Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms, Causes, and Modern Treatment
Overview
- Causes: Hormonal changes, particularly the lack of estrogen during menopause, lead to thinning of the vaginal mucosa and reduced collagen production.
- Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, pain during intercourse, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary urgency.
- Diagnostics: Medical history, gynecological examination, and assessment of the vaginal mucosa.
- Treatment options: Moisturizing care, local hormone therapy, non-hormonal therapies, and the LaEvita™ laser therapy.
- Advantages of LaEvita™ laser therapy: Outpatient treatment without surgery, promotion of collagen production, and support for the regeneration of the vaginal mucosa.
Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vulvovaginal atrophy, refers to the thinning and decreased elasticity of the vaginal mucosa. It often occurs during or after menopause and is usually caused by declining estrogen levels.
Today, vaginal atrophy is often considered a component of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). The symptoms can significantly affect quality of life and impact both the intimate area and the urinary tract.
What symptoms does vaginal atrophy cause?
The symptoms often develop gradually and can vary in severity.
Common Symptoms
- Vaginal dryness
- Burning or itching
- Pain during intercourse
- Sensation of tightness in the intimate area
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Light bleeding after intercourse
How does vaginal atrophy develop?
The most common cause is a declining estrogen level, especially during and after menopause. This causes the vaginal mucosa to become thinner, lose elasticity, and produce less moisture.
Vaginal atrophy can also occur after cancer therapy, during breastfeeding, or after surgical removal of the ovaries.
How is vaginal atrophy diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on symptoms and a gynecological examination.
Diagnostic procedures include:
- Detailed medical history
- Gynecological examination
- Assessment of the vaginal mucosa
- Exclusion of other conditions if necessary
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
Conservative Treatment
- Vaginal moisturizers
- Lubricants
- Local hormone therapy (if indicated)
- Non-hormonal treatment options
LaEvita™ Laser Therapy
The LaEvita™ Laser Therapy offers a minimally invasive treatment option to support the regeneration of vaginal tissue. Controlled laser energy stimulates natural regeneration processes and supports collagen formation. The goal is to enhance the elasticity and moisture of the tissue and alleviate symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes only a few minutes. Often, three sessions several weeks apart are recommended.
What are the benefits of LaEvita™ Laser Therapy?
Benefits at a Glance
- Outpatient treatment
- No surgery
- No general anesthesia
- Short treatment duration
- Promotion of collagen formation
- Support of mucosal regeneration
- Improvement of tissue elasticity
- Quick return to daily activities
After the Treatment
After the treatment, most patients can resume their daily activities promptly. The treating physician provides information on individual behavioral guidelines and recommended follow-up care.