Vaginal Atrophy, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:50 Causes of Vaginal atrophy
1:44 Symptoms of Vaginal atrophy
2:08 Diagnosis of Vaginal atrophy
2:48 Treatment of Vaginal atrophy




Vaginal atrophy is the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal wall as a result of decreased estrogen levels.
• In this condition, the tissues of the vagina no longer work in their normal, healthy way.
• Vaginal atrophy usually occurs after menopause because less female hormone estrogen is produced during this time. It can also occur in younger women who have a decrease in estrogen level.
• Women with vaginal atrophy have a higher chance of chronic vaginal infections and urinary function problems.
• Vaginal atrophy can also result in painful sexual intercourse.
• The American Association of Family Physicians stated that about 40% of post-menopausal women have symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
CAUSES
Vaginal atrophy is most commonly caused by a drop in the level of the female hormone estrogen. As a woman ages, she begins to produce less estrogen. With less estrogen, the body naturally produces less lubricant in the cervix. The vaginal tissues also become thinner, drier, less elastic and more easily injured.
Other factors that may cause a decrease in estrogen level may include:
• Breastfeeding
• Years leading up to a menopause
• Surgery to remove the ovaries
• Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy to the pelvis, or chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy to treat breast cancer
Certain risk factors that may increase the risk of getting the condition may include:
• Smoking
• No sexual activity
• No vaginal births