Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Description: Vaginal dryness is characterized by the loss of normal vaginal moisture resulting in irritation, itching, or pain with intercourse. This loss may result from alterations in vaginal physiology caused by an infection or the loss of estrogen stimulation (atrophic change). This may also occur situationally because of inadequate or inappropriate sexual stimulation, sexual phobia, or pain.
Prevalence: Common in menopausal women not undergoing estrogen therapy. Estimated to affect one in five women around the time of menopause and in more than half of women after 5 years without normal estrogen levels.
Predominant Age: Postmenopausal.
Genetics: No genetic pattern.
Causes: Loss of estrogen stimulation (menopause), vaginitis, vaginismus, arousal disorders.
Risk Factors: Loss of ovarian function because of age, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, vaginal infection, arousal disorders.
Sensation of vaginal dryness
Vaginal itching or irritation
Insertional dyspareunia
Dry, inflamed vaginal tissues seen on pelvic examination
Loss of normal vaginal rugae
Lichen sclerosus
Vaginitis
Vulvar vestibulitis
Libidinal dysfunction/arousal disorders
Associated Conditions: Dyspareunia, vaginitis, and menopause.
Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles
If you are a member. Log in here