- Medical History: The healthcare provider will start by asking about the woman’s medical history, including symptoms, any changes in menstrual or menopausal status, medications, and any relevant medical conditions or treatments.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination of the vaginal and pelvic area may be performed to assess the condition of the vaginal tissues. The healthcare provider will look for signs of thinning, dryness, and inflammation.
- Symptom Assessment: The healthcare provider will inquire about specific symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal itching, and urinary symptoms, to help establish the diagnosis.
- Exclusion of Other Conditions: The healthcare provider may also rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as infections, dermatological conditions, or gynecological problems.
In some cases, additional tests or diagnostic procedures may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or assess the severity of vaginal atrophy. These can include:
- Vaginal pH Testing: A pH test may be performed to measure the acidity of the vaginal environment. Vaginal atrophy is associated with an increase in vaginal pH.
- Vaginal Smear/Cytology: A vaginal smear or cytology test may be conducted to examine the vaginal cells, which can show changes associated with vaginal atrophy.
- Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy of the vaginal tissues may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
6. Vaginal Atrophy Can Affect Your Sex Life
Vaginal atrophy can have a significant impact on a woman’s sex life including painful intercourse, decreased lubrication, loss of libido and difficulty achieving an orgasm.
Open communication with a healthcare provider and, if necessary, with your partner, can be crucial in managing the effects of vaginal atrophy on your sex life and overall well-being. Treating vaginal atrophy can help you enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling sex life.
7. Nonhormonal Treatments Can Help
Non-hormonal treatments such as lubricants, moisturizers, kegel exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be effective in managing the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, providing relief and improving vaginal health without the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
RELATED: Vaginal Atrophy: 5 Non-Hormonal Treatment Options
8. Hormonal Treatments Are Another Option
Hormonal treatments are a commonly used and highly effective option for managing vaginal atrophy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to address the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, particularly in women who are experiencing discomfort due to low estrogen levels. HRT helps to restore estrogen levels in the body, which can alleviate the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal tissues and improve overall vaginal health.
9. Healthy Choices Can Improve Vaginal Health
There are various healthy lifestyle choices and practices that can contribute to improving vaginal health, either as standalone strategies or in conjunction with medical treatments. These can help enhance your overall well-being and may complement your treatment options for vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal atrophy is a common yet under-discussed condition that affects many women as they age. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial for women’s overall health and well-being. If you suspect you are experiencing vaginal atrophy, don’t hesitate to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider, as there are effective solutions to help you regain your comfort and quality of life.