Atrophic vaginitis is thinning of the walls of the vagina which is caused by decreased estrogen levels. This condition most often happens after menopause. Menopause is the period between 45 – 55 years in women when their ovaries are no longer releasing eggs. Also, a woman stops having menstrual periods. When women have atrophic vaginitis, then this can make the sexual intercourse painful.
Also, atrophic vaginitis is increasing the risk for urinary function problems and chronic vaginal infections. It is estimated that about 40% of postmenopausal women have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. There are different symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, but the most common include urinary incontinence, thinning of the vaginal walls, more frequent urinary tract infections, pain or burning with urination, discomfort or pain during intercourse, spotting after intercourse, vaginal burning, lack of vaginal moisture and shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal.
The decline in estrogen is the cause of atrophic vaginitis. There are different factors that could lead to a decline in estrogen, such as menopause, during breastfeeding, after hormonal therapy for the treatment of breast cancer, after removal of ovaries, after pelvic radiation therapy treatment of cancer, and after chemotherapy for treatment of cancer.
Smoking can increase your risk for atrophic vaginitis, as well as women who have never given vaginal birth. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from atrophic vaginitis before you use some of the below-mentioned home remedies, so in this way, you will avoid side effects from them. Here are some natural treatments for atrophic vaginitis:
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Natural Treatments For Atrophic Vaginitis: Cotton Underwear
You should always wear cotton underwear because this can help to improve the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. The cotton underwear can improve the air circulation around genitals, which makes them a less ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking if you do. Smoking is decreasing estrogen levels and it can increase your risk for developing atrophic vaginitis.
Exercise
Regular exercise and physical activity aid the hormone balance. It can help to flush the body of toxins and it can increase serotonin levels. This is a reason why you should stay active as you can. You should engage in a regular exercise routine because this can help to promote blood flow and balance hormone levels. You should try walking for at least thirty minutes on daily basis, five days per week to start. You should talk with your doctor about an exercise program which will be appropriate for you.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
There was one study done in 2014 in which it said that sea buckthorn oil can be used as a possible alternative to traditional estrogen therapy. This natural remedy is rich in essential fatty acids. Those women who took the sea buckthorn oil have noticed improvements in atrophic vaginitis and tissue integrity.
Some women have reported side effects from the usage of sea buckthorn oil, such as stomach issues and joint pain. It is not known if this was related to the oil or it is the result of other factors. So, before you use the sea buckthorn oil as your home remedy for atrophic vaginitis, talk with your doctor.
Yoga
When you are making yoga poses, then it can increase your serotonin levels. This is a happy hormone and it can regulate your mood. As hormones fluctuate, many women can experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression in addition to atrophic vaginitis. You can try yoga classes and you will feel better.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
In many studies is said that maintaining healthy body weight and body mass index can help you to deal with the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. If you lose weight too quickly, then it can backfire. So, you should stick with slow and steady losses. Moderation of weight loss is the key to improving the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
Vitamin E Oil
This vitamin can be used as a lubricant, so it can help you to have better sexual intercourse. This vitamin can help to prevent infections.
Beta Carotene
In some studies is said that beta carotene can help you with atrophic vaginitis, so talk with your doctor about the best dosage for use.
Lifestyle Changes
You should make lifestyle changes, which can help you to treat the painful dryness that is associated with atrophic vaginitis. This may not be easy as it sounds, but making simple changes, like increasing your water intake and stay physically active, can help you to improve the vaginal health.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
You should always choose loose-fitting clothes because they can help you to improve the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. It will make better air circulation around the genitals and this is not a good environment for bacteria to grow.
Stay Sexually Active
Women, who have atrophic vaginitis, can experience pain during sexual intercourse. But, when you stay sexually active, then this can enhance the blood circulation in the vagina and can stimulate natural moisture. Sexual activity has no effects on estrogen levels. But, when you are improving blood circulation, this can keep your sexual organs healthier for longer.
As long as your vagina has sufficient levels of estrogen, sexual activity can show benefits for both the elasticity and flexibility of the region. Those women who are sexually active report fewer symptoms of atrophic vaginitis compared with women who do not have regular sexual intercourse.
Fish Oil
This natural treatment can help you to get relief from the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, so you should add it to your diet.
Jojoba
In some studies is said that jojoba is acting as a natural lubricant and it can help to soothe and lubricate the genital area.
Coconut Oil
This natural cure acts as a lubricant. It can help to soothe and lubricate the genital area and it can help you to deal with the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
Avoid Perfumed Products
Some detergents, soaps, and perfumes have synthetic chemicals which can irritate and dry the skin. Also, there are some vaginal lubricants and spermicides which can dry the vaginal tissue when inserted. You should avoid these products because they can increase the burning sensation which is associated with atrophic vaginitis.
Aloe Vera
This home remedy acts as a natural lubricant, so you can use it in your natural treatment of atrophic vaginitis.
Probiotics
These are good bacteria and they have a positive effect on the human body. In one study done on 87 women was suggested that probiotics can help to get relief from atrophic vaginitis. Some women, who have atrophic vaginitis, can develop urinary problems and probiotics can help to manage vaginal dryness.
Vitamin D
There are some studies in which are said that Vitamin D can increase the moisture in the vagina. This vitamin can help the body to absorb calcium. This can help to slow or prevent postmenopausal bone loss, especially when it is combined with regular exercise.
Vitamin A
In some studies is said that Vitamin A can help in the natural treatment of atrophic vaginitis, so before you use it as a supplement in your diet, ask your doctor about the best dosage for your condition.
Allow Time to Become Aroused During the Intercourse
Vaginal lubrication which is resulting from sexual arousal can help to reduce the symptoms of burning or dryness that are related to atrophic vaginitis. This is a reason why you should enjoy playtime with your sexual partner.
Flaxseed
This home remedy has phytoestrogens which can help to reduce the vaginal dryness that is related to atrophic vaginitis.
Water
You should drink a lot of water in order of staying hydrated. This is done by flushing your skin and cells with much–needed nutrients. This can help to improve your symptoms of atrophic vaginitis and reverse this condition. Water will increase your natural vaginal moisturizer and this can result in reduced discomfort.
Soybeans
These products have plant estrogens. In some studies are shown that plant estrogens can help to decrease vaginal dryness. You can use them in your diet for atrophic vaginitis.
Limit Caffeine
If you cannot completely avoid caffeine, then you should limit your intake. Caffeine can make you hydrated and this can worsen the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
References:
1. What’s to know about atrophic vaginitis? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189406. Published January 11, 2018
2. Diagnosing and Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0515/p3090.html. Published May 15, 2000
3. Causes and treatment of atrophic vaginitis. https://www.independentnurse.co.uk/clinical-article/causes-and-treatment-of-atrophic-vaginitis/73483/. Published February 3, 2015
4. Atrophic Vaginitis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options. https://www.buoyhealth.com/diagnoses-a-z/atrophic-vaginitis/. Published September 6, 2018
5. Atrophic Vaginitis. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/womens-health/atrophic-vaginitis.
6. Atrophic Vaginitis. https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=100094.
7. Atrophic Vaginitis. https://uvahealth.com/services/womens-health/atrophic-vaginitis.
