How To Rule Out Atrophic Vaginitis?

Posted on Fri, 3 Nov 2017

Question: My question is in reference to aging (maybe) and vaginal tearing during intercourse. Could this be due to hormonal changes? It is NOT due to lack of lubrication. It seems to be that my skin is not as elastic. Also I have a change in skin color around my clitoris and labia and that skin splits or rips quite easily there as well.The color of skin there reminds me of freezer burnt meat. Weird I know. This has been going on for over a year. Closer to 2. I am going to be 50 next month and still having normal periods as well. Just got to the point I cannot endure the pain any longer and looking for some answers.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely diagnosis is atrophic vaginitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Your description is very correct and your question is very insightful.
Your condition sounds very much like atrophic vaginitis.
Yes it is hormonal and due to Peri menopausal hormonal depletion, the vaginal mucosa is friable, rips and tears easily and is prone to injury and friction.
The answer is topical vaginal estrogen creams and proper lubrication.
Could you send pics of the area or show it to a gynecologist to get the diagnosis confirmed?
Please look up atrophic vaginitis and see if the description matches.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (46 minutes later)

Thank you for your prompt reply. However I do still have a little hesitance in knowing if this is what my problem is? As the tearing I experience is actually similar to when giving birth and my skin tearing in the same area as when being given an epesiotomy (sp?). Is that due to lack of elasticity too? It is not due to lack of lubrication (natural or otherwise). I have not tried hormone creams yet. But OTC lubricants dont seem to have any effect. And are there any OTC hormone creams or are they prescription only? Thank you again for your help. xxxxxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Yes, atrophic vaginitis could lead to that same kind of tearing and pain.
Again, it could be some vulval skin condition such as eczema.
I would appreciate photos.
I think hormonal creams are prescription only.
They take a few days to show effect.
Take care.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng