Many women experience symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, or pain during intimacy, especially as they age or go through menopause. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, but they are often underreported and undertreated. Fortunately, advances in urological and gynecological care provide effective options, including the use of vaginal estrogen.
Understanding Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
Vaginal estrogen therapy involves the localized application of estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues. Unlike systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which affects the entire body, vaginal estrogen targets symptoms locally. It can help restore vaginal moisture, improve elasticity, reduce irritation, and alleviate pain during intercourse.
Why Vaginal Estrogen Matters
Vaginal atrophy (also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause) affects many postmenopausal women due to declining estrogen levels. This condition leads to thinning and inflammation of vaginal walls, dryness, and discomfort. Untreated, it may cause urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, or recurrent infections.
Vaginal estrogen has been shown to improve these symptoms safely and effectively by restoring the vaginal tissue health and improving urinary tract health.
What’s New? The AUA’s Updated Guidelines
The American Urological Association (AUA) recently issued updated clinical guidelinesemphasizing the importance of recognizing and treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These guidelines highlight:
• Vaginal estrogen as a first-line treatment: The AUA recommends vaginal estrogen therapy for women experiencing moderate to severe vaginal and urinary symptoms related to menopause.
• Safety profile: Vaginal estrogen is generally considered safe with minimal systemic absorption, making it an option even for women who cannot or choose not to take systemic hormone therapy.
• Improved quality of life: Treating these symptoms not only improves vaginal and urinary health but also enhances overall wellbeing and sexual health.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you experience persistent vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, or pain during sex, or urinary symptoms like frequent infections or urgency, it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. Many women hesitate to bring up these issues, but treatments like vaginal estrogen can offer significant relief.
Your urologist or gynecologist can evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine whether vaginal estrogen therapy is appropriate for you. Relief and renewed comfort may be just a conversation away. Contact us by visiting our website at urologyclinics.com or calling (214) 580-2266.
