Vaginal dryness is a common complaint among women, and it has many potential causes, including breastfeeding and the hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause and menopause. One of the most common signs of vaginal dryness is pain during intercourse, but that’s not the only sign.
In this blog, Dr. Essam Taymour highlights three lesser known signs of vaginal dryness and how our team at Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group in Long Beach, California, can help you find relief.
1. Vaginal itching
Although it’s a sensitive topic for many women, vaginal itching isn’t that uncommon. Sexually transmitted infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, irritants (such as performed soaps or scented laundry soap), and skin conditions (such as eczema) can all cause vaginal itching.
Vaginal dryness is another potential cause of itching. Just as dry skin on any other part of your body can lead to itchy skin, so does vaginal dryness.
In many cases, you have to treat the underlying source of the dryness to help remedy the itching. Because there are many causes of both vaginal dryness and vaginal itching, don’t be tempted to try unreliable at-home remedies. Give us a call to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
2. Increased urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when bacteria enter your urethra. UTIs cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain when urinating, increased urination frequency, and back pain.
If you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs, you may suspect that vaginal atrophy is to blame. Vaginal atrophy refers to the thinning and drying of vaginal skin. When your skin is thinner and drier, you’re more prone to developing a UTI.
3. Pain
Pain during intercourse is a red flag for vaginal dryness, but it isn’t the only sign of this condition. Vaginal dryness can cause pain and discomfort even outside of intimate moments. You may experience burning sensations throughout the day. Your vaginal area could also feel irritated when you walk.
Get help for vaginal dryness
Several treatment options available for vaginal dryness that’s causing frequent discomfort. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of your vaginal dryness, Dr. Taymour may recommend:
- Hormonal treatments, including topical estrogen cream, an estrogen ring, or tablets
- Moisturizing cream
- Hormone replacement therapy, particularly if your vaginal dryness is accompanied by other bothersome symptoms of menopause like hot flashes or night sweats
Hormone treatments aren’t right for everyone. If hormonal treatments aren’t appropriate for you, you’re not out of options. At Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group, we also offer a hormone-free, minimally invasive treatment called MonaLisa Touch®.
During this innovative treatment, we deliver laser energy via a vaginal probe. The CO2 fractional laser energy helps lubricate your vaginal walls, increase collagen in your vaginal skin, and promote blood flow. The best part? The procedure takes less than 30 minutes.
To learn more about vaginal dryness and to find out which treatments are right for you, call at 562-247-3038 or schedule an appointment through our online booking form.