Symptoms - Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Our goal is "getting past the burn!"
Dryness, burning sensation, itching, irritation and painful intercourse are all symptoms of vaginal dryness and/or atrophy. Vaginal Atrophy is best described as the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls -- as a result of declining estrogen production.
According to Pharmacotherapy Magazine (Volume 21 - Year 2001), an estimated 15% of premenopausal women, 10-40% of postmenopausal women and 10-25% of women receiving HRT (hormone replacement therapy) experience urogential atrophy. More importantly they note that only an estimated 1 in 4 women discuss this problem with their physicians -- citing the importance of pharmacologists in helping women to obtain answers and identify products that might help this condition.
There are solutions for these conditions and for most women they resolve over time as the body re-stabilizes after menopause. In the meantime, relief is the critical goal. The following are the accepted standards for treating vaginal dryness and atrophy are:
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Personal lubricant - water-based -- to ease symptoms short term and minimize discomfort during intimacy (Click Here - for information on the water soluble personal lubricant we recommend.)
- Vaginal moisturizers - (suppositories) - to provide longer term moisturizing for symptomatic relief
- Estrogen Therapy - to replace the declining estrogen until your body is able to re-stabilize on its own. There are several delivery methods for estrogen replacement therapy, including:
v Estrogen cream for application internally , within the vagina -- typically Bioidentical Hormone Cream is recommended Vaginal rings, patches and oral medication. All estrogen therapy is by prescription and you should seek your physician's guidance.
Physicians also note that action that keeps blooding flowing to the vaginal walls may help to relieve atrophy and boost natural lubrication to minimize atrophy. In this area the Kegelmaster is the best choice to assist in pro-active exercise to tone pelvic floor muscles, boost blood flow and enhance natural lubrication.
