Atrophic vaginitis
| Atrophic vaginitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal atrophy, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, estrogen deficient vaginitis |
| Normal vaginal mucosa (left) versus vaginal atrophy (right) | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | Pain with sex, vaginal itchiness or dryness, an urge to urinate |
| Complications | Urinary tract infections |
| Duration | Long term |
| Causes | Lack of estrogen |
| Risk factors | Menopause, breastfeeding, certain medications |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Infectious vaginitis, vulvar cancer, contact dermatitis |
| Treatment | Vaginal estrogen |
| Frequency | Half of women (after menopause) |
Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina as a result of tissue thinning due to low estrogen levels. Symptoms may include pain during penetrative sex, vaginal itchiness or dryness, and an urge to urinate or burning with urination. It generally does not resolve without ongoing treatment. Complications may include urinary tract infections. Atrophic vaginitis as well as vulvovaginal atrophy, bladder and urethral dysfunctions are a group of conditions that constitute genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.
The decrease in estrogen typically occurs following menopause. Other causes may include breastfeeding or using specific medications. Risk factors include smoking.
Treatment for atrophic vaginitis may involve the use of topical estrogen or other estrogen replacement. To treat the symptoms, patients may use lubricants, but it may not help long term as it does not affect the tissues.