Vulvar and vaginal atrophy

Overview:

One of the most common causes of sexual pain comes from hormonal changes (decreased estrogen and testosterone) that causes vaginal and vulvar tissue to become thin. This leads to dryness, irritation, tearing, and pain at the vestibule (vestibulodynia.)

Causes:

There are many causes of these hormonal changes including hormonal contraceptive (pills patchs, rings, shots, and IUDs,) infertility medications, treatment for endometriosis (Lupron, oral contraceptives), removal of the ovaries, and menopause. In the author’s experience, hormonal birth control is the leading cause of sexual pain in premenopausal women. One way to prevent getting vulvar and vaginal atrophy is to refrain from using very low dose hormonal contraceptives or hormonal contraceptives that are designed to prevent acne.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy include: pain upon penetration, vaginal dryness, decreased lubrication, decreased arousal, decreased libido, stinging, and irritation.

Diagnostic tests:

Physical exam of those with vulvar and vaginal atrophy reveal thinning of the skin, fissuring of the skin between the labia minora and majora, and tenderness throughout the entire vulvar vestibule. Blood levels of estradiol and calculated free testosterone may also be low.

Treatments:

Treatment options include stopping taking the medication that is causing the hormonal changes. There are also systemic or topical estrogen and/or testosterone one can take, however these are not FDA approved.