About this topic
Estrogen is a female hormone that keeps your vagina moist and healthy. If you dont have the right amount of estrogen you may have an illness called atrophic vaginitis. The tissue around your vagina may become thin and dry or can become swollen. You may find sex painful. Atrophic vaginitis often happens after you have stopped having periods. Things that causes your hormone levels to change may cause atrophic vaginitis. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says you need to do.
- Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal moisturizer like Replens many times a week.
- Use a water-based lubricant during sex. Never put petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or other oils in your vagina.
- Avoid scented soaps, lotions, bubble bath, or douches, which can all cause you to become more irritated.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Raise estrogen levels. You can swallow a pill or use patches for your skin. Your doctor may order a cream or ring you place in your vagina.
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Pain or cracks in your vaginal walls
- Vaginal infections
- Pain during sex
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay sexually active. Normal sexual activity helps keep your vagina healthy.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can raise the risk of atrophic vaginitis.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal, or vaginal itching or pain.
- Burning when passing urine or blood in urine
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what are good moisturizers to use in my vaginal area.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, pain with passing urine, blood in my urine, or burning when I pass urine.
Where can I learn more?
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚
http://www.dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/atrophic-vaginitis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚