Causes and symptoms of atrophy of the vaginal muscles

Definition of the disease

Atrophy of the muscles of the vagina characterized by slow thinning and, often, inflammation of the vaginal walls as a result of lower production in the body female sex hormones – estrogens. Mostly the disease develops in menopause, as a side effect of the special treatment of cancer of the female reproductive system.

Causes atrophy of the vaginal muscles

During menopause and after it in women is reduced hormone levels in the body, which often leads to disturbances of cellular metabolism of the vaginal epithelium, disappears secretion of mucus, there is a shift of the neutral level of the vaginal PH to the acid side, changes the bacterial flora. This is the main reason for the gradual reduction of the thickness of genital epithelial tissues, which are much thinner and become more exposed to various external stimuli and injury.

In addition to menopause are predisposing factors for development of atrophy of the vaginal muscles can be: radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer of the female reproductive system, surgical menopause for the radical removal of the ovaries, hormone therapy for malignant neoplasm of the breast, breast-feeding. Also the development of muscle atrophy of the vagina contribute to Smoking and lack birth vaginally.

Change the neutral balance of the vaginal microflora, lack of hydration, the blood flow to the vaginal tissues lead to functional and physiological changes in all layers of the vaginal walls.

The symptoms of atrophy of the vaginal muscles

Often in the development of muscle atrophy of the vagina, patients complain of burning sensation and dryness, discomfort in the vagina, sometimes marked watery discharge character. Most women spoke about the discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain, slight bleeding, which, as a rule, they have reduced sexual activity, desire disappears.

The manifestation of the first signs of atrophy, associated with menopause, and is in some cases, long before its occurrence. The changes in the vagina may not be felt for some time after the onset of menopause. Regular and fulfilling sex life allows you to maintain the walls of the vagina in a healthy condition.

To atrophy of the muscles of the vagina often with the ascending of urological infections because of the proximity and interrelatedness of the organs. In this case, there are frequentthe urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and sometimes incontinence. With the development of atrophic phenomena the walls of the vagina are damaged, it increases the likelihood of microtrauma or cracks. As a result of friction or damage to the walls of the accession of various vaginal infections: fungal or bacterial.

Diagnosis of atrophy of the vaginal muscles

Gynecologists say that many women suffering from atrophy of the vaginal muscles, prefer not to seek help due to simple shyness or even trying to ignore the manifested symptoms, which in many cases leads to complications of the disease.

As one of the diagnostic methods used examination of organs of small pelvis, which allows to determine visually the condition of any visible genitalia, vagina and cervix. It necessarily takes a swab for litologicheskogo cells of the cervix. Urinalysis reveals the presence of concomitant diseases from the urinary system. In addition, the gynecologist performs a thorough medical history to determine the causes of the disease and evaluation of hormonal status.

Treatment of atrophy of the vaginal muscles

If the symptoms of atrophy of the muscles of the vagina did not occur, it is possible that special treatment is not required. With mild symptoms, it is sufficient to use moisturizers, lubricants or lubricants, but not necessarily, on the recommendation of a specialist.

When pronounced symptoms of vaginal atrophy of the muscles has a good effect of local hormone therapy, that is, the use of estrogen vaginally. Significant improvement after this treatment occur within the first few weeks. If the symptoms of atrophy is expressed in a severe form, the symptoms may need more time. When you attach a variety of infections or complications is appropriate symptomatic therapy on prescription.

After a special hormonal treatment in cancer of the female reproductive system, mammary gland or removal of both ovaries of estrogen therapy, whether local or General, is not recommended, as some tumors may be endocrine.