Health x Wellness
Feminine health and vaginal atrophy
Historically, feminine health has always been a sensitive issue that most ladies do not like to openly talk about. Feminine health issues such as vaginal atrophy after menopause and vaginal laxity after childbirth is extremely common.
These conditions not only affect one’s self esteem and confidence, they often have an impact on one’s relationship with her partner.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy refers to the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal wall caused by a reduction in female hormone (estrogen) level, most commonly after menopause.
Some may experience vaginal atrophy during breastfeeding, while taking hormonal birth control pills or after surgical removal of the ovaries. Whatever the cause is, the symptoms of vaginal atrophy can be very distressing physically and mentally to women.
What are the symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?
Women who have vaginal atrophy often find sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful. This unsatisfactory intercourse experience inevitably has a negative impact on women’s relationship with their partners and often leads to relationship issues and psychological distress.
They may also experience recurrent vaginal infections because of the change in acid balance in the vagina. It is also common to experience distressing urinary symptoms such as urine leakage and frequent urination.
When to see a Doctor.
Most postmenopausal women experience unpleasant vaginal changes but few seek treatment. Women are often embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctors and would rather live with these symptoms.
Simple and effective treatments are available for feminine health issues such as vaginal atrophy. Women who experience symptoms such as painful intercourse, unexplained vaginal discharge or bleeding, and unusual urinary symptoms should make an appointment to consult a medical professional.
What are the treatments available?
The aim of the treatments is to improve overall vagina health and quality of life.
Over-the-counter water-based lubricants, applied before sexual intercourse can help reduce discomfort during intercourse. Vaginal moisturisers can be applied every few days to help reduce overall vaginal dryness and restore vaginal moisture. If these do not help, you may require estrogen replacement therapy.
Hormonal therapy
Estrogen is a hormone that helps improve vaginal wall moisture and elasticity. It comes in the form topical cream, vaginal estrogen ring, vaginal estrogen tablet and oral tablet. These are prescribed medication therefore you can only get them from your doctors. Consult your doctor and discuss thoroughly before starting on hormonal therapy.
Vaginal dilators
If sexual intercourse is unpleasant, vaginal dilators may be useful before engaging in sexual activity. They help stretch the vaginal wall and muscles to ease the sexual activities.
Lifestyle and Diet
The importance of lifestyle and diet is often overlooked. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and hormonal balance. Besides, it keeps your overall health in check therefore improves your overall well being after menopause. Do not go overboard with weight loss and exercise because this can contribute to worsening of vaginal dryness.
You are what you eat. Eat a balanced diet and keep yourself well hydrated to maintain feminine health and overall health.
Smoking adversely affects your blood circulation and reduces the blood flow to the genital and vaginal area. Excessive caffeine and alcohol may also make the condition worse.
Stay sexually active. Sexual activities improve blood circulation to the genital area and help maintain vaginal moisture. In the long run, it makes sexual activities more pleasant.
Technology
Technology has come a long way in terms of feminine health treatment. A safe and popular treatment for vaginal atrophy and feminine health now is Radio Frequency (RF) treatment. A combination of Radio Frequency and Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Fields (PEMF) stimulates collagen and elastin growth in and around the vagina. This results in regeneration of healthy tissues and improvement of blood circulation in the genital region.
Generally, this treatment helps improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy and overall sexual experience by improving vaginal canal moisture, sensation and elasticity of vaginal wall.
Feminine health is important. Do not shy away from discussing this and seeking help from the professionals when necessary.
Article contributed by Dr Sii Sik Liong: Dr Sii Sik Liong is the resident doctor at S Aesthetics Clinic, he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from St George’s University of London. He also holds the postgraduate qualification of the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP, UK). He is an experienced doctor in the field of Aesthetic Medicine. He is fully accredited in aesthetic procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox and laser treatment.
Dr Sii believes in consistence holistic and friendly approach to his patients has earned him numerous compliments throughout the years, and he will continue to improve to produce better care and treatment for his patients.
- Photos by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
- Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
