Atrophic vaginitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female reproductive anatomy

Causes of painful intercourse

Uterus

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Atrophic vaginitis

Treatment:

Topical estrogen creams or tablets may be used vaginally. Alternatively, oral or transdermal estrogen replacement therapy may be initiated. Usually, this is effective in overcoming the problem. Women may want to discuss the risks and benefits of oral estrogen replacement therapy with their physicians.

Painful sexual intercourse may be helped by using a water-soluble vaginal lubricant.

Expectations (prognosis):

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Proper treatment will usually relieve the symptoms.

Complications:

Atrophic vaginitis may predispose a woman to having vaginal infections caused by bacteria or fungi (yeast). However, usually there is not a specific infection. Instead, there is a localized skin reaction to the normal bacteria found there.
The condition can cause open sores or cracks in the vaginal wall.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are experiencing vaginal dryness or soreness, burning, itching, or painful sexual intercourse that is not alleviated with a water-soluble lubricant.