Vaginal Atrophy Treatment in Birmingham, AL

Vaginal atrophy is often a natural side effect of menopause. This condition includes symptoms of vaginal dryness, inflammation, and general discomfort of the genital region due to thinning tissues within the vaginal wall.

The board-certified OBGYNs at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology specialize in treating vaginal atrophy. Learn more about the symptoms of vaginal atrophy and request an appointment online at our OBGYN office in Birmingham, AL today.

What is the Cause of Vaginal Atrophy?

During a woman’s lifetime, her estrogen hormones help to keep the vagina well lubricated and supple. However, these hormone levels typically die down as a woman transitions through menopause, which typically leads to a variety of unique symptoms and conditions, including vaginal atrophy.

Aside from menopause, other common contributors to lower estrogen levels and development of vaginal atrophy include:

• Breastfeeding
• Removal of the ovaries
• Side effects of various medications

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?

As previously mentioned, women suffering from vaginal atrophy are very likely to experience vaginal dryness, which can in turn result in a variety of specific symptoms such as:

• Pain during intercourse
• Shortening and/or tightening of the vaginal canal
• Pain while urinating
• Discharge from the vagina
• Spotting
• An itching or burning sensation of the genitals
• Urinary incontinence
• Increased frequency or urges to urinate

What is the Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy?

Sadly, only a small portion of the women who experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy will ever consult their doctor about it. Many feel embarrassed by the condition and the symptoms it presents, and so they never get a chance to learn about the multiple solutions available to them.

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, or have any concerns at all regarding your sexual health, we urge you to contact Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology as soon as possible to schedule a consultation with our sexual health specialists.

Once a case of vaginal atrophy has been diagnosed, your OB/GYN will begin recommending suitable treatment options based on the individual patient and their unique circumstances. The most common treatment methods used to relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy include:

• Lotions, oils, and other water-based lubricants
• Dilators to help widen the vaginal canal
• Hormone therapy