VAGINAL DRYNESS / ATROPHIC VAGINITIS   

The vaginal walls are normally kept thick and moist by the effect of the hormone oestrogen. Approaching, during and following the menopause, oestrogen levels fall and subsequently there is much less mucus secreted in the vagina and the vaginal walls become thinner, dryer and far less elastic. In addition, the walls become smoother and lighter pink in colour, and the vagina may gradually slightly shorten and shrink. These changes are termed atrophic vaginitis. Symptoms of burning, itching and painful intercourse may occur and the vagina may become more prone to infections with candida and non-specific bacteria. However, there is no need to despair, as there are many effective remedies available.

 

 

For a temporary lubrication action you can use bland jellies such as "K-Y Jelly", Sylk or vitamin E cream, which also has a healing effect. These can be used before or during intercourse and are available at your pharmacy without a prescription. Regular sexual stimulation via intercourse with relaxing foreplay or masturbation helps to promote the release of secretions.

 

 

Include often - foods containing natural plant oestrogens like alfalfa, soy beans, soya sprouts, linseed meal (crushed seeds), pumpkin, parsley, corn, carrots, cabbage, green beans, peas, potato, red beans, split peas, chick peas, wheat, oats, rice, apple, sesame and sunflower seeds.
Drink two litres of water and two to three glasses of raw vegetable juices daily.

 

Suggested juice recipes to assist are from  "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"  book:
• "Menopause Problems Juice" on page 119
• "Libido enhancement" page 114
• "Skin Problems" page 131

 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT- see Menopause) is a very effective way of relieving vaginal dryness and atrophy. Hormonal creams and pessaries can be used alone or in addition to other forms of HRT. These rejuvinate, thicken and moisten the mucosal folds and lining of the vagina and vaginal lips and improve blood flow to the clitoris. If you feel that your vagina has shrunk and is too small for the penis of your partner, this can be overcome by regularly massaging the inside and opening of the vaginal walls using an oestrogen cream. Place some oestrogen cream on your fingers and rub it into the vaginal walls and exert gentle pressure backwards at the opening of the vagina. This can be done gradually more and more each day and there is no need to stretch excessively and cause any discomfort. Ten minutes daily of this gentle massage and stretching is sufficient and it is most comfortable to do it lying down. Oestrogen creams and pessaries require a prescription. These are usually recommended to be used nightly for one to three weeks and then once to twice weekly. In some women, the addition of testosterone to the vaginal oestrogen cream can be much more effective in restoring the sexual response of the vagina, vaginal lips and clitoris. You can ask your doctor to write you a prescription for a vaginal cream containing both oestrogen and testosterone as follows: The Cream = 40% oestrogen cream, 20% testosterone cream made from 3 ampoules of Primoteston Depot injections, 20% vaseline, 20% sorbolene and glycerine. You may massage your vagina, vulva and clitoris with this cream every night for 3 to 4 weeks, after which time you will only need to use the cream twice a week.