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Vaginal dryness may be the cause of painful intercourse. Contrary to popular belief, the problem does not only concern menopausal women. Fortunately, this can be treated.
If you feel pain during sex, dryness, itching, burning sensation in your reproductive organs, you may be suffering from excessive vaginal dryness or atrophy.
Vaginal moisture drop
Almost half of women over the age of 60 suffer from vaginal dryness. This does not mean, however, that the disease does not affect young women. Vaginal dryness may accompany a skin allergy. It also occurs after childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as after gynecological surgeries. It appears after the treatment of vaginitis and during antibiotic therapy. It also affects women taking certain medications: diuretics, steroids, immunosuppressants, hormonal medications, as well as during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and during the treatment of diabetes. It also applies to women using contraceptive pills and intrauterine devices containing progesterone. It can be annoying during menstruation. Vaginal dryness is also favored by the use of tampons.
Symptoms of vaginal atrophy
Gynecologist Dr. Jacek Tulimowski explains that the vagina of a woman suffering from atrophy is pale, inelastic without wrinkles. – This is where the wrinkles testify to the good condition of the skin – she adds. Atrophy is accompanied by increased susceptibility to mechanical injuries, even regular cycling can cause injury. Dryness also causes frequent bacterial and fungal infections and recurrent urogenital tract infections.
Causes of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is the result of an estrogen deficiency. This hormone corresponds to, inter alia, for the production of lactic acid, which is essential for maintaining a proper vaginal pH, ie 3.5-4.4. Lactic acid sticks control the vaginal ecosystem by eliminating harmful bacteria. Too low levels of estrogen can cause the pH to rise, and thus – attack by bacteria and fungi. The weakening of muscle tone and decreased tissue elasticity caused by the lack of estrogen may cause a decrease in the reproductive organ or urinary incontinence.
Diagnosis and treatment of vaginal atrophy
The doctor diagnoses vaginal atrophy during a gynecological examination and on the basis of the results of the pap smear. In the absence of contraindications, he can use hormone therapy to supplement estrogen deficiencies. It is given in the form of injections, tablets, patches, sprays, gels. Topical treatment in the form of vaginal tablets or globules or vaginal creams is also effective. They are all available by prescription only. Doctors may also choose a preparation that is a combination of estrogen and lactic acid.
Application of preparations with estrogen
Preparations with estrogen are also used before gynecological and urological surgeries in order to increase the flexibility of these organs. They also support the treatment of urinary incontinence. Contraindications to the use of vaginal hormonal preparations are primarily a history of estrogen-dependent neoplasm, history of deep vein inflammation, coronary diseases, and chronic liver failure. In cases of contraindications to hormonal treatment, vaginal preparations containing lactic acid bacteria, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C are used. You can also reach for a warming lubricant with cinnamon ensuring long-lasting hydration.
Text: Halina Pilonis