What is it? How common is it?
Vaginal atrophy, or vaginal ageing, affects up to 50% of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women. A woman’s natural decline in oestrogen levels during menopause or sudden decline following surgery and some medical treatments, significantly affect the vaginal structure and function.
The walls of the vagina become thinner and the natural elasticity and blood supply is reduced. The protective mucosa of the vagina can lose hydration and thickness, causing loss of lubrication. The changes in the natural acid balance (pH) of the internal environment have detrimental effects on the function and health of the vagina.
Most important to know is treatments are available and they do work. Book a consult with the RSHC team to discuss.
What’s to know about vaginal atrophy?
The symptoms can have a negative impact on your general wellbeing, causing lifestyle alterations and in many cases placing stress on intimate relationships. Research has indicated that almost half of all women will suffer from the effects of vaginal atrophy in their lifetime, yet only 25% will seek medical help.
The following list summarises many of the most common physical symptoms of vaginal atrophy
There are solutions!
The good news is that there are treatments for vaginal atrophy and most women can find a solution that works for them.
Treatment Option 1: Medication
The most common treatment is ongoing application of hormone based (oestrogen) ie: creams directly in the vagina. These work well for some women however others are not able to use these creams due to past medical history or they become uncomfortable with the process and discontinue use.
Treatment Option 2: THERMIva
THERMIva (vaginal regeneration) is a temperature-controlled radio frequency device that treats the vulvovaginal region restoring moisture and elasticity to the vaginal canal, improving mild/moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI), reduction in overactive bladder symptoms and helping to improve sexual function. THERMIva safely and effectively treats both the internal and external vulvovaginal areas including the labia majora and labia minora, as well as the nerve bundle and glans. THERMIva offers an alternative for female rejuvenation that is non-surgical, non-invasive and pain free. There is no downtime and no anaesthetics are required. This treatment is available at RSHC.
What to expect when you have an appointment
Due to the potential causes of vaginal atrophy, expect to be asked multiple questions. You may be required to arrange tests to determine the causes of the problem.
Our Locations Why do we have so many locations and online services available?
This enables us to serve you better and closer to your home or work. We don’t want distance to be a barrier to access. We apologise if this is confusing, if you have any difficulty, please email admin@rshealth.com.au with preferred location and practitioner.