Atrophic vulvitis, or having an atrophic vulva is a condition that many women all over the world have to deal with. It is similar to vaginal atrophy and can coexist with vaginal atrophy.  If you are one of these women or are at risk of developing this condition, then you have to educate yourself on all there is to know about this condition.

In this article, we will look at what an atrophic vulva is, what you should expect and what you can do about it. Let’s get to it!

What is an atrophic vulva?

To understand what an atrophic vulva is, there are some terms that we need to discuss. These terms are ‘atrophic’ and ‘vulva’.

The word atrophic describes a condition where a body part or tissue decreases in size due to a reduction in the number of or size of cells in that body part or tissue, or in response to hormonal changes.

The vulva refers to the external features of the female reproductive system or genitalia. This includes everything from the inner and outer lips, the clitoris, the urethral opening, and the perineum.

When a vulva is atrophic, it becomes thin and dry. There is a noticeable reduction in the size of certain features, such as adecrease of fullness of the clitoris and labia, and this can change the entire appearance of the vulva. The vulva also becomes less flexible and is more susceptible to cuts and tears.

The development of atrophic vulvitis

Before we get into the cause of atrophic vulvitis, it is important to note that you will sometimes see the phrase atrophic vulvovaginitis being used to describe this condition, since the vagina can be atrophic as well. Often times, both organs suffer from being atrophic at the same time, since it is caused by similar factors and have similar symptoms.

This condition is due to a decrease in the female sex hormone estrogen. While estrogen is present in both males and females, estrogen is integral to the development of the female body, primarily the reproductive system. Estrogen is produced primarily in the woman’s ovaries, and the adrenal glands and fat cells to a lesser extent.

Estrogen is responsible for making a woman a woman. This means that it will decelerate height increase during puberty, increase how much fat she burns and will reduce muscle bulk. It also regulates her menstrual cycle, increases her breast size, widen her hips and gives her pubic and arm hair.

Estrogen is also responsible for stimulating the growth of the inner lining of the uterus (or endometrium), increasing uterine growth, encouraging lubrication of the vagina and thickening the walls of the vagina, in an effort to prepare her body for pregnancy.

Estrogen production increases at the start of puberty and decreases towards menopause. From this, we can gather that most women who experience this condition are going through, or have gone through menopause since menopause is marked by a sharp, irregular decrease in estrogen production.

Other factors contributing to low estrogen levels

Aside from menopause, low estrogen levels can be attributed to several other factors. These include:

Signs and symptoms

Atrophic vulvitis is a condition which develops very slowly so you won’t know you have it until an examination is done. Plus, many of the symptoms of atrophic vulvitis can be mistaken for something else.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of atrophic vulvitis:

For a diagnosis to be made, your gynecologist will ask you some questions about your medical history and perhaps your sexual history. He/she will also conduct a series of test, such as a pelvic exam and vaginal fluid analysis to rule out the possibility of other conditions such as cancer. You may even have to do a blood and urine test. Once this is complete, he/she will advise you on what to do and will prescribe treatment.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must seek treatment since atrophism is an invitation to other, more serious conditions such as bacterial infections and urinary tract infections.

Treatment

To combat dryness and irritation, your gynecologist will recommend that you use vaginal lubricants and creams to keep the vulva moist. This can also help to prevent infection and will improve your sex life.  Natural oils and gels such as coconut oil and aloe vera may be used, but be sure to consult your doctor before going ahead with these treatments.

If your estrogen levels cannot be increased naturally, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical estrogen. Low dose estrogen can be inserted in the vagina via a ring, tablet or a gel can be applied on the outside of the vagina. This will help to decrease dryness and can help to restore natural moisture in the vagina itself. It can also help with other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Your doctor may also recommend that you follow a healthy diet, eat foods high in estrogen and stay hydrated. Using a non-soap cleanser or warm water to clean the vagina gently can also help to prevent infection and irritation.

Vaginoplasty, or vaginal plastic surgery, and lipo-filling of the vaginal lips have also been solutions for some. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly warns againstsome of these practices.

Prevention

The only way to prevent this condition is by looking at the cause: low estrogen. By ensuring your estrogen levels are normal, then there is a high possibility that you will never have to deal with this.

For women approaching menopause or who are currently going through it, remember that this is only a part of aging and you should embrace the new changes your body will go through. There are many ways to deal with it, and you will be able to find a treatment that is suitable for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vulvar atrophy is a condition caused by low estrogen in the female body. When this happens, the appearance of the vulva changes and this can lead to discomfort and pain.

The best way to deal with this condition is by going to see a doctor who will be able to let you know for sure that this is what you have, and he/she will recommend treatment options.