Vaginal Atrophy

Estrogen deficiency during menopause can cause thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls, leading to the common and chronic condition known as vaginal atrophy. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include: vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, itching, burning, soreness, irritation and recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms can have a significant impact on health, intimacy, relationships, self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Despite vaginal atrophy affecting at least 50% of menopausal women, only one-quarter of them will actually seek medical help. Many women are hesitant to discuss vaginal symptoms due to embarrassment, and even more are not aware that it can be effectively treated. It is important to overcome communication barriers and openly discuss vaginal health with your partner and your healthcare provider.

Why not break the silence and talk to your healthcare provider?

Here are some recommendations on how to manage vaginal atrophy:

• If you experience any vaginal discomfort, contact your healthcare provider for further examination
• In the days or weeks leading up to your appointment, pay attention to your vaginal symptoms and how they are affecting you (i.e. What symptoms are you experiencing? How often do you experience them? How severe are they?)
• Bring up any sexual problems with your healthcare provider; consider involving your partner in the discussion