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Vaginal Atrophy + Vulval Conditions
During perimenopause and the menopause, many women experience symptoms such as dryness and discomfort of the vagina and vulva.
Sometimes, women might feel too embarrassed to seek help, or they may believe that it is a normal part of ageing that they simply have to ‘put up’ with it.
Thankfully, help is at hand, and there are many effective solutions to dryness and discomfort. Our consultant gynaecologists and women’s health team have extensive experience and expertise in the causes and symptoms of vaginal atrophy and vulval conditions, and they can work out an indivualised plan to help treat and manage the symptoms that are affecting you the most.
What is vaginal atrophy?
Your vaginal walls respond to falling levels of oestrogen hormone 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:
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 treatments are available, and our private gynaecologists can help you decide the best options for you.
Vaginal atrophy treatment
Many women try 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 oral 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 level 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.
What other vulval conditions can occur?
Vulval and vaginal symptoms can result from a number of other conditions including infections, skin problems (eg 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.
Our Clinic in London
The Medical Chambers Kensington in London is on hand to provide specialist treatment for vaginal atrophy and vulval conditions. To find out how our private gynaecologists can help you, please telephone 020 7244 4200 for a confidential chat, or make an appointment online.
