Atrophic vaginitis
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Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina as a result of tissue thinning due to not enough estrogen.[2] Symptoms may include pain with sex, vaginal itchiness or dryness, and an urge to urinate or burning with urination.[1][3] It generally does not resolve without ongoing treatment.[1] Complications may include urinary tract infections.[1]
Atrophic vaginitis | |
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Other names | Vulvovaginal atrophy,[1] vaginal atrophy,[1] genitourinary syndrome of menopause,[1] estrogen deficient vaginitis[2] |
Normal vaginal mucosa (left) versus vaginal atrophy (right) | |
Specialty | Gynecology |
Symptoms | Pain with sex, vaginal itchiness or dryness, an urge to urinate[1] |
Complications | Urinary tract infections[1] |
Duration | Long term[1] |
Causes | Lack of estrogen[1] |
Risk factors | Menopause, breastfeeding, certain medications[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Infectious vaginitis, vulvar cancer, contact dermatitis[2] |
Treatment | Vaginal estrogen[1] |
Frequency | Half of women (after menopause)[1] |
The lack of estrogen typically occurs following menopause.[1] Other causes may include when breastfeeding or as a result of specific medications.[1] Risk factors include smoking.[2] Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.[1]
Treatment is generally with estrogen cream applied to the vagina.[1] Other measures that may help include vaginal lubricants.[1] It is recommended that soaps and other irritants are avoided.[2] About half of postmenopausal women are affected.[1] Many however are not being treated.[2] Women often report reduced enjoyment in sex as well as life generally.[1]