Vaginal atrophy is a common but treatable condition that causes the vaginal wall to thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And while it can be a problem for women of any age, it\u2019s more likely \nto affect women who are going through, or have been through, menopause<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because the body produces less estrogen than normal, which has an effect on how the vaginal wall behaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaginal atrophy can also occur in women who have been treated for \ncancer, especially in those who have had hormone treatment for breast cancer<\/a>, according to the Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common symptoms include discharge, burning, itching, difficulty peeing and pain during sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This might seem like enough to put you off having sex for good, but \nregular orgasms \u2014 from your partner or a bit of self-love \u2014 can actually\n ward off the nasty symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the key is the increased blood flow to your nether regions when you climax \u2014 it works almost like a \u201cworkout\u201d down there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Louise Mazanti, a London-based sex therapist<\/a>, said: \u201cIt is very important that we have a healthy sex life with a partner or with ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople very often say, \u2018I don\u2019t have a sex life because I don\u2019t have a partner.’\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut forget about that and have a sexual relationship with yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s about using massage and touching the tissue so that it becomes alive, the blood flows and the tissue becomes elastic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is really about exercising the tissue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasing blood flow increases oxygen supply to the vagina, which means it is less likely to become inflamed, thin or dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mazanti, if cells are not getting enough oxygen, they \ncannot eliminate waste from the tissue, which can cause inflammation \nthat leads to problems such as vaginal atrophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A buildup of toxins can also stop vital nutrients from getting to the\n cells, which can leave the tissue slightly weaker and thinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mazanti also said losing the ability to have sex is not just a \nphysical problem, it can have some serious side effects on a person\u2019s \nmental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She added: \u201cWhen your ability to have sex and your desire to have sex decreases, it is a massive change in identity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou start to question \u2018who am I now if I am not the sexual woman I used to be?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt can cause depression<\/a> and an identity crisis and deep consideration of an existential nature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how severe the condition is, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaginal atrophy is generally caused by a decrease in the production of the female sex hormone estrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrogen is the main hormone that regulates a woman\u2019s menstrual cycle and controls ovulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also responsible for thickening the vaginal wall and causes it to release mucous once a girl hits puberty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you stop producing estrogen, the walls of your vagina<\/a> can become thin and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaginal atrophy is most common in women who have gone through the \nmenopause, but certain cancer treatments and hormone treatments can also\n cause it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women who are smokers, who have never had a vaginal birth or do not have sex or pleasure themselves are also more at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smoking affects your blood circulation, resulting in the vagina and other tissues not getting enough oxygen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also reduces the effects of estrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can be used to treat dryness and help improve your sex life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have to apply moisturizer every two to three days but the effects usually last longer than lube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lubricant is used mainly to make sex easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If symptoms don\u2019t improve, over-the-counter estrogen therapy may be recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creams can be inserted into the vagina daily to restore the tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrogen tablets may also be recommended to help restore the body\u2019s natural levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n credit: nypost.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.aptnewsghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/170815-vagina-horrifying-experience-03.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the main symptoms of vaginal atrophy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.aptnewsghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/170815-vagina-horrifying-experience-02.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat causes the condition?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can vaginal atrophy be treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n