Solutions for Vulvovaginal Atrophy from our Healthcare Partner, Dr. Jessica Drummond

March 03, 2023

Blog sourced from our Healthcare Partner, Dr. Jessica Drummond.

"Solutions for Vulvovaginal Atrophy"

Vaginal dryness and vulvovaginal atrophy is a common problem for women. In the United States alone, 32 million women suffer from vulvovaginal atrophy in perimenopause and post-menopause.

The symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy include dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, burning, and painful urination. In perimenopause and menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy and dryness are primarily related to the decline in estrogen.

With estrogen deficiency, profound changes occur in the vagina. The vaginal mucosa becomes thin and can lose flexibility. With less estrogen available to the vulvovaginal tissues, blood flow decreases, normal vaginal discharge is reduced, and maturation of vulvar epithelial cells reduces.

In the postpartum period, there are a variety of causes of sexual pain, including obstetric trauma, such as vaginal tears, episiotomy, and damage to the pelvic floor muscles.

Like in perimenopause and menopause, in the postpartum period there is also a short-term reduction of estrogen that naturally continues through the completion of breastfeeding. The recovery of estrogen levels to pre-pregnancy levels often takes a few months even after breastfeeding has ceased.

Postpartum dyspareunia is common. It is estimated that 50-60% of women have dyspareunia for 6 to 7 weeks following delivery, and 33% and 17% will still report pain during intercourse three and six months after delivery, respectively.

Some postpartum painful sex is directly related to the impacts of postpartum vulvovaginal atrophy and dryness.

“Postpartum dyspareunia is common.”

— Dr. Jessica Drummond

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Frequently asked

What is vulvovaginal atrophy?

Vulvovaginal atrophy is the thinning of the vaginal lining that follows a drop in estrogen. The tissue loses flexibility, blood flow falls and natural discharge decreases. It affects an estimated 32 million women in the United States during perimenopause and after menopause.

What are the symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy?

Pain during sex, vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, burning and painful urination are the most common.

Can vaginal dryness happen after childbirth?

Yes. Estrogen stays low after birth and through breastfeeding, and can take a few months to recover once breastfeeding ends. An estimated 50 to 60 percent of women have painful sex in the six or seven weeks after delivery, and some still do at three and six months. Tears, episiotomy and pelvic floor strain can contribute, so a pelvic floor therapist or clinician can help.

References

Solutions for Vulvovaginal Atrophy— Integrative Women's Health Institute

Your Ingenious Body. Also: Placental Rituals.

The Impact of Weight Loss on Confidence in the Bedroom

Four Before-You-Sleep Bedtime Meditations to Program Your Mind

Common Medications that Can Cause Dryness

Christine Mason

Founder & Author, Rosebud Woman

Christine Marie Mason is the founder and CEO of Rosebud Woman, a leading brand in women’s intimate wellness and self-care. She is the author of six books on embodiment, intimacy, and awakening, and the host of The Rose Woman podcast—ranked in the top 5% worldwide. A longtime yoga and consciousness teacher, Christine writes and speaks on women’s health, sexuality, and midlife vitality, helping people cultivate love, reverence, and radiant wellbeing in every stage of life.

More about Christine Mason

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