Vaginal Dryness Specialist

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is usually due to decreased estrogen levels.

Estrogen is a female hormone that keeps your vulvovaginal tissues moist and healthy. When your estrogen production decreases, your vaginal lining thins, and your body produces less lubrication. These changes can lead to uncomfortable vaginal dryness and inflammation.

Additional symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal burning, discomfort, or itching

What causes vaginal dryness?

A common cause of vaginal dryness is atrophic vaginitis, or vaginal atrophy, due to decreased estrogen production after menopause. This condition affects the vaginal and vulvar tissues causing them to grow thinner, dryer, and lose their flexibility.

In addition to menopause, women can also experience temporary decreases in estrogen that cause vaginal dryness as well due to:

• Smoking
• Immune disorders
• Childbirth and breastfeeding
• Surgical removal of the ovaries
• Approaching menopause (perimenopause)
• Cancer treatments or radiation therapy to the pelvis
• Certain medications like allergy, cold, and anti-estrogen drugs

How is vaginal dryness treated?

In addition to oral medications, there are several safe and effective treatments for vaginal dryness. Based on your symptoms and individual needs, your MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists team member might recommend a variety of therapies.

This type of treatment uses low doses of estrogen applied or inserted into your vagina to relieve dryness. Because of the small amounts of hormones used, vaginal estrogens come with fewer side effects than oral hormone therapies. Your MyDoc Women’s Health Specialist might recommend a cream, insert, or vaginal estrogen ring based on your symptoms.

Vaginal lubricants and moisturizer

A wide variety of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers are available with or without prescription. Some are regularly applied to lubricate the vaginal tissues while others are for use during sexual activity. Your provider at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialist can suggest several options based on your unique needs.

ThermiVa® Vaginal Rejuvenation

The MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists team offers innovative, non-hormonal treatments like ThermiVa®. This minimally invasive therapy gently heats your vaginal tissue with radiofrequency energy to restore healthy lubrication and elasticity. In response to the heat, your vaginal walls contract, and the microscopic tears stimulate the production of collagen in the area, which makes your vulvovaginal tissues strong and flexible.

Put an end to your vaginal dryness, call MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.