Atrophic vaginitis is characterized by the manifestation of a set of symptoms such as dryness, itching and vaginal irritation, which is very common in women after menopause, but which can also occur in the postpartum period, during breastfeeding or due to side effects certain treatments, which are phases in which women have low amounts of estrogens
The treatment of vaginal atrophy consists of the administration of estrogens, topical or oral, which reduce the manifestation of symptoms and prevent the occurrence of other diseases such as vaginal infections or urinary problems.
What are the symptoms
The most common symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are vaginal dryness, pain and bleeding during intimate contact, decreased lubrication, decreased desire, itching, irritation and burning in the vagina.
In addition, when the woman goes to the doctor, she can check for other signs, such as pallor of the mucous membranes, decreased vaginal elasticity and small lips, presence of petechiae, absence of folds in the vagina and fragility of the vaginal mucosa, and prolapse of the urethra.
Vaginal pH is also higher than normal, which can increase the risk of developing infections and tissue damage.
Possible causes
Generally, the causes of vaginal atrophy are those that wash off the decrease in estrogens, which are hormones produced by women and that are reduced in stages of life such as menopause and postpartum.
Atrophic vaginitis can also manifest itself in women undergoing cancer treatments with chemotherapy, as a side effect of a hormonal treatment for breast cancer or in women who have undergone surgical removal of both ovaries.
Know other types of vaginitis and its causes.
What is the diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis consists of the evaluation of signs and symptoms, physical examination and complementary tests such as vaginal pH measurement and microscopic examination to assess cell maturation.
In addition, the doctor may also order a urine test, if the person also experiences urinary discomfort.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of vaginal atrophy consists of the application of topical estrogens in the form of cream or vaginal tablets, such as estradiol, estriol or promestriene and in some cases, the doctor may recommend taking estrogens, orally, or applying transdermal patches.
In addition, symptoms can be improved with the use of lubricants in the region.
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