Why should I seek treatment for atrophic vaginitis?

Up to half of all menopausal women experience atrophic vaginitis, the thinning and hardening of vaginal tissues as a result of declining estrogen levels, which can lead to pain during intercourse. Atrophic vaginitis also may occur at other “low estrogen” times in a woman’s life, such during breastfeeding or after cancer treatment.

Many women are embarrassed to reach out for help, or rationalize the symptoms as a part of aging and a reason to stop being sexual, especially if they don’t have a partner. However, in addition to affecting a woman’s relationship, atrophic vaginitis can also lead to problems with vaginal infections and incontinence, so it’s important to seek treatment with a healthcare provider.

There are several reasons why it is important to treat atrophic vaginitis. It increases the likelihood of developing yeast and bacterial infections. It also increases the chance of getting fissures or tears in the vaginal wall. Atrophic vaginitis can cause sexual intercourse to be painful. That is why it is important to be treated.