<p id="page-title">Vaginal dryness is present when the tissues of the vagina are no longer well-lubricated and healthy.</p>

<section id="block-system-main">
<p><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></p>

<p>Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a decrease in estrogen.</p>

<p>Estrogen keeps the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. Normally, the lining of the vagina makes a clear, lubricating fluid. This fluid makes sexual intercourse more comfortable. It also helps decrease vaginal dryness.</p>

<p>If estrogen levels drop off, the vaginal tissue shrinks and becomes thinner. This causes dryness and inflammation.</p>

<p>Estrogen levels normally drop after menopause. The following may also cause estrogen levels to drop:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Medicines or hormones used in the treatment of breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, or infertility</li>
	<li>Surgery to remove the ovaries</li>
	<li>Radiation treatment to the pelvic area</li>
	<li>Chemotherap.</li>
	<li>Severe stress, depression, or intense exercise</li>
</ul>

<p>Some women develop this problem right after childbirth or while breastfeeding. Estrogen levels are lower at these times.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000897.htm">vagina can also become further irritated</a>&nbsp;from soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, perfumes, or douches. Certain medicines, smoking, tampons, and condoms may also cause or worsen vaginal dryness.</p>

<h2><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></h2>

<p>Symptoms include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Burning on urination</li>
	<li>Light&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000045.htm">bleeding</a>&nbsp;after intercourse</li>
	<li>Painful sexual intercourse</li>
	<li>Slight&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm">vaginal discharge</a></li>
	<li>Vaginal soreness,&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003217.htm">itching</a>&nbsp;or burning</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="3" name="3">Exams and Tests</a></h2>

<p>A pelvic exam shows that the walls of the vagina are thin, pale or red.</p>

<p>Your vaginal discharge may be tested to rule out other causes for the condition. You may also have hormone level tests to find out if you are in menopause.</p>

<h2><a id="4" name="4">Treatment</a></h2>

<p>There are many treatments for vaginal dryness. Before treating your symptoms on your own, a health care provider must determine the cause of the problem.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Try using lubricants and&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002142.htm">vaginal moisturizing creams</a>. They will often moisten the area for several hours, up to a day. These can be bought without prescription.</li>
	<li>Use a water-soluble vaginal lubricant during intercourse may help. Products with petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or other oils may damage latex condoms or diaphragms.</li>
	<li>Avoid scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, or douches.</li>
</ul>

<p>Prescription estrogen can work well to treat atrophic vaginitis. It is available as a cream, tablet, suppository, or ring. All of these are placed directly into the vagina. These medicines deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal area. Only a little estrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream.</p>

<p>You may take estrogen (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000695.htm">hormone therapy</a>) in the form of a skin patch, or in a pill that you take by mouth if you have hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause.</p>

<p>Women should discuss the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy with their provider.</p>

<h2><a id="5" name="5">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></h2>

<p>Proper treatment will ease symptoms most of the time.</p>

<h2><a id="6" name="6">Possible Complications</a></h2>

<p>Vaginal dryness can:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Make you more likely to get yeast or bacterial infections of the vagina.</li>
	<li>Cause sores or cracks in the walls of the vagina.</li>
	<li>Cause pain with sexual intercourse, which may affect your relationship with your partner or spouse. (Talking openly with your partner may help.)</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="7" name="7">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></h2>

<p>Call your provider if you have vaginal dryness or soreness, burning, itching, or painful sexual intercourse that does not go away when you use a water-soluble lubricant.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Source:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000892.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000892.htm</a></p>

<p>Синонимы:&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaginal dryness; Vaginitis due to reduced estrogen; Atrophic vaginitis; Menopause vaginal dryness</p>
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