What is Vaginal/Vulvar Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which estrogen level in the body gets low due to vaginal atrophy, drying, thinning and inflammation of vaginal walls took place. It is been seen in womens that vaginal or vulvar atrophy leads to distressing urinary symptoms. It also makes sex painful for womens. It could also lead to the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Reduced estrogen levels also results in many changes in the body.

What is Vaginal/vulvar atrophy symptoms?

From moderate to severe genitourinary syndrome of menopause, patient may experience - light bleeding after sex, vaginal discharge, burning sensation in vulva or vagina, vaginal dryness, UTIs (urinary tract infection), sexual discomfort, tightening or shortening of vaginal canal, less vaginal lubrication during sex, genital itching, urgency with urination. In such condition it is better to consult a doctor. On the basis of clinical condition he/she will advise you the solution. In case of painful sex doctor might advise you water based lubricants or moisturizer for your vagina. 

What is the Treatment of Vaginal/Vulvar Atrophy?

While going for the treatment of vaginal atrophy will start with few tests include - pelvic exam, urine test, and acid balance test. When comes to the treatment of it, the doctor might recommend you to try the vaginal moisturizer, water-based lubricant apart from the doctor could also advise using topical vaginal estrogen, oral estrogen as well. 

Topical estrogen is available in various forms such as vaginal estrogen cream, vaginal estrogen ring and vaginal estrogen tablet. 

When it comes to lifestyle and home remedies you might get relief by using over the counter moisturizer, allow time to become aroused during sex and you could also try water-based lubrication.

Can vaginal atrophy be reversed?

By seeing today’s development in the women health care and new treatment approaches, earlier it is seen as a permanent condition with the woman had to live with. But now it could be said that vaginal atrophy could be reversed by taking a few treatments such as - vaginal estrogen cream, vaginal estrogen tablets, and vaginal estrogen ring could help to reverse the problem. Other options include patches, gels, patches, pills, and high dose rings as well. 

Is Vaginal/Vulvar atrophy painful?

Vaginal or vulvar atrophy is a thinning, inflammation and drying of the vaginal walls due to fewer estrogen levels in the body. It could lead to distressing urinary symptoms and also make sex painful. It could be treated by various treatments available.

What are the causes of Vaginal/Vulvar Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy could be decreased by less estrogen production, which makes vaginal tissues thinner, drier, more fragile and less elastic. A drop of estrogen levels may occur premenopause, post-menopause, after pelvic radiation therapy, and the side effect of breast cancer treatment as well. It also has certain factors which contribute to risk are - smoking, no vaginal births, and no sexual activity. It could also lead to some complications such as urinary problems and vaginal infections. To prevent from such condition it is important to have sexual activity with or without a partner, as it increases blood flow and helps in keeping vaginal tissues healthy. 

What foods increase female lubrication?

Eating healthy food and having a good lifestyle is key to many things. When it comes to vaginal dryness, it could be treated with medications, but there are many ways to increase lubrication naturally. There are certain foods which can help increase female lubrication such as 

1. Cranberries - it contains antioxidants, vitamin e, vitamin c, and powerful acidic compounds to fight bacteria. It also helps to fight urinary tract infections and improves vaginal lubrication and health. 

2. Sweet potatoes - it contains a high amount of vitamin a, which is related to fertility. It also helps in strengthen muscle tissues for healthy vaginal and uterine walls. It also helps women who are trying to get pregnant. Sweet potatoes also help in the production of sex hormones and lubrication. 

3. Yogurt - probiotics such as yogurt balances the pH levels and prevents from yeast infections as it contains calcium. It also helps with pre menstrual syndrome symptoms. 

4. Omega 3 fatty acids - it helps with blood flow and circulation, along with vaginal lubrication. Foods like flax seed, oil fish, walnuts, etc can help. 

5. Apples - it helps in orgasms, as it contains antioxidants which are good for blood flow, lubrication and sexual drive. 

6. Soy - it helps to decrease estrogen levels and benefits postmenopausal women by blood vessel health. It also helps with lubrication. 

7. Green veggies - like kale, spinach, collard greens are natural blood purifiers, also enhances circulation. It also prevents dryness in the vagina and helps in stimulation. 

8. Avocados - it contains potassium, vitamin b-6, and healthy fats containing libido boosting. It helps by strengthening vaginal walls and lubrication in the vagina.