Featuring Dr. Bal Pawa, BPharm, MD

Duration: 1 minute, 26 seconds

So vaginal dryness is also known as atrophic vaginitis in medical terminology.

It usually occurs after menopause when there is a dramatic decline in estrogen, so as a result you get a decreased blood flow to that area. Some of the symptoms that women experience are vaginal dryness, obviously, itching, burning.

Sometimes women complain of pain with intercourse or frequent urination. Some women can often have bleeding as well, so it's really important to get this treated and diagnosed.

And the only way to diagnose it is to see your physician, have a physical exam to rule out any other causes. When women have vaginal dryness, they're more prone to getting infections such as urinary tract infections or vaginal infections.

The treatment generally is dependent on the severity of symptoms. If it's mild they can use moisturizers such as Replens. And the gold standard of therapy of course is estrogen therapy, which is quite safe because it's not systemic and there are very many options available to women: creams, tablets or rings.

So when a women has symptoms of vaginal dryness or atrophic vaginitis it's really important to go see the physician, have a physical exam to rule out any other abnormalities, and then he or she will outline options that are available to you.

Vaginal dryness, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is a condition characterized by the thinning, inflammation, and dryness of the vaginal walls. It typically occurs after menopause due to a significant decrease in estrogen levels, leading to reduced blood flow to the vaginal area. Women experiencing vaginal dryness may encounter symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and occasional bleeding. It is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

To diagnose atrophic vaginitis, it is necessary to consult a physician who can perform a physical examination to rule out other potential causes. Vaginal dryness can make women more susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections and vaginal infections.

The treatment for atrophic vaginitis depends on the severity of symptoms. In mild cases, moisturizers such as Replens can be used to alleviate dryness. However, the gold standard therapy for this condition is estrogen therapy, which is considered safe as it is typically applied locally and not systemically. There are various options available for estrogen therapy, including creams, tablets, or vaginal rings.

When women experience symptoms of vaginal dryness or atrophic vaginitis, it is crucial to see a physician who can perform a physical examination to rule out any other underlying issues. The physician will then discuss the available treatment options to alleviate the symptoms and improve vaginal health.

Please note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Presenter: Dr. Bal Pawa, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Family Doctor