Painful Sex After Menopause
Sexual pain can affect women in all stages of life, even women who have had many years of pain-free intercourse. Often diminished estrogen levels due to age, childbirth, menopause, cancer treatments, or surgery may result in vaginal atrophy. While women struggle with this issue, it is only a temporary issue. With a few tweaks, most women can return to happy and healthy sex lives.
Vaginal atrophy can develop whenever there is a prolonged reduction in the amount of estrogen a woman's body produces. This drop in estrogen could be due to the onset of menopause, treatment for cancer, surgical removal of the ovaries, or following giving birth. Although most commonly seen in older women, it does affect younger women as well.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the vagina due to diminishing estrogen levels and is usually brought on by menopause. It results in thinning and shrinking of the vaginal walls as well as reduced lubrication. The pelvic floor muscles, urethra, and vagina may all be affected by the reduction of estrogen production.
Estrogen 101
Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily responsible for "maintaining the collagen, elastic fibers, and vasculature of the reproductive organs and urinary tract that is essential for its structural and functional integrity. It also maintains vaginal PH and moisture levels." Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, along with progesterone and testosterone.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition where there is involuntary tightness of the vagina during attempted intercourse. Reacting to the anticipation of pain, the body automatically tightens the vaginal muscles, bracing to protect itself from harm. Sex becomes uncomfortable or painful, and entry may be more difficult or impossible depending upon the severity of this tightened state. See Basics, Symptoms, Causes, or diagnosis for more information.
Vaginal Atrophy and Vaginismus
When vaginal atrophy goes undiagnosed and a woman continues to attempt to engage in intercourse, vaginismus may develop. It is important in these situations to address both the vaginal atrophy and vaginismus. Both problems will need to be treated to ensure full resolution. Without addressing the vaginal atrophy, it will be difficult to resolve the vaginismus as it may continue to be triggered by pain from the atrophy condition.
If you suspect you may have vaginal atrophy, see your physician or gynecologist for a consultation. She/he will take your personal history and likely do a pelvic exam to examine your vagina. Based on the assessment, a course of treatment will be recommended and will take into account your personal history, symptoms, and severity.
The course of treatment for vaginal atrophy may include the use of personal lubricants, estrogen supplements, vaginal dilators, and/or pelvic floor therapy.
Vaginal dilators, or "trainers," are used to slowly increase the size of the vagina, restoring length, shape, and elasticity. They are used to gently massage and stretch the vaginal tissue, making penetration more comfortable. This is especially effective due to the narrowing of the vaginal canal.
1. Vaginal Dryness, itchiness, and/or burning
2. Discomfort and/or painful sexual intercourse
3. Slight spotting/bleeding during intercourse
4. Increased frequency of UTIs
5. Increased vaginal infections
6. Increased vaginal PH levels
1. Has sex become increasingly uncomfortable?
2. Does your vaginal feel like "sandpaper"?
3. Do you have any vaginal dryness, itching, and/or burning?
4. Have you noticed any decreases in your natural lubrication?
5. Have pelvic/gynecological exams become uncomfortable?
6. Have there been changes in the outer appearance of the vagina? Shrinking folds of skin? Less pubic hair?
7. Is there a reason you may be experiencing a drop in estrogen production—approaching menopause, cancer treatment, etc.?
