Have you heard of vulvovaginal atrophy? This is an intimate disorder that particularly affects postmenopausal women. Odile Bagot, gynecologist-obstetrician, teaches us how to recognize and treat this condition.
Vulvovaginal atrophy: key symptoms not to be neglected
Vulvovaginal atrophy corresponds to a thinning of the vaginal walls due to a drop in estrogen, common after menopause or during breastfeeding. “The most common cause is estrogen deficiency, mainly affecting postmenopausal women,”
Odile Bagot confirms to us.
But other medical causes can also be responsible: radiotherapy, chemotherapy or even ovarian surgery can induce early menopause, and therefore promote a thinner and less elastic vaginal wall. Without forgetting progestogen hormonal treatments, which worsen vulvovaginal atrophy. “Women who take a low estrogenic pill are obviously concerned“, specifies the expert.
Result ? All these situations have a significant impact on the mucous membrane which becomes fragile, causing pain, cracks and discomfort during intercourse. But the number one symptom of this condition remains severe vaginal dryness.
“This dryness is generally constant. It can also appear in certain vulvar pathologies, such as vulvar lichen sclerosus, where dryness is felt on a daily basis and especially during sexual intercourse,” explains the gynecologist.
Be careful, however, to distinguish this feeling of chronic dryness from the absence of lubrication only at the time of intercourse, linked to a lack of excitement.
Vaginal atrophy: what treatments to consider?
If many women suffer in silence from this drought, good news: concrete solutions exist.
Estrogen treatment, administered vaginally, represents the best treatment, explains the expert.
“When atrophy is due to estrogen deficiency, the ideal treatment is the local administration of estrogens, effective in restoring the vaginal epithelium. Even in certain patients treated for breast cancer, quarterly local estrogen treatment can be considered under medical supervision, unless there is a strict contraindication. Note that certain treatments, such as anti-aromatases, can aggravate atrophy by accentuating the hormonal deficiency”, underlines the specialist.
Additional measures can also relieve dryness: hydrophilic gels (to be applied twice a week, not reimbursed) or injections containing hyaluronic acid can help; just like the laser.
“Another popular technique, although still being validated: biophotomodulation, which can regenerate tissues”, says Dr. Bagot.
Finally, regular use of lubricants – and having frequent intercourse – help maintain lubrication and elasticity of the mucous membrane.
Still too little known, vulvovaginal atrophy is neither inevitable nor a simple discomfort linked to age. Effective local treatments exist, and early treatment helps avoid lasting pain and impairment of the quality of intimate life.
Talking to a healthcare professional about these symptoms remains the essential first step to regaining comfort and well-being.