Vaginal atrophy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause, but it can also develop during breast-feeding or at any other time your body's estrogen production declines.

By some estimates, more than half of menopausal women experience vaginal atrophy, although very few seek treatment. The rest may resign themselves to the symptoms or be embarrassed to broach the topic with their doctors.

That's unfortunate, because the condition isn't trivial. For many women, vaginal atrophy makes intercourse painful. If intercourse hurts, your interest in sex will naturally wane — taking away an important source of joy in your relationship.

What's more, healthy genital function is closely intertwined with healthy urinary system function. When atrophic changes affect your urinary system as well as your vagina (genitourinary atrophy), you might also experience increased frequency or urgency of urination or burning with urination. Some women experience more urinary tract infections or incontinence.

The good news is that simple, effective treatments for vaginal atrophy are available. Reduced estrogen levels do result in changes to your body, but it doesn't mean you have to live with vaginal discomfort and associated urinary problems.

Symptoms