Vaginal Atrophy Symptoms

Researchers have found that women who have never given birth vaginally are at higher risk for developing this condition compared to those who have had vaginal births. This condition is frequently painful, especially during intercourse. Fortunately, using a topical vaginal moisturizer or water-based lubricant can provide immediate and long-lasting relief.

Treating Vaginal Atrophy During Menopause

Every woman reaches menopause and often experiences various changes to her body. Most women are well aware of the common symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Even though roughly half of all postmenopausal women will develop vaginal atrophy, it's not a symptom that makes many short lists for favorite change-of-life symptoms.

The fact is that vaginal dryness and irritation is all too common and nothing to be ashamed of. Because many menopausal women already experience low libido from erratic hormone levels, when they lose their desire for sex the chance that vaginal atrophy may be to blame tends to fly under the radar. If relief for menopause-induced vaginal atrophy is not provided by hormone-replacement treatments, women can easily try over the counter vaginal care products formulated to reduce or eliminate dryness, itching, burning and discharge.

Relief During Intercourse

A vaginal atrophy diagnosis is most apparent during intercourse. Even if a woman is not experiencing a reduction in libido - a common symptom when estrogen levels are plummeting - the pain and discomfort caused by the condition are often so prevalent that sex drive tends to wane, if not diminish altogether. One suggestion for increasing arousal in women experiencing this condition is to allow time to become excited. If symptoms become too severe, however, the sex life is not necessarily a lost cause. A restorative vaginal moisturizer will lubricate the skin, which can be soothing and increase sexual pleasure.

Vaginal atrophy is not a dangerous condition. But the side effects can drastically reduce a woman's quality of life. The most typical symptoms even in moderate cases are:

• Vaginal dryness 

• General burning and burning during urination 

• More frequent urinary tract infections 

• Urination urgency or incontinence 

• Light bleeding after intercourse 

• Discomfort or pain during intercourse 

• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Untreated Vaginal Atrophy

Without treatment, a woman is at increased risk for experiencing constant discomfort, suffering low self-esteem and even relationship issues with her spouse or partner. At worst, untreated it can have long-term effects. Since women are living longer than ever, some can expect to live with the condition for about a third of their lives if not treated. Symptoms of the condition are considered progressive and will not heal without intervention.