"What disease?" Even the name is unfamiliar... "It's hellish." Pain experienced by half of menopausal 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 abnormal signs throughout their bodies due to a decline in estrogen levels. A typical example is atrophic vaginitis. 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, radiation therapy, or early menopause.

 

☆Atrophic vaginitis mainly occurs in women in their 50s and 60s 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 Woo-Jeong Kim of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, explained, "During the pre- and postmenopausal period, the ovaries gradually lose their function, and hormonal 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."

 

The cause of female hormone deficiency is dryness and discomfort.

 

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. People may also complain of a burning sensation and discomfort.

Second, urinary symptoms can include painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urgency. Itching, in particular, can persist for a long time and be so intense that it often leads to repeated scratching, which can lead to wounds and increased risk of bacterial infection.

 

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."

 

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

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 choosing.

 

☆ Daily hygiene is also important for preventing vaginitis. While it's often thought to be caused by poor hygiene, washing too much or using the wrong method can actually worsen symptoms.

. A typical example is using body shampoo or soap when washing. To prevent the influx of bacteria, the vagina needs to be kept at an appropriate acidity. However, frequently washing with body shampoo or soap can actually upset the acidity balance inside the vagina, creating an environment conducive to 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, but since there are simple and effective treatments, you should visit a hospital immediately if symptoms appear."

 

Reporter Park Jeong-ryeol parkjr@mt.co.kr

......

This doesn't just apply to older people.

Generally applicable to women after menstruation

I'm sharing this because I think it works.