Treating Vaginal Atrophy Symptoms and Treatment Options

Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which vaginal walls may become thinner, less elastic, and more fragile due to a decrease in estrogen levels. It is also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Let’s move forward to find out all about vaginal atrophy—exploring what’s the right treatment option for it.

What are Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?

You should know that the primary symptoms of vaginal atrophy include:

Vaginal dryness
Vaginal itching or burning
Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity
Increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary urgency
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse

What are Causes of Vaginal Atrophy?

The main cause of vaginal atrophy is the reduction in estrogen levels that naturally occurs as women age, particularly during perimenopause and postmenopause. It is worth noting that Estrogen helps maintain the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal walls along with keeping the tissue moist and well lubricated.

Here are the key causes of vaginal atrophy:

Menopause: The most common cause of vaginal atrophy is menopause. During menopause, the body produces less estrogen, leading to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls.

Perimenopause: Even before menopause, during the transition phase known as perimenopause, fluctuations in estrogen levels can begin to affect vaginal health.

Surgical Menopause: Women who undergo surgical removal of their ovaries (oophorectomy), which produce most of the body’s estrogen, may experience sudden and severe symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

Breastfeeding and Postpartum: Estrogen levels can also drop after childbirth, especially during breastfeeding, as lactation suppresses the hormones that typically stimulate ovarian function.

Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and pelvic radiation can affect ovarian function and result in decreased estrogen production.

Anti-Estrogen Medications: Women undergoing treatments for breast cancer that involve anti-estrogen medications may experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy due to reduced estrogen levels.

Now—let’s find out which is the right Vaginal Atrophy Treatment.

How to Treat Vaginal Atrophy?

There are several treatment options available to free you from the unwanted hassles of vaginal atrophy:

Natural and Non-Invasive Treatments

Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Regular use of over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers can alleviate dryness. Whereas water-based lubricants can be used during sexual activity to reduce discomfort.
Regular Sexual Activity: If you stay sexually active, it can help improve blood flow to the genital area, which can aid in maintaining healthy vaginal tissues.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: You can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels to help improve some urinary symptoms associated with atrophy.
Phytoestrogens: Found in soy products and other plant sources, these compounds have estrogen-like properties that may help relieve mild symptoms.
Lifestyle Adjustments: You need to stay hydrated to help maintain moisture levels in the body and quit smoking, as smoking can worsen vaginal dryness.

Medical Treatments

Topical Estrogen Therapy: Estrogen-powered creams, vaginal rings, or tablets can effectively relieve symptoms by replenishing estrogen directly to the tissues affected.
Systemic Hormone Therapy: If the case is severe, systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be prescribed. This involves administering estrogen via pills, patches, or gels.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): These medications, like ospemifene, mimic estrogen in certain parts of the body and can be used to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
Non-Hormonal Medications: If you can not get estrogen therapy, options like prasterone, and a vaginal insert, can help enhance moisture and elasticity in vaginal tissues.

Advanced Treatments

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments: Vaginal Rejuvenation and Tightening Devices like Pretty Tight Kitty® use radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal tissues. This leads to improved thickness, elasticity, and moisture. Rest assured that this is non-surgical and can be effective in treating vaginal atrophy symptoms just as you desire.
Laser Therapy: Similar to RF treatments, fractional CO2 laser treatments can rejuvenate vaginal tissue by promoting collagen and elastin regeneration. But we do not encourage laser treatments.

Surgical Options

Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery: This is less common for treating GSM alone. However, some women opt for surgical interventions to reshape or tighten the vaginal canal. Keep in mind that we do not encourage invasive treatments like surgery.

How to Choose the Right Treatment?

The severity of your symptoms, personal health history, and preferences regarding hormone use are important to consider for choosing the right Vaginal Atrophy Treatment. You should discuss with your healthcare providers to understand the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option for vaginal atrophy.

It is worth noting that RF-powered rejuvenation and tightening devices have become popular due to their non-invasive nature and effectiveness in improving vaginal health without the need for hormonal treatments.

You can try Pretty Tight Kitty’s® Vaginal Rejuvenation and Tightening Device if you are looking for promising and safer alternatives to traditional therapies. It can be effectively used for a long-lasting Vaginal Atrophy Treatment.