About Vaginal Dryness and Painful Sex
Many women experience changes in vaginal tissue after menopause that can lead to vaginal dryness, itching and burning, and painful sex. These vaginal tissue changes are called vaginal atrophy and they may cause vaginal discomfort.
If you are experiencing bothersome vaginal symptoms, understanding what vaginal atrophy is, and what causes it, can help you understand the importance of finding a treatment that can help address the underlying cause.
Some menopausal symptoms can diminish once your transition through menopause is complete, but not vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy doesn't go away on its own, and, if it's left untreated, it can get worse over time.
What causes vaginal dryness and painful sex?
Vaginal atrophy, which can lead to vaginal dryness, itching and burning, and painful sex, often occurs during menopause because your body is making less of the female hormone estrogen. Lower estrogen levels can trigger a variety of menopausal symptoms, including vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal atrophy means:
- There may be less vaginal lubrication
- Tissues in and around the vagina become thinner and less elastic
As a result of vaginal atrophy, you may experience:
- Dryness, burning, and itching in and around the vagina
- Vaginal discomfort during sexual intercourse, or painful sex
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to talk with your health care professional. Talking about vaginal discomfort can be embarrassing, but your doctor might not ask if you don't bring up the subject yourself. One way to help get the conversation started is to print and fill out the Doctor Discussion Checklist and bring the checklist to your appointment.
What can you do to get relief?
Low levels of estrogen in the body are the cause of vaginal atrophy at menopause. To help relieve the vaginal dryness and painful sex that may come with vaginal atrophy, ask your health care professional about PREMARIN Vaginal Cream.
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream treats the underlying cause of these symptoms and can restore the vaginal tissues that provide elasticity and lubrication.
And you won't have to use PREMARIN Vaginal Cream forever, just for as long as symptoms of vaginal atrophy are bothering you.
Learn more about treating vaginal dryness and painful sex after menopause with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream.