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Treatment options
Estrogen therapy can help relieve the common, uncomfortable symptoms of atrophic vaginitis associated with menopause. Currently, there are two forms of treatments available by prescription:
- Systemic hormone therapy (HT)—which includes oral, transdermal, and certain vaginal preparations—is designed to treat multiple symptoms of menopause, including but not limited to atrophic vaginitis
- Local estrogen therapy (LET)—where estrogen is administered in a lower dose—is designed specifically to treat only the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis by delivering estrogen directly to the vagina, where it is needed
You and your health care professional should talk about whether treatment with estrogen therapy is right for you.
In addition to hormone therapy, other changes may help minimize the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. You can:
- Drink plenty of water to help vaginal tissues stay moist and healthy.
- Stay sexually active. Sexual activity encourages vaginal elasticity and lubrication and maintains pelvic muscle tone.
- A water-soluble lubricant can help relieve vaginal dryness and reduce pain during intercourse.
- Avoid using oils and petroleum-based products, such as petroleum jelly, for lubrication during intercourse. These products can encourage infections. They can also weaken latex condoms and increase the risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Don't smoke. Women who smoke cigarettes have more severe atrophic vaginitis symptoms.
