If you are going through the menopause, there are many different areas of your wellness and wellbeing that can be affected, and your sexual health is one of the most important ones. Unfortunately, this is the area of menopause that is less often talked about, as women often feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to discuss them – even with their GP – even although most know that the menopause is a natural part of getting older.
Whilst symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and hot flashes are frequently discussed by menopausal women, it is less common to hear dialogue regarding issues such as vaginal itching and burning, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, frequent urinary tract infections, urgent or painful urination and bleeding during intercourse. These are all signs of something called atrophic vaginitis, which is also known as vaginal atrophy.
These symptoms are distressing and debilitating and can have an impact on your emotional health, as well as your physical health. Pain during intercourse in particular can be distressing as it can interfere with your ability to enjoy intimacy with your partner. The pain that women experience in this area can range from mild and temporary to long term and debilitating. It is very important to talk to your healthcare provider about this symptom, as there are things that can be done and there is really no need to suffer in silence.
The reason that vaginal atrophy occurs is due to the decreasing of oestrogen during the menopause. This hormone keeps the vagina flexible and produces natural lubricants, and so during the menopause the elasticity is diminished and a decrease in blood flow often occurs. This can lead to dryness and to cracking of the vaginal tissues.
The good news, however, is that vaginal atrophy is highly treatable, and so it is really worth contacting your healthcare professional if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms.
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