Vaginal Atrophy does not Have to be the End of your Sex Life – Here’s How to Treat It

By Dr. Courtenay Poucher, MD – Labiaplasty Center of Los Angeles

Many women are under the impression that changes in their intimate anatomy, natural moisture or levels or discomfort during sex are simply an unavoidable part of aging.

Please don’t buy into this way of thinking. With the right support, most women can feel intimately comfortable and confident throughout their lifespan.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

The most common cause of age-related vaginal complaints is vaginal atrophy, a condition that affects tissue elasticity, lubrication and overall vaginal health.

This condition can lead to painful intercourse, urinary leakage, urinary tract infections and decreased sexual satisfaction, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your sex life.

Women from all over the world travel to the Labiaplasty Center of Los Angeles seeking solutions. There are multiple safe, effective and individualized options available.

Understanding Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy occurs when estrogen levels decline, most commonly during perimenopause and menopause. It’s important to note that pregnancy, childbirth and extended breastfeeding can also reduce a woman’s production of estrogen and, in more rare cases, also result in vaginal atrophy.

A woman experiencing vaginal atrophy will have vaginal walls that thin, lose elasticity and produce less natural lubrication. This can lead to vaginal dryness; itching/irritation; pain during sexual activity; increased susceptibility to infections; and urinary urgency or discomfort.

It’s important to know that vaginal atrophy is treatable – and many women experience significant improvement when they seek care.

Please, don’t lose hope. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, there are solutions that can make daily life, as well as intimacy, more comfortable.

Non-surgical Treatment Options for Vaginal Atrophy

For women seeking non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatments, there are multiple effective strategies for treatment of vaginal atrophy.

First, if you’re experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy, I encourage you to talk to your OB/GYN or general practitioner about hormone-based therapies. I also consult my patients on hormones, when that service is requested. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also referred to as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), can replace some of the naturally-occurring hormones in your body that help keep your vaginal tissue thick and supple. Many of my patients report improved comfort and sexual function within a few months of topical and/or systemic treatment. Hormone replacement is not appropriate for some patients, but is considered safe and protective for the majority of women.

In conjunction with, or instead of, hormones, you may also want to consider radiofrequency treatments that stimulate collagen production, improve tissue elasticity and increase natural moisture. At Labiaplasty Center of Los Angeles, we use Viveve and Thermiva RF modalities that are pain free, outpatient and require no downtime. Most patients experience improvement from a single session and results can last up to 18 months, though I recommend an annual visit for optimal results.

Surgical Options for Severe Vaginal Atrophy are Available

In cases where vaginal atrophy is severe or accompanied by significant laxity, surgical options may be recommended during your complimentary consultation. During our chat, we may discuss vaginoplasty, which can restore internal tightness and muscle tone; perineoplasty, which can tighten the opening of the vagina as well as support surrounding tissues; and – sometimes – labia majoraplasty, which can restore volume if that tissue has become too thin or “flattened” over time.

Each of these procedures are minimally invasive and performed in-office with only local anesthesia. Recovery is quite manageable, with most women resuming daily activities within a few days and sexual activity after about six to eight weeks.

Your Next Steps in Addressing Vaginal Atrophy

A personalized treatment plan ensures that your unique anatomy and goals are considered, and in many cases, combining nonsurgical and surgical approaches offers the best long-term results.

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, pain or reduced sensation, it’s never too early to explore treatment options.