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Urogenital atrophy not only causes discomfort but may also affect a woman’s quality of life, self-esteem, and intimate relationships. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician to receive appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Urogenital syndrome, also known as vaginal atrophy, has several common symptoms that can help identify and treat this condition:
• Vaginal dryness,
• Unusual vaginal discharge,
• Appearance of small cracks on the vaginal walls,
• Irritation, itching, pain, and/or burning sensations,
• Discomfort or pain during urination,
• Pain and pronounced discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) — due to lack of lubrication and loss of elasticity; bleeding or abrasions may occur,
• Discomfort during a routine gynecological examination,
• Changes in vaginal appearance and increased susceptibility to infections or vaginitis.
In severe untreated cases, ulcers or extensive lesions may develop.
Causes
The main causes of urogenital atrophy are related to significant changes in the vaginal mucosa and microbiota. This is especially important during menopause because, as mentioned, altered estrogen function negatively affects lubrication and regeneration of the vaginal epithelium (causing hypersensitivity and severe discomfort), as well as vaginal pH balance.
However, vaginal dryness and urogenital atrophy may also occur at other stages of a woman’s life. Thus, although they are more prevalent during the climacteric period, they are not exclusive to it.
In general, the following causes, conditions, and risk factors can be identified:
• Menopause: the marked decline in estrogen production is a key factor,
• Breastfeeding: hormonal changes during lactation, as well as complications from vaginal delivery, may cause similar symptoms,
• Use of certain contraceptives: some birth control methods alter estrogen production, contributing to vaginal dryness,
• Endometriosis and associated treatments: damage resulting from therapies for diseases such as endometriosis, infertility, or uterine fibroids,
• Surgical intervention: previous oophorectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries,
• Oncological diseases: chemotherapy and other treatments for certain cancers, such as breast cancer, can lead to urogenital atrophy,
• Radiation therapy: local pelvic radiotherapy may significantly affect vaginal tissue health,
• Smoking and lack of sexual activity: both are recognized as contributing factors that may worsen this condition,
• Hygiene products: certain gels, soaps, detergents, or fragranced products (including non–water-based scented lubricants) can be particularly harmful, aggravating vaginal dryness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of urogenital atrophy may include:
• Gynecological examination — visual inspection of the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix,
• Urinalysis — if urinary tract symptoms are present,
• pH testing — by collecting a sample of vaginal fluid or inserting a test strip into the vagina to determine acidity levels.
Treatment Methods
Urogenital atrophy is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, its symptoms can be significantly alleviated.
The main therapeutic approaches include:
Lifestyle modification:
• Quitting smoking (nicotine accelerates estrogen metabolism and decreases its production),
• Moderate physical activity and weight control,
• Balanced diet,
• Maintaining an active sexual life — intercourse promotes natural vaginal lubrication.
Non-hormonal therapy:
• Vaginal moisturizers to relieve burning and tingling,
• Lubricants for sexual activity.
Hormonal therapy:
• Local administration of low-dose estrogens reduces symptoms and is indicated in cases of vulvovaginal atrophy. These are typically prescribed as creams or vaginal rings.
Laser therapy:
• CO₂ laser treatment of the vaginal walls delivers several controlled micro-pulses to the mucosa and underlying layers. This stimulates rapid re-epithelialization within about one week and promotes collagen synthesis.
• As a result, the mucosal thickness increases, and tissue elasticity and hydration improve. The vaginal canal becomes firmer and narrower, lubrication is enhanced, and tone, elasticity, and contractility are restored.
• The procedure is painless, performed under topical anesthesia (cream), and allows immediate return to daily activities.
• The number of sessions and intervals between them are determined by the physician.
In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be required.
Prevention
Although complete prevention of urogenital atrophy is not always possible, several measures can reduce its symptoms:
• Cleanse the genital area with warm water and neutral soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry gently without rubbing,
• Avoid tight clothing,
• Avoid synthetic fabrics in underwear to prevent sweating and irritation,
• Use dye-free, additive-free toilet paper,
• Do not use genital deodorant sprays or talcum powder,
• Maintain regular sexual activity to preserve vulvovaginal moisture,
• Avoid smoking,
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
At the first signs of discomfort, consult a healthcare professional without delay.
Symptoms
Urogenital syndrome, also known as vaginal atrophy, has several common symptoms that can help identify and treat this condition:
• Vaginal dryness,
• Unusual vaginal discharge,
• Appearance of small cracks on the vaginal walls,
• Irritation, itching, pain, and/or burning sensations,
• Discomfort or pain during urination,
• Pain and pronounced discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) — due to lack of lubrication and loss of elasticity; bleeding or abrasions may occur,
• Discomfort during a routine gynecological examination,
• Changes in vaginal appearance and increased susceptibility to infections or vaginitis.
In severe untreated cases, ulcers or extensive lesions may develop.
Causes
The main causes of urogenital atrophy are related to significant changes in the vaginal mucosa and microbiota. This is especially important during menopause because, as mentioned, altered estrogen function negatively affects lubrication and regeneration of the vaginal epithelium (causing hypersensitivity and severe discomfort), as well as vaginal pH balance.
However, vaginal dryness and urogenital atrophy may also occur at other stages of a woman’s life. Thus, although they are more prevalent during the climacteric period, they are not exclusive to it.
In general, the following causes, conditions, and risk factors can be identified:
• Menopause: the marked decline in estrogen production is a key factor,
• Breastfeeding: hormonal changes during lactation, as well as complications from vaginal delivery, may cause similar symptoms,
• Use of certain contraceptives: some birth control methods alter estrogen production, contributing to vaginal dryness,
• Endometriosis and associated treatments: damage resulting from therapies for diseases such as endometriosis, infertility, or uterine fibroids,
• Surgical intervention: previous oophorectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries,
• Oncological diseases: chemotherapy and other treatments for certain cancers, such as breast cancer, can lead to urogenital atrophy,
• Radiation therapy: local pelvic radiotherapy may significantly affect vaginal tissue health,
• Smoking and lack of sexual activity: both are recognized as contributing factors that may worsen this condition,
• Hygiene products: certain gels, soaps, detergents, or fragranced products (including non–water-based scented lubricants) can be particularly harmful, aggravating vaginal dryness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of urogenital atrophy may include:
• Gynecological examination — visual inspection of the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix,
• Urinalysis — if urinary tract symptoms are present,
• pH testing — by collecting a sample of vaginal fluid or inserting a test strip into the vagina to determine acidity levels.
Treatment Methods
Urogenital atrophy is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, its symptoms can be significantly alleviated.
The main therapeutic approaches include:
Lifestyle modification:
• Quitting smoking (nicotine accelerates estrogen metabolism and decreases its production),
• Moderate physical activity and weight control,
• Balanced diet,
• Maintaining an active sexual life — intercourse promotes natural vaginal lubrication.
Non-hormonal therapy:
• Vaginal moisturizers to relieve burning and tingling,
• Lubricants for sexual activity.
Hormonal therapy:
• Local administration of low-dose estrogens reduces symptoms and is indicated in cases of vulvovaginal atrophy. These are typically prescribed as creams or vaginal rings.
Laser therapy:
• CO₂ laser treatment of the vaginal walls delivers several controlled micro-pulses to the mucosa and underlying layers. This stimulates rapid re-epithelialization within about one week and promotes collagen synthesis.
• As a result, the mucosal thickness increases, and tissue elasticity and hydration improve. The vaginal canal becomes firmer and narrower, lubrication is enhanced, and tone, elasticity, and contractility are restored.
• The procedure is painless, performed under topical anesthesia (cream), and allows immediate return to daily activities.
• The number of sessions and intervals between them are determined by the physician.
In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be required.
Prevention
Although complete prevention of urogenital atrophy is not always possible, several measures can reduce its symptoms:
• Cleanse the genital area with warm water and neutral soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry gently without rubbing,
• Avoid tight clothing,
• Avoid synthetic fabrics in underwear to prevent sweating and irritation,
• Use dye-free, additive-free toilet paper,
• Do not use genital deodorant sprays or talcum powder,
• Maintain regular sexual activity to preserve vulvovaginal moisture,
• Avoid smoking,
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
At the first signs of discomfort, consult a healthcare professional without delay.