Vaginal atrophy
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Symptoms of vaginal atrophy
Symptoms of vaginal atrophy differ on a case-by-case basis.
Vaginal symptoms may include:
- Thinning of the vaginal walls
- Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
- Vaginal dryness
- Burning sensation in the vagina (inflammation)
- Blood spotting after sex – if this happens, make sure to see your GP
- A feeling of pain or discomfort during sex – having regular sex can help to keep your vaginal tissues healthy
These symptoms may affect your libido and make you less likely to want to have sex.
Urinary symptoms may include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when you wee
- Having urinary tract infections (UTIs) like cystitis more often
- Urinary incontinence
- Needing to wee more frequently
Vaginal atrophy can increase your chance of getting a vaginal infection. This is because it changes the acidic environment of the vagina, making it easier for bacteria, yeast and other organisms to grow.
What causes vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy can be caused by a change in hormone levels, specifically a lack of oestrogen in the body, which can then affect the vagina, urethra (the tube that lets urine leave your bladder and your body) and bladder.
This change can affect how much vaginal discharge you have, making the vaginal tissue thinner, drier and less elastic. You might be more at risk of vaginal atrophy if you:
- Have never given birth vaginally
- Smoke – this can stop blood circulation which can cause tissue in the vagina and other organs to become thinner
Other factors that can cause low oestrogen and cause symptoms of vaginal atrophy are:
- Going through the menopause
- Going through the perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)
- Being post-menopausal (after the menopause)
- Breastfeeding
- Taking contraceptive pills
- Having your womb removed (a hysterectomy)
- Having cancer treatment like chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy
Treatment for vaginal atrophy
Treatment for vaginal atrophy will depend on what caused it. Your GP will be able to diagnose vaginal atrophy and advise you on how to treat it based on your personal circumstances.
If your vaginal atrophy has been caused by menopause, your GP may recommend treatment options such as topical vaginal oestrogen.
This can include:
- Vaginal oestrogen creams or gels – a cream or gel that you insert directly into the vagina, usually before bed
- Vaginal oestrogen tablets – a tablet you insert directly into the vagina with a disposable applicator
- Vaginal ring – a flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. They’re usually inserted and left in place for three months
- Topical vaginal oestrogen can be used alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
If you’re postmenopausal (over the age of 50 and haven’t had a period for one year), with vaginal atrophy symptoms due to oestrogen deficiency, you might want to consider Gina 10 Micrograms Vaginal Tablets*. These are available over the counter (or without prescription) and provide a low dose of oestrogen to help relieve vaginal symptoms after the menopause such as:
- Dryness
- Soreness
- Burning
- Itching
- Painful intercourse
You can also access Boots Online Doctor Vaginal Dryness Treatment2 to help relieve menopause-related vaginal dryness symptoms, if it’s suitable for you.
Managing vaginal atrophy
There are things you can do to help manage symptoms of vaginal atrophy. A lot of these things can be bought from a pharmacy or Boots store without a prescription, for example, intimate dryness products. Although these can’t treat the underlying cause, they can help to make the vagina feel more comfortable.
Products that may help to manage symptoms of vaginal atrophy include:
- Vaginal moisturisers – a moisturiser that you can insert directly into the vagina every few days to help restore moisture
- Water-based lubricants – a lubricant you can apply to the vulva, vagina, on your partner’s penis, fingers or on a sex toy if you’re using one before sex to help reduce discomfort
You could also try having more foreplay so you can feel more aroused if you’re having sex. It’s also important to avoid:
- Using perfumed washes, soaps and douches in and around your vagina
- Putting creams or lotions with petroleum jelly inside your vagina as these can cause an infection
- Using moisturisers that aren’t specifically designed for your vagina
Make sure to speak to your GP if you have any symptoms of vaginal atrophy that are impacting your daily life or if the things you’ve tried haven’t helped. This also includes if you’re experiencing conditions or concerns that are linked to vaginal atrophy like:
- A vaginal infection
- A UTI
- Unusual discharge or bleeding from your vagina
- Bleeding after sex or in between your periods
Related products
Top tips for a healthier you
Frequently Asked Questions
While vaginal atrophy can change the way you experience sex, there are things you can do to help create a happy and pleasurable sex life that works for you.
If your vagina becomes dry or painful because of the menopause, your GP can prescribe an oestrogen treatment that can be put into your vagina as a pessary, cream or vaginal ring. This can help to increase moisture and lubrication in the lining of your vagina.
You can also use over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers or lubricants in addition to or instead of vaginal oestrogen.
Although vaginal atrophy isn’t fully reversible, there are things you can do to help you with relief. We’ve covered these in the ‘Managing vaginal atrophy’ and ‘Treatment for vaginal atrophy’ section of the page.
The most common cause of low oestrogen is the perimenopause and menopause, but there are other factors. If you have low oestrogen, your period can become irregular or might even stop. Other common symptoms of low oestrogen include:
- Painful sex as your vagina might produce less lubrication
- A higher chance of getting a UTI as the urethra may thin
- Having shifts in your mood
- Hot flushes
- Increased breast tenderness
- Worsening headaches and migraines
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Tiredness
If you notice that you have any symptoms of low oestrogen, speak to your GP. They may check your hormone levels, but this isn’t always necessary. They can also give you advice on hormonal and non-hormonal ways to manage your symptoms.
Vaginal dryness can happen due to many reasons. These include hormonal changes like:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Menopause
We’ve explored the causes of vaginal dryness in the ‘What causes vaginal atrophy?’ section of the page.
*Gina is for postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older who have not had a period for at least 1 year and who suffer from vaginal symptoms due to oestrogen deficiency.
Active ingredients: Estradiol 10 micrograms (as estradiol hemihydrate). Each vaginal tablet contains 10 micrograms estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate).
2Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
