How To Handle Vaginal Changes During Menopause?

When a woman hits menopause, her body undergoes a lot of changes. One of these is related to her vagina. In this article we shall talk about the changes that happen in the vagina of a menopausal woman and ways to combat it.

Some women fear their woman parts may shrivel up just like a prune during menopause. While the vagina does undergo some changes during this time due to the lack of oestrogen, bulk of the changes are imperceptible to the naked eye. A lot of women do not notice any changes at all.

As a result of the fall in the oestrogen level during menopause, the vagina loses some of its strength. Oestrogen accounts for the elasticity of the lining of the vagina, for the flexibility of the tissues around the vagina as well as for the creation of the lubrication in the cervix. The skin around the vagina and vulva may also become thinner and feel dry.

The vagina often loses its capability to create much lubrication during sexual arousal. These changes might lead to painful or uncomfortable intercourse. It is not surprising that about forty percent of women undergoing menopause report pain during sexual activity.

Let us now talk about ways in which you can find relief from these changes. As a result of the dryness caused in the vagina, many women end up suffering from itching and burning sensations. Vaginal moisturizers can come to their rescue at this time.

Vaginal moisturizers are different from lubricants. These should be used daily or a few days a week to get complete relief. When trying to get intimate, use a natural lubricant like coconut oil. This also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and hence ends up protecting the vagina from infections.

Applying creams or inserting capsules containing oestrogen may also provide relief. If these do not help, consult your doctor and go for hormone replacement therapy.