Treatment Options for Vaginal Atrophy
Not all women find vaginal atrophy to be a problem. But if you are distressed by the symptoms and want intervention, over-the-counter, non-hormonal products are the first line of help.
Non-Prescription Treatments
Some women find that non-prescription treatments work well, especially for mild symptoms. Non-prescription treatments are hormone-free and have few side effects and are considered an appropriate and ideal first-line therapy. They are applied locally and act immediately. Moisturizers, unlike lubricants, are designed for internal vaginal use and provide longer lasting relief of vaginal dryness, compared to lubricants.
SOGC Recommendations and Treatment Considerations:1,2
“Vaginal moisturizers applied on a regular basis have an efficacy equivalent to local hormone replacement for the treatment of local urogenital symptoms such as vaginal itching, irritation, and dyspareunia, and should be offered to women wishing to avoid use of hormone replacement therapy.”
Women who have pain during intercourse because of overactive pelvic muscles can learn how to relax those muscles by using a device called a vaginal dilator or with physical therapy.Having regular sexual activity, with or without intercourse, also can help relieve symptoms, as does allowing enough time to become aroused. If non-prescription products are not effective, local vaginal estrogen is a Health-Canada approved therapy that has proven effective.
Prescription Medicines
Two types of estrogen are available: topical and systemic.
- Topical (vaginal) estrogen is applied to the surface of the vagina. Studies have shown that topical estrogen is a very effective treatment. Topical treatment doesn’t have the same health risks of systemic estrogen because only small amounts of estrogen reach the bloodstream.
- Systemic estrogen, also called hormone therapy, is taken as a pill, patch, gel, or spray. Systemic estrogen affects the whole body and has some health risks, such as heart attack and blood clots. If you’ve had breast cancer, talk with your doctor about what treatment is best for you. Limiting or avoiding estrogen can help prevent a return of breast cancer. Systemic estrogen, estrogen taken orally as in hormone therapy, should not be used for symptoms that involve vaginal atrophy only.
The following is a 5 minute video with Dr. Cleve Ziegler MD, CSPQ, FRCSC, Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Director of Gynecology at The Jewish General Hospital of Montreal describing how to use a several of these treatment options.
“For women who do not wish to use hormone therapy, or cannot use it because of other health issues such as cancer, non-hormonal vaginal preparations, like GYNATROF, are a treatment option of choice”
For more information, visit the following web sites:
Developing a routine with GYNATROF is the secret to preventing and overcoming vaginal dryness
Vaginal Atrophy: You may not want to talk about Vaginal Atrophy, so we will. Click here to start the conversation.
Vaginal Health at Every Age: To keep your vagina healthy, it’s important to understand what’s going on “down there.” Click here to find out how!
Risk Factors & Triggers: Vaginal Atrophy is usually not dangerous, however if left untreated it can increase the risk for other medical problems. Click here to learn how to identify the risk factors & triggers.
Vaginal Dryness & Menopause: Menopause brings with it noticeable vaginal and vulvar changes including dryness. Click here to get informed.
Vaginal Dryness & Cancer: Treatment for cancer can have a profound effect on your vaginal tissues. Click here to learn more today.
Vaginal Dryness & Birth Control: Oral contraceptives can affect vaginal lubrication triggering discomfort, itchiness or burning, and pain during sex. Click here to get informed on what you can do.
Vaginal Dryness & Pregnancy : Pregnancy can change your body in many unexpected ways. One change you may not be aware of or that no one would have warned you about is vaginal dryness. Click here to learn more now.
Vaginal Dryness & Breastfeeding: If you’re wondering why postpartum vaginal dryness occurs, click here to find out.
Vaginal Dryness & Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Dryness and Pelvic organ prolapse, a type of pelvic floor disorder, can affect many women. Click here to learn more.
Vaginal Dryness & Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and vaginal dryness frequently occur concomitantly in many women. Click here to learn more.