Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is caused by decreased estrogen levels, resulting in the thinning of the vaginal walls.

One of the first signs a woman is experiencing vaginal atrophy is reduced vaginal lubrication. Defined as a condition that causes negative urinary and vaginal symptoms, vaginal atrophy causes the lining to become thinner and drier due to a lack of estrogen.

When a woman’s monthly periods completely cease to exist, she is menopause. Her ovaries produce fewer hormones and because of the lack of estrogen, vaginal atrophy can occur. This typically occurs around age 50.

Younger women can also experience vaginal atrophy (also known as atrophic vaginitis) if their estrogen levels are affected.

Urinary Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy Include:

  • Burning while urinating
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Urinating more frequently
  • Having pain when going to the bathroom
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Stress incontinence
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Vaginal Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy can Include:

  • Vaginal burning
  • Vaginal itching
  • Dryness of the vagina
  • Spotting or bleeding
  • Dyspareunia (pain during sex)
  • A discharge from the vagina – usually a yellow color
  • Vulvar itching (pruritus)
  • Feeling of pressure

What are Risk Factors?

  • Women who are in menopause and are 50 years of age and older
  • Lack of sexual intercourse
  • Immune disorders
  • Decreased ovarian function due to radiation or chemotherapy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Postpartum loss of placental estrogen
  • Removal of the ovaries
  • Nonfluctuating estrogen levels
  • Medications that contain antiestrogen properties including Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Medroxyprogesterone  (Provera) and Nafarelin (Synarel)
  • Smoking

Is it Vaginal Atrophy or a Yeast Infection?

Atrophic vaginitis and yeast infections can have similar symptoms such as vaginal itching, redness, pain and dryness. However, a yeast infection is caused by a fungal infection while vaginal atrophy is caused by a lack of estrogen.

If you have these symptoms, consult with your doctor so he or she can provide you with a proper diagnosis.

The Urogynecologists at Vaginal Health Center Can Help

If you have concerns about vaginal atrophy, our double board-certified urogynecologists can help. Call us today at 770.721.6060 or request an appointment online.

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Why Choose Vaginal Health Center?

Our surgeons are both Urogynecologists and OB/GYNs and are uniquely qualified in female vaginal anatomy.

Unmatched Experience

  • Our surgeons are practicing OB/GYNs and have each delivered thousands of babies. With their training and years of experience, they have a further and complete understanding of a woman’s anatomy and the changes that occur after childbirth.

  • Our surgeons have over 70 years combined experience with a focus on women’s pelvic health.

  • Our surgeons have many more years of training specifically on the female pelvic anatomy than a typical Plastic Surgeon, general Gynecologist or standard Urogynecologist.

  • Your vaginal surgery results are only as good as your surgeon’s experience and skills.

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