Vulvovaginitis

What is vulvovaginitis?

Vulvovaginitis is Vulva infection in women who have passed menopause.

Typical symptoms are dry mucous membranes and pain in the vagina. There may be pain and painful intercourse. There may also be pain during urination, frequent urinary tract infections and prone to incontinence. Some may have increased vaginal discharge. Is mucous membrane is very delicate, there may come a bloodstained discharge and tend to crack, for example. intercourse.

How common is vulvovaginitis?

Vulvovaginitis is very common and affects about half of all women after menopause.

What causes dry mucous membranes and thin?

After menopause form one much less estrogen in the body than previously. Estrogen is needed to strengthen the mucous membrane in the abdomen. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, the mucous membrane thinner and more vulnerable. This change occurs in the vagina, but also of the mucous membranes of the urinary bladder and urethra. When the mucous membrane becomes thinner, there comes easier inflammation of the intestinal bacteria that are always present in the crotch. It can cause recurrent urinary tract infections and vaginal discharge.

What are the symptoms of vulvovaginitis?

The typical symptoms are dry mucous membranes, irritation and burning in the vagina and the labia. There may be pain and painful intercourse. There may also be pain when urinating, frequent bladder infections and problems with retaining water. Some may have increased vaginal discharge. Is mucous membrane is very delicate, there may come a bloodstained discharge and tend to crack, for example. intercourse.

What symptoms should you pay particular attention to?

Bleeding and vaginal discharge after menopause should always be investigated.

How is it diagnosed?

You will get a gynecological examination. Vulvovaginitis is visible in the investigation because the state provides completely typical changes in the mucous membranes.

What medical treatment is there?

The aim of treatment is to strengthen the mucosa. This is done by adding estrogens.

Estrogen given locally in the vagina as suppositories (pessaries) or cream in the vagina. One can also use a vaginal ring releasing hormone. The ring should be changed every 3 months.

When you use estrogen locally in the vagina, there is only a small part that gets absorbed. Local treatment can be used by all.

It may take several months before the mucous membrane is normal. Therefore, you should continue treatment for at least three months, even if you initially do not notice any difference. If you stop the treatment the mucous thin again.

Local treatment with estrogen does not help any other symptoms of menopause. If you need treatment for hot flashes and sweating, etc., use the estrogen patch, cream or tablets (see menopause ). If you use estrogen in this way, it is not necessary with ointment or suppository into the vagina on top.

How is long-term prospects?

It may be necessary to lifelong treatment.

How do I avoid or aggravate vulvovaginitis?

• The best treatment is estrogen therapy in the vagina, so if you have problems with vulvovaginitis, you should go to the doctor and get a prescription for this
• Sex increases blood circulation in the abdomen and can thereby strengthen the mucous membranes
• Avoid smoking as it counteracts estrogen
• In relation to sex, it is important to use a good lubricant, preferably with silicone (available at pharmacies)
• Pharmacist is also hormone-free preparations that can make the vagina more moist, so-called moisturizers. They should make real and not as a lubricant during intercourse

The area around the sex is more sensitive after menopause, and it is important to avoid unnecessary irritation:

• Do not wash with soap, just water. By stinging or discomfort can be used any saline or. oil on a cotton ball
• Use any. a barrier ointment to lubricate the sensitive areas
• Avoid clothing that tightens in the area
• Avoid shaving