Vaginal dryness - Rejuvenate Wellness

What is Vaginal Dryness? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects many women, especially during menopause. It occurs when the vaginal tissues become thin, less elastic, and less lubricated due to hormonal changes. This can lead to discomfort, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

The most common cause of vaginal dryness is a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps keep the vaginal tissues thick, elastic, and well-lubricated. As women approach menopause, their ovaries produce less estrogen, which can lead to vaginal dryness. Other factors that can contribute include:

• Certain medications like antihistamines and antidepressants
• Breastfeeding
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Smoking
• Lack of arousal before sex
• Douching
• Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

Symptom	Description
Vaginal itching or burning	Irritation and discomfort in the vaginal area
Pain during sex	Intercourse becomes painful due to lack of lubrication
Light bleeding after sex	Friction can cause micro-tears in the vaginal lining
Frequent urinary tract infections	Changes in vaginal flora increase UTI risk

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Vaginal Dryness

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a pelvic exam to assess the vaginal tissues and check for signs of atrophy. In some cases, they may order additional tests:

Test	Purpose
Vaginal pH test	Checks the acidity level of vaginal secretions
Vaginal smear	Examines vaginal cells under a microscope
Urine test	Rules out urinary tract infection

Treatment Options

Treatment for vaginal dryness depends on the underlying cause. Options include:

• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants - Over-the-counter products can help relieve dryness and discomfort. Use regularly or before sex.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - Systemic estrogen taken orally or applied through skin patches can ease menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness.
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen - Creams, tablets or rings inserted into the vagina deliver estrogen directly to tissues. Provides localized relief with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
• Ospemifene - An oral selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that can treat painful sex in postmenopausal women.
• Prasterone - A vaginal insert that contains dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which the body converts into estrogen and testosterone.

If you're struggling with vaginal dryness, the caring professionals at Rejuvenate Wellness can help. Our experienced providers specialize in hormone health and offer personalized treatment plans to alleviate your symptoms. Don't suffer in silence - schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness is a frustrating condition, but you don't have to live with the discomfort. By understanding the causes and symptoms, and working with a qualified healthcare provider, you can find a treatment plan that works for you. With the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies, it's possible to regain your vaginal health and enjoy a fulfilling intimate life.