What is vaginal atrophy [also known as atrophic vaginitis]?
A change of the vagina that develops when there is a significant decrease in levels of the female hormone estrogen. The vaginal tissue becomes fragile and more prone to injury, tiny tears, and bleeding during sexual intercourse or even during a pelvic examination. The resulting pain can intensify to the point where sexual intercourse is no longer pleasurable or possible. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy affect between 10% and 40% of postmenopausal women. The most common symptom of vaginal atrophy is dryness. First-line therapy for women with vaginal atrophy includes nonhormonal vaginal lubricants. The best personal lubricants to use are vegetable oil based. Women should also be encouraged to continue sexual activity.
