ATROPHIC VAGINITIS: how to improve?

Atrophic vaginitis is vaginal dryness caused by thinning tissue and reduced lubrication.

Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a decrease in estrogen. Estrogen levels typically drop after menopause.

1. Estrogen is very important for keeping the vaginal tissues lubricated and healthy. Normally, the lining of the vagina produces a clear lubricating fluid. This fluid makes sexual intercourse more comfortable and helps reduce vaginal irritation. Thinning or shrinking of vaginal tissue causes dryness and inflammation. 2. Medications or hormones used to lower estrogen levels in women, as part of treatment for breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or infertility. 3. Radiation therapy to the pelvic region or chemotherapy. 4. Severe stress, depression, or rigorous exercise. 5. Atrophic vaginitis can occur in young women who have undergone surgery to remove their ovaries. Some women develop the condition immediately after childbirth or during breastfeeding, as estrogen levels are lower in these situations. 6. The vagina can also become more irritated by soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, perfumes, and douches. Certain medications, tobacco, tampons, and condoms can also cause or worsen vaginal dryness.

There are many treatments for vaginal dryness. Before self-medicating your symptoms, a doctor should determine if the problem is caused by reduced estrogen, infection, irritation, medication, or another cause.

Some over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers are available without a prescription. They will often moisturize the area for several hours. This effect can last up to a day. Use a water-soluble vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse. Do not use petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or other oils. They can increase the chances of infection and damage the latex in condoms and diaphragms. Avoid perfumed soaps, lotions, perfumes, and douches.

Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizing creams are also available. Prescription estrogen is very effective in treating atrophic vaginitis. It is available in creams, tablets, suppositories, or rings, all inserted directly into the vagina. These medications deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal area. Only a small amount of estrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream. There is currently an innovative laser treatment (Fotona). It is a quick, painless, safe, non-invasive treatment, with no pre or post-operative care. It is a 10 to 20-minute session, single or a maximum of 2 sessions, with no complications. The laser leads to an increase in vaginal lubrication, neocollagenesis (formation of new collagen), and an improvement in epithelial trophism, resulting in improved sensitivity and comfort during sexual intercourse.

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.