“Vaginal atrophy (also called atrophic vaginitis) is a condition
where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner.
This results in itching, burning and pain during sex…”.¹

Umbrella
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Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Definition

What is vaginal atrophy?

DotS the definition of vaginal atrophy may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause”.²

The (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal atrophy (also called atrophic vaginitis) is a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner. This results in itching, burning and pain during sex, among other symptoms. The condition also includes urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and frequent urination. Vaginal refers to the vagina while atrophy means “a wasting away or diminution.” Recently, the term vaginal atrophy has been replaced with the newer term, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This new term helps describe not just the vaginal, but also the urinary symptoms that can be accompanied by the effects of low estrogen”.³

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

What is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Overview the Mayo Clinic explain:

In Vaginal Atrophy the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of vaginal atrophy?

In Vulvovaginal Atrophy the European Menopause and Andropause Society explain:

Cause

What causes vaginal atrophy?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Causes the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen production. Less estrogen makes your vaginal tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile”.⁷

Treatment

How can VVA be treated?

In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the NAMS elaborate on:

“The good news is that effective treatment options, such as nonhormone remedies or different forms of low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vagina, are available. These can be combined for optimal symptom relief”.⁸

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“… make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience painful intercourse that’s not resolved by using a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) or water-based lubricant (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others)”.⁹

In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the NAMS elaborate on:

Vaginal Estrogen

Can estrogen be placed directly into the vagina?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use published July 2022, the NAMS explain:

“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness, you can use very low doses of estrogen placed directly into the vagina. These low doses generally do not raise blood estrogen levels above postmenopause levels and do not treat hot flashes. You do not need to take a progestogen when using only low doses of estrogen in the vagina. (The MenoNote “Vaginal Dryness” covers this topic in detail)”.¹¹

On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause first published 10 June 2022, Hamoda et al explain:

Sexual Activity

May regular sexual activity help?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Prevention of Vaginal Atrophy the JH explain:

“Regular sexual activity (with or without a partner) may help prevent vaginal atrophy. Sexual activity improves blood flow to the vagina which helps keep vaginal tissues elastic and flexible. Sexually active women report fewer symptoms of vaginal atrophy compared to women who don’t have regular sex”.¹³

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vaginal atrophy?

If you think you have vaginal atrophy, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause the NAMS elaborate on:

“Because vaginal discomfort can arise from so many different sources, persistent symptoms of dryness, irritation, burning, itchiness, or pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine their cause”.¹⁴

In Vaginal Atrophy: When To See Your Doctor the JH note:

“Many women experience the symptoms of vaginal atrophy but don’t seek treatment because they feel embarrassed. Others think there is nothing that can be done and that they just have to ‘grin and bear it’. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, make an appointment with your doctor because treatment can be very effective. If pain, irritation or other symptoms continue after treatment, please see your doctor to check for another cause”.¹⁵

In Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society remind us:

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