Vaginal atrophy treatment 

Your vaginal walls respond to falling levels of the hormone oestrogen after the menopause by becoming thinner, drier, less elastic and generally more fragile. Known as vaginal atrophy, these changes also affect the natural acidity of the vagina, and make it difficult for normal, protective bacteria to flourish. 

Vaginal atrophy can lead to a variety of intimate symptoms, such as:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal discharge
• Burning or soreness 
• Itching and irritation
• Urinary frequency or discomfort
• Urinary leakage
• Painful sex 
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially after sex
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal yeast infections (e.g. thrush)
• Bacterial imbalances (e.g. bacterial vaginitis, known as BV)

Some women even find it uncomfortable to sit down or are no longer able to exercise or ride a bicycle because of the pain. Not surprisingly, these problems can lead to loss of confidence, relationship difficulties and affect your quality of life. The good news is that effective vaginal atrophy treatment is available, and our private gynaecologists can help you decide on the best options for you at our London clinic.

Many women try an over-the-counter feminine itching treatment or a vaginal moisturiser. These can provide temporary relief but do not treat the underlying cause, meaning your symptoms are likely to return.

The standard treatment for vaginal atrophy is a topical oestrogen preparation, such as a vaginal cream or vaginal pessary. These usually start to relieve your symptoms within a few weeks of treatment, with continued improvement over the following months.

If you have other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes or fatigue, then HRT is another option.

Other treatments for vaginal atrophy include MonaLisa Touch, a non-surgical laser treatment that can help to restore vaginal tissues to their normal, pre-menopause thickness, elasticity and levels of moisture. Many women notice an improvement after the first session of MonaLisa Touch, but a course of three treatments is recommended, along with an annual maintenance treatment, if needed. 

The Cleveland Clinic, one of America's top five hospitals, has published more about energy-based treatments and you can learn more here.

Many women have also found that radiofrequency – a non-invasive heat technology – can also reduce the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, by helping to regenerate the tissue lining of the vaginal walls and pelvic floor muscles. 

Vulval and vaginal symptoms can result from a number of other conditions, including infections, skin problems (e.g. dermatitis, genital psoriasis, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus and pain syndromes (vulvodynia) all of which need different treatments.

If you experience vulval conditions, or notice changes such as white patches, discolouration, flaking, scaliness or lumps in the area, seek medical help as soon as possible. Although rare, it is also important to rule out vulval cancer.        

Our women’s health specialists work alongside a team of doctors, including GPs, specialists in dermatology, (skin diseases), endocrinology (hormone imbalances) and surgery and we offer a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of vulval conditions.