Atrophic Vaginitis - Symptoms, Causes and treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic Vaginitis is a skin condition of the vulva and vagina. It occurs when a hormone called estrogen is lacking in the body. Atrophic vaginitis can occur at any age. It most commonly occurs in women who are menopausal and in women whose ovaries have stopped making estrogen. It can also be seen in women who are breast feeding, using Depo-Provera, or have had their ovaries removed. Decreasing estrogen levels can cause skin changes in the vulvar and vaginal areas as well as the urethra and bladder. With these changes, the skin becomes thin and more easily damaged. Atrophic vaginitis does not affect all women.

Cause of Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis is typically caused by a decrease in estrogen, as normally occurs after menopause. The disorder may occur in younger women who have had surgery to remove their ovaries. Some women experience it immediately after childbirth or while breastfeeding, since estrogen levels are lower at these times.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Atrophic Vaginitis?

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain with intercourse
• Vulvar itching and/or burning
• Problems with urination, such as: frequency, burning, urgency, loss of urine, and pain
• Bleeding/Spotting

Diagnosis of Atrophic Vaginitis

To diagnose atrophic vaginitis, your health care provider will do a pelvic exam to check the health of your vaginal tissue. Your provider may measure the level of estrogen in your vaginal tissue by taking a sample of cells (like taking a Pap smear). Your provider may also check the levels of hormones in your blood.

Atrophic Vaginitis Treatment

Vaginal atrophy can be treated with estrogen therapy. The doctor may prescribe an estrogen pill, a topical estrogen cream, suppositories to insert in the vagina or an estrogen skin patch. Estrogen cream or suppositories are inserted into the vagina using an applicator. Cream can be smoothed onto the skin of the vulva. An estrogen patch is applied once or twice a week to deliver estrogen through the skin. Women also may use water-soluble lubricants for comfort. Water-soluble lubricants do not contain estrogen and can be purchased without prescription at drug stores, pharmacies or grocery stores.

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Health Tip

If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease, seek medical advice to avoid spreading the illness.