Dr. Casas is a reference in Aesthetic Medicine who has been running her own clinic since 1987. She has a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malaga, she has completed her training with a Master in Aesthetic Medicine, Master in Senology and Breast Pathology.
What is vaginal atrophy?
Atrophic vaginitis is a disorder that thins the walls of the vagina and decreases its lubrication, this causes increased dryness and vaginal inflammation and affects both sexual function and your overall quality of life. If proper treatment is not used, the symptoms and signs can last for years.
Causes and risk factors of vaginal atrophy
The most likely cause is natural or induced menopause. Other situations may be caused by the intake of some medications such as Tamoxifen, which is used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Low-dose hormonal contraceptives, isotretinoin, some antidepressants and women affected by scleroatrophic lichen of the vulva may be other causes. It can also occur in younger women, especially after childbirth or during lactation.
The 7 common symptoms of vaginal atrophy
In some cases, vaginal atrophy may not manifest itself. When it is symptomatic, the most common clinical reactions are:
- Less vaginal lubrication
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Burning or stinging sensation during urination
- urinary incontinence in older women
- Vaginal prolapse as a result of narrowing of the vaginal wall and loss of mucosal folds.
- Burning of the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
- It also increases the likelihood of ulcers or lesions in the vaginal wall.
How is vaginal atrophy diagnosed?
The specialist will conduct a clinical interview called anamnesis. This is a fundamental part of the diagnosis of atrophic vaginitis. This in-depth interview will provide the physician with the necessary information to diagnose this pathology.
Treating vaginal atrophy with hyaluronic acid
Currently, the treatment through the application of hyaluronic acid stands out. This is performed in the same consultation room and does not require hospitalization. It is recommended to use a local anesthetic 30 minutes before the outpatient practice to achieve a completely painless result. The results after the application of this treatment are positive and some of them are:
- Improved vaginal dryness
- Improves dyspareunia
- Improves inflammation of the vaginal mucosa
- Improves vaginal pH
The result can be variable depending on the patient, however, a new application is usually not necessary until 8 to 12 months.