Atrophic vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis

Infobox_Disease
Name = Atrophic vaginitis


Caption =
DiseasesDB = 32516
ICD10 = ICD10|N|95|2|n|80
ICD9 = ICD9|627.3
ICDO =
OMIM =
MedlinePlus = 000892
eMedicineSubj =
eMedicineTopic =
MeshID =

Atrophic vaginitis (also known as vaginal atrophy or urogenital atrophy) is an inflammation of the vagina (and the outer urinary tract) due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication. This is all due to a lack of the reproductive hormone estrogen.

The most common cause of vaginal atrophy is the decrease in estrogen which happens naturally during perimenopause, and increasingly so in post-menopause. However this condition can sometimes be caused by other circumstances.

The symptoms can include vaginal soreness and itching, as well as painful intercourse, and bleeding after sexual intercourse. The shrinkage of the tissues can be extreme enough to make intercourse impossible.

Symptoms and signs

Genital symptoms include dryness, itching, burning, soreness, pressure, white discharge, malodorous discharge due to infection, painful sexual intercourse, bleeding after intercourse. In addition, sores and cracks may occur spontaneously.

Urinary symptoms include painful urination, blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, incontinence, and increased likelihood and occurrence of infections.

Incidence and causes

A large number of postmenopausal women (who are not using topical estrogen) have at least some degree of vaginal atrophy; however, many women do not actively ask that medical attention be paid to this, possibly because it is naturally caused, or because of the taboo that still exists surrounding aging and sexuality.

The cause of vaginal atrophy is usually the normal decrease in estrogen as a result of menopause. Other causes of decreased estrogen levels are decreased ovarian functioning due to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, immune disorder, removal of the ovaries, after pregnancy, during lactation, idiopathic, and because of the effects of various medications: (Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Danazol (Danocrine), Medroxyprogesterone (Provera), Leuprolide (Lupron), Nafarelin (Synarel)).

Prognosis

Proper treatment will usually relieve the symptoms, at least to some extent.

Prevention

Use of vaginal estrogen before the condition becomes severe is appropriate. Regular sexual activity may be helpful. A water soluble vaginal lubricant can be helpful in mild cases.

Notes

References

cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = Vaginal Atrophy (Atrophic vaginitis)
work =
publisher = Aetna InteliHealth
url = http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSAOL002/9339/9504.html


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Atrophic vaginitis — Thinning of the lining (the endothelium) of the vagina due to decreased production of estrogen. This may occur with menopause. Vaginitis means inflammation of the vagina, the muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.… …   Medical dictionary

  • atrophic vaginitis — see vaginitis …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Vaginitis — Not to be confused with Vaginismus. Vaginitis Classification and external resources ICD 10 N76.0 N76.1 ICD 9 …   Wikipedia

  • Vaginitis — Inflammation of the vagina. The vagina is the muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body. Vaginitis is often caused by a fungus. A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge.… …   Medical dictionary

  • vaginitis — /vaj euh nuy tis/, n. Pathol. inflammation of the vagina. Also called colpitis. [1840 50; VAGIN(A) + ITIS] * * * Inflammation of the vagina. The chief symptom is a whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge. Treatment depends on the cause:… …   Universalium

  • Vaginitis, atrophic — Thinning of the lining (the endothelium) of the vagina due to decreased production of estrogen. This may occur with menopause. Vaginitis means inflammation of the vagina, the muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.… …   Medical dictionary

  • vaginitis adhaesiva — adhesive vaginitis atrophic vaginitis with ulceration and exfoliation of the mucosa resulting in adhesions of the membranes; opposite surfaces may adhere to each other, causing obliteration of the vaginal canal. Called also senile v …   Medical dictionary

  • vaginitis — n. inflammation of the vagina, which may be caused by infection (most commonly with Trichomonas vaginalis), dietary deficiency, or poor hygiene. There is often itching (see pruritus), increased vaginal discharge, and pain on passing urine.… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • desquamative inflammatory vaginitis — vaginitis of unknown etiology, resembling atrophic vaginitis clinically and microscopically, but occurring in the absence of estrogen deficiency, and characterized chiefly by recrudescent reddened superficial ulcerations …   Medical dictionary

  • Вагинит (Vaginitis) — воспаление влагалища, которое может быть вызвано какой либо инфекцией (обычно возбудителями вида Trichomonas vaginalis), неправильным питанием женщины или нарушением личной гигиены. Основными симптомами заболевания являются: сильный зуд, обильные …   Медицинские термины

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”