Complications of Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a fairly common problem for many women, especially as they enter menopause. In fact, data show that while about 15% of younger women suffer from symptoms of vaginal atrophy, more than half of post-menopausal women are affected.

The good news: Today, there are plenty of treatments that can help. At Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, Soheila Rostami, MD, uses a patient-centered approach to help women feel more comfortable and more confident about their vaginal health. 

Here’s what she wants women at her McLean and Dulles, Virginia, practices to know about vaginal atrophy and the complications it can cause.

Vaginal atrophy: The basics

Your vagina depends on the hormone estrogen to maintain its elasticity and natural lubrication. Vaginal atrophy happens when your estrogen levels decline, usually as a result of menopause, but sometimes due to childborth, breastfeeding, or underlying medical issues.

As estrogen levels decrease, the tissues that comprise the vagina become thin, dry, irritated, and inflamed. Over time, those changes can cause some very uncomfortable symptoms and even increase your risks of other problems affecting your reproductive or urinary tract.

At the same time, your body is producing less collagen, a special fiber that helps the vagina (and your skin) maintain firmness and resiliency. With less collagen, vaginal elasticity declines and the vagina becomes thinner and more prone to irritation.

Complications and symptoms

Learning to recognize the symptoms of vaginal atrophy is important, especially because the symptoms may be subtle at first. Some of the more common complications include:

• Pain during or after intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Vaginal discharge
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections
• Burning when urinating
• Urinary incontinence or frequent urge to urinate
• Pain when sitting

At first, your symptoms may be subtle, but over time, they can become more severe and painful.

How vaginal rejuvenation can help

Although vaginal atrophy is very common, many women don’t seek treatment, possibly because they assume the symptoms they have are a “natural” part of aging or because they’re embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing their symptoms.

That’s too bad, because although vaginal atrophy is a “natural” consequence of decreased estrogen levels, that doesn’t mean it’s a change you need to live with. Dr. Rostami helps women relieve vaginal atrophy symptoms and restore vaginal health with state-of-the-art vaginal rejuvenation treatments.

Vaginal rejuvenation uses minimally invasive techniques to stimulate collagen production inside the vaginal walls, restoring both elasticity and lubrication. Better yet, treatment is entirely customizable based on your needs, and “touch-up” treatments can help you maintain your results — and your comfort.

Relief for your vaginal atrophy complications

As a woman, the symptoms of vaginal atrophy can wreak havoc on your health, your confidence, and your well-being. To learn how vaginal rejuvenation can restore your vaginal health — without relying on long-term hormone therapy — book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Rostami and the team at Sanctuary Cosmetic Center today.