrogen that happens around the time …show more content…
Options include creams, tablets, and inserts (vaginal rings). Before using vaginal estrogen, let your health care provider know if you have a history of:
○ Breast cancer.
○ Endometrial cancer.
○ Blood clots.
• Taking medicines. You may be able to take a daily pill for dyspareunia. Discuss all of the risks of this medicine with your health care provider. It is often not recommended for people with a family or personal history of breast cancer.
You also may not need treatment if your symptoms are very mild and you are not sexually active.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not use herbal or alternative medicines unless your health care provider says you can.
• Use over-the-counter creams, lubricants, or moisturizers for dryness only as directed by your health care provider.
• If your atrophic vaginitis is caused by menopause, discuss all of your menopausal symptoms and treatment options with your health care provider.
• Do not douche.
• Do not use products that can make your vagina dry. These include:
○ Scented feminine sprays.
○ Scented tampons.
○ scented