Mr. Yoon, who turned 60 this year, has been experiencing increasing burning sensations and pain in his external genital area, leading to discomfort. After several days of worrying whether he might have a serious illness, Mr. Yoon visited the hospital and was diagnosed with a unfamiliar condition called atrophic vaginitis (senile vaginitis) and began treatment.

Women approaching menopause detect abnormal signals throughout their bodies due to decreased female hormones (estrogen). Atrophic vaginitis is a representative example. Atrophic vaginitis occurs when ovarian function declines after menopause, leading to decreased female hormone secretion and reduced vaginal self-cleaning function. It can also occur in cases of ovarian removal surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and early menopause.

 

Atrophic vaginitis primarily 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 Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)" is used to describe vaginal atrophy and the associated symptoms. Professor Kim Woo-jung of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University, explained, "During the process of approaching menopause or postmenopause, the ovaries gradually lose function, and hormone levels decrease, causing the vaginal mucosa to thin and dry out," adding, "This is the process in which symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain, collectively known as atrophic vaginitis, appear."

 

Causes of female hormone deficiency... "Dry and uncomfortable"

 

Atrophic vaginitis is not uncommon, with reports indicating that it occurs in up to about 50% of postmenopausal women. The tissue surrounding the vaginal wall becomes thin and dry, leading to inflammation, which in turn causes a variety of symptoms.

 

The first sign is a lack of lubrication (dryness), which can also be felt during sexual intercourse. It is also common to complain of burning sensations and discomfort.

The second involves urinary symptoms such as pain during urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urgency. In particular, itching persists for a long time, often becoming intense and leading to repeated scratching, which can cause wounds or make bacterial infections more likely to occur.

 

In addition, the vaginal mucosa becomes thinner, and vaginal discharge decreases, making it easy to bleed even with slight stimulation, and causing pain during intercourse and post-coital bleeding. In some cases, the pain during intercourse can be so severe that it is described as feeling like "going to hell."

 

☆ Washing too often or using soap excessively can actually be harmful.

The treatment of atrophic vaginitis may involve antibiotic therapy to eliminate bacteria if severe inflammation or infection is present, but since the fundamental cause is hormonal deficiency, replenishing the missing hormones is the priority. Usually, systemic or local estrogen therapy (topical vaginal estrogen) is administered. Estrogen suppositories or creams for vaginal application help alleviate symptoms caused by vaginal atrophy after menopause as well as reduce severe pain during intercourse.

Professor Kim Woo-jung advised, "Vaginal suppositories or creams are minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and do not increase the risk of breast cancer. If patients refuse hormone therapy or cannot undergo hormone treatment, vaginal moisturizers can be used to reduce vaginal dryness, and water-based lubricants can be used to alleviate discomfort during sexual intercourse."

 

Vaginal suppositories containing female hormones help maintain and improve blood flow, epithelial collagen, vaginal skin thickness, elasticity, and acidity within the vagina, alleviating symptoms. Low-dose oral female hormone medications may also be helpful, but in elderly patients, since the benefits and risks of hormone therapy vary, it is safest to consult a specialist before choosing the treatment.

 

☆To prevent vaginitis, daily care is also important. It is often thought to be caused by poor hygiene, but in fact, washing too much or with improper methods can worsen the symptoms.

Using body wash or soap when washing is typical. To prevent bacterial invasion, the vaginal area should be kept at a proper acidic level, but frequent washing with body wash or soap can actually disrupt the vaginal pH balance, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Feminine hygiene products can help alleviate symptoms, but they are not a fundamental treatment.

 

Professor Kim Woo-jung said, "Atrophic vaginitis can occur in anyone as they age, and it does not pose a major health problem by itself," adding, "Many women are reluctant to reveal it and feel uncomfortable, but since there are simple and effective treatments available, they should visit a hospital immediately if symptoms appear."

 

Journalist Park Jung-ryeol parkjr@mt.co.kr

......

This is not only applicable to elderly people.

Generally applicable to women after menstruation

I think it works, so I am sharing it.