You may not want to talk about Vaginal Atrophy, so we will...
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
If the answer is yes, you are not alone! These bothersome symptoms are among the many warning signs of a condition called Vaginal Atrophy (VA) or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and can occur at any stage in life. There’s no getting away from it, vaginal dryness is difficult to talk about. It’s awkward, it’s embarrassing and it leaves us feeling uncomfortable. Many women have gone through periods of vaginal dryness at various stages of their lives. Vaginal atrophy is a silent epidemic that affects many women who are undoubtedly suffering in silence.
Sex does not need to be a pain…many women are affected, yet too few speak up.
What is Vaginal Atrophy (VA)?
Vaginal atrophy is a treatable, chronic condition that refers to the thinning of the wall of the vagina. Vaginal atrophy is a common condition which results from the hormonal changes that occur at menopause (the time when menstrual periods have ceased); after childbirth; from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity; or due to the side effects of medications such as cancer chemotherapy. This can greatly affect quality of life, even making sitting, standing, exercising or urinating uncomfortable. It can also cause pain during intercourse. The earliest symptoms are decreased vaginal lubrication (dryness) and pain during sexual intercourse, followed by other vaginal and urinary symptoms that may be exacerbated by superimposed infection. Vaginal atrophy also can increase your risk of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Vaginal Atrophy: You are not alone…you can’t bring down the pain until you bring it up!
Vaginal Atrophy is More Common than You Think
- According to the VIVA Survey, almost half of postmenopausal women surveyed in Canada experience vaginal discomfort. Among these women:¹
- 88% experienced vaginal dryness;
- 49% experienced pain during intercourse.
- According to the CLOSER Survey:2
- 27% of Canadian women said vaginal atrophy made them lose confidence in themselves as a sexual partner;
- 3 out of 4 Post-Menopausal Canadian Women Avoid Intimacy due to vaginal dryness and soreness.
- Frank SM et al. Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes (VIVA) survey – Canadian cohort. Menopause Int. 2013 Mar;19(1):20-7. 2. Gingras L et al. CLOSER, CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486
Many women are unaware that they can get very effective non-hormonal treatment for vaginal atrophy and that prompt treatment can keep problems from getting worse.
Despite being a common symptom, the condition remains a taboo subject, as Canadians continue to live up to their reputation of being a nation of prudes. Choosing not to treat the condition can have a serious impact on a woman’s overall sense of mental and physical well-being, with a fifth of women claiming that they have been left feeling depressed as a result.
Vaginal Atrophy can be a big CHANGE in a woman’s life. The good news is that there is now a natural and non-hormonal option to take on these CHANGES head on.
The first step is to talk about what you’re feeling. These issues can be embarrassing to discuss and near taboo, but there is no need to continue to suffer in silence. That’s why we’re speaking up and letting women know they have options to address the root cause of vaginal dryness and painful sex.
Developing a routine with GYNATROF is the secret to preventing and overcoming vaginal dryness
Treatment Options for VA: Click here to find out more about both prescription and non-prescription options. It pays to be well informed!
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.