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Atrophic Vaginitis


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is atrophic vaginitis? " � Atrophic vaginitis is a condition that causes the vagina and tissues near the vagina to get dry, thin, and inflamed. This can be uncomfortable or make sex painful. � �
Atrophic vaginitis happens when a woman does not make enough of a hormone called estrogen. This condition mainly affects women who have been through menopause (meaning they have stopped having a monthly period). It can also happen to women whose ovaries were removed, who are taking certain medicines, or who are nursing. � �
What are the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis? " � The symptoms include: � �
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal burning or irritation
  • Making less lubrication during sex
  • Pain during sex
  • Bleeding when something touches or rubs the vagina, for example after sex. (If you have this symptom, be sure to see a doctor.)
  • Vaginal discharge (leaking fluid from the vagina)
  • Urinary problems, such as having to urinate often, having pain with urination, or having blood in the urine. (If you have these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.)

Some women never tell their doctor they are having symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. Often they are embarrassed or think the symptoms are a normal part of aging. If you have symptoms of this condition, and they bother you, mention it to your doctor or nurse. There are treatments that can help. � �
Is there a test for atrophic vaginitis? " � No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. � �
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? " � Yes. Some women feel better if they use lubricants before sex and use a vaginal moisturizer, such as Replens or Lubrin, several times a week. Vaginal moisturizers are not the same as lubricants. They help keep the vagina moist all the time, not just during sex. � �
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � See your doctor or nurse if you have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis and they bother you. � �
How is atrophic vaginitis treated? " � The most effective treatment for atrophic vaginitis is the hormone estrogen. When using estrogen to treat atrophic vaginitis, doctors recommend "vaginal estrogen. " � Vaginal estrogen is any form of estrogen that goes directly into the vagina. It comes in creams, tablets, or a flexible ring. Vaginal estrogen comes in small doses that dont increase the levels of estrogen in other parts of the body very much. � �
Estrogen also comes in a pill that you swallow or a skin patch, but vaginal estrogen is better for treating symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. Some women who take vaginal estrogen must also take another hormone, called progesterone. � �
If you want to take estrogen, ask your doctor or nurse what the possible risks and benefits are for you. If you have a history of breast cancer, ask whether hormones are safe for you. � �
If you prefer to treat vaginal atrophy with a pill rather than a vaginal medicine, there is a medicine that comes in pill form and helps relieve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. This medicine, called ospemifene (brand name: Osphena), is similar to estrogen but is not estrogen. It can cause hot flashes. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17105 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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