What Is Atrophic Vaginitis?
Atrophic vaginitis, which may also be called vaginal atrophy, is most common among women who are postmenopausal or experiencing perimenopause, though it can occur in other circumstances. Some women who are breastfeeding experience this condition and it can also be brought on by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can be an uncomfortable disorder that creates thinning of the vaginal walls. This in turn can cause the vaginal tissue to inflame, which can affect its function and related urinary function. The main cause of atrophic vaginitis is typically reduction in estrogen levels. This naturally occurs during breast-feeding and when women are going through the stages of menopause. Other things like chemotherapy can also cause a decline in estrogen. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy may be mild to severe and they include a sensation of dryness, a burning sensation at all times or during urination, and pain and/or bleeding during and after intercourse. The urinary tract is more susceptible to
During menopause, when estrogen levels drop, the lining of the vagina can become thin and dry, and this may lead to inflammation and infections. This condition is known as atrophic vaginitis, which causes vaginal dryness and irritation, as well as pain and discomfort. Atrophic vaginitis can also interfere with sexual intimacy by making intercourse uncomfortable.
Oestrogen helps to keep your vagina healthy (Q 22.1). During reproductive years, oestrogen encourages the vaginal epithelial (surface) cells to become rich in glycogen (a sort of sugar). When these cells are shed, lactobacilli (a group of bacteria) break down the glycogen to lactic acid. As a result, the fluid in your vagina is kept slightly acidic. This acidity reduces the chance of vaginal infection as most bacteria can thrive only in a less acidic environment. In the reduced oestrogen status associated with the menopause, the vaginal lining may become thin and inflamed atrophic vaginitis (Greek: atrophy – deprived of nourishment; Greek: itis – inflammation).
