Vaginal Atrophy or Dryness

Vaginal Dryness

There are two times in a woman’s life when the tissues down “there” can become particularly sore and dry.⠀⁠ ⠀⁠ This happens when the tissues have less oestrogen.⠀⁠ ⠀⁠

Vaginal Atrophy and Dryness is common at:⁠

⠀

• ⁠ Menopause⁠ or Perimenopause

• Postnatally whilst breastfeeding⁠ ⠀⁠

Certain medications may also contribute to dryness such as certain contraceptive pills , antidepressants or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Symptoms

Low levels of oestrogen are caused by the tissues becoming dry, thin and inflamed.⁠ ⠀⁠ This can cause:⁠ ⠀⁠

• Pain⁠ ⠀⁠

• Dryness⁠ ⠀⁠

• Stinging⁠ ⠀⁠

• Urinary symptoms such as leaking⁠ ⠀⁠

• Urinary Tract Infections⁠ ⠀⁠

• Painful sex⁠ ⁠ ⁠

• It can even cause bleeding.

Treatment

Please speak up if you have any symptoms to your GP or a health professional with a special interest- but it is always worth trying an organic lubricant or moisturiser which matches vaginal pH and optimal osmolarity. I recommend:

Lubricants and moisturisers

• Yes ( vaginal moisturise, water based or oil based)

• Replens

• Sylk

Medication

If moisturisers and lubricants do not ease they symptoms the next step is to consider topical estrogen. Creams or pessary's provide a very small amount of estrogen that is absorbed into the skin and will improve the amount of elasticity and natural moisture and can work within a few weeks. Your GP would need to prescribe this type of medication for you and its available in different forms

• Pessary Tablet (Vagifem)

• Estrogen Cream

• Estrogen rings

As always get in touch for any more information, and please do go and speak to your GP or a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist to get the best treatment for you.