Menopause: "I've been to hell and back." Severe pain and even bleeding... This disease affects half of all women.

Ms. Yoon, who turned 60 this year, has been experiencing increasingly worsening burning and pain in her external genitalia lately. After worrying for days about whether she might have a serious illness, she visited a hospital and was diagnosed with the unfamiliar term "atrophic vaginitis (senile vaginitis)." She began treatment.

 

Women going through menopause begin to detect signs of declining estrogen levels throughout their bodies. Atrophic vaginitis is a prime example. Atrophic vaginitis occurs after menopause, when ovarian function declines, leading to decreased estrogen production and impaired vaginal cleansing. It can also occur after oophorectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, or in cases of premature menopause.

Atrophic vaginitis mainly occurs in women over the age of 50 or 60, and is also called senile vaginitis or nonspecific vaginitis. Medically, because it causes both vaginal and urinary symptoms, the term "genitourinary menopausal syndrome (GSM)" is used to describe vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms. Professor Kim Woo-jung of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, explained, "During the perimenopause or menopause, the ovaries gradually lose their function, and hormone function declines, causing the vaginal mucosa to become thin and dry. This is the process in which symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain, that is, atrophic vaginitis, appear."

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The cause of female hormone deficiency is dryness and discomfort.

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Atrophic vaginitis is not uncommon, reported to occur in up to 50% of postmenopausal women. The tissue surrounding the vaginal wall becomes thin, dry, and inflamed, leading to a variety of symptoms.

 

The first sign is lack of lubrication (dryness), which can be felt even during intercourse.

They also usually complain of burning sensation and discomfort.

 

Second, urinary symptoms may include painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urgency. In particular, itching lasts for a long time and is so intense that it often leads to repeated scratching, which can cause wounds or make bacterial infections more likely.

 

Additionally, as the vaginal mucosa thins and vaginal discharge decreases, even mild stimulation can cause bleeding, or even pain during or after intercourse. In some cases, pain during intercourse can be so severe that it's described as "going to hell and coming back."

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Washing too often or using soap is not good for you.

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Treatment for atrophic vaginitis often involves antibiotics to eliminate bacteria in cases of severe inflammation or infection. However, since the underlying cause is hormonal deficiencies, treatment to replenish the hormones is the priority. Systemic or topical estrogen therapy is typically administered. Estrogen tablets or creams applied vaginally can help reduce symptoms of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy as well as severe pain during intercourse.

 

Professor Kim Woo-jeong advised, "Vaginal creams and ointments do not increase the risk of breast cancer because the amount absorbed into the body is minimal." He added, "If a patient refuses or cannot undergo hormone therapy, they can use vaginal moisturizers to reduce vaginal dryness and water-soluble lubricants to relieve discomfort during sexual intercourse."

 

Vaginal creams containing female hormones help alleviate symptoms by maintaining and improving blood flow, epithelial collagen, vaginal skin thickness, elasticity, and acidity. Low-dose oral estrogen preparations may also be helpful. However, given the pros and cons of estrogen preparations in older patients, it's best to consult a specialist before making the decision.

 

Preventing vaginitis also requires daily care. While it's often thought to be caused by poor hygiene, washing too much or using the wrong methods can actually worsen symptoms.

 

A prime example is using body shampoo or soap when washing. To prevent bacterial infiltration, the vagina needs to be kept at a suitable acidity. However, frequent washing with body shampoo or soap can disrupt the vaginal acidity balance, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.

 

Feminine hygiene products may help relieve symptoms, but they are not a cure.

 

Professor Kim Woo-jeong said, "Atrophic vaginitis can occur in anyone as they age, and it does not cause any major health problems in itself." He added, "Many women are reluctant to reveal it and just accept it even if it is uncomfortable. However, since there are simple and effective treatments, you should visit a hospital immediately if symptoms appear."

 

 

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I also saw detailed information about vaginitis last week.

They say it often happens due to bad habits in daily life.

 

It is also good to use the whole female genital masturbation regularly.

It's not profitable

 

If you feel any discomfort,

The quickest solution is to go to the hospital first.