Vaginal dryness in geriatric women
Vaginal dryness in geriatric women

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Vaginal dryness in geriatric women

Vaginal dryness in geriatric women

Vaginal dryness in geriatric women is very common, and one in three postmenopausal women will experience it. Vaginal dryness can be upsetting when it has an adverse affect on geriatric women’s personal relationships and sex lives. However it does not have to be blandly accepted. There are different treatments available to help geriatric women with this condition.

What causes vaginal dryness in geriatric women?

vaginal dryness and crampness causesVaginal dryness is usually caused by the changing hormone levels that occur during menopause. When the estrogen and progesterone hormone levels become imbalanced, the body experiences a number of changes. In addition to other side effects such as mood swings and breast tenderness, geriatric women may also experience vaginal dryness.

The vagina is kept moist by a thin layer of mucus that is secreted from the membranes of the vaginal wall. The secretion of mucus is controlled by estrogen hormones. Thus when menopause occurs and the estrogen hormone levels become imbalanced, the amount of moisture being secreted by the vagina is affected. Vaginal dryness in geriatric women occurs when the moisture levels significantly drop. Additionally the vaginal walls will become less elastic and thinner.

How can vaginal dryness in geriatric women be identified?

Vaginal dryness in geriatric women can be identified in a number of ways. When post menopausal women notice that their vaginal area is feeling less moist they may also experience a burning pain, an itchy sensation and general discomfort. This condition can often have an unfavorable influence on women’s sex life, making intercourse painful.

How can vaginal dryness be treated?

There are different methods to treat vaginal dryness. Firstly women should start with natural treatments before using any type of prescribed medication. There are three main natural ways to soothe vaginal dryness:

vaginal dryness and crampness causes

vaginal dryness and crampness causesBubble baths with scented soaps can be make the skin drier. Also, douching can worsen vaginal dryness. Thus women should use gentle, pH balanced soaps for their hygienic routine to avoid vaginal dryness. Geriatric women with vaginal dryness can also use a water based lubricant to help make sex more comfortable.

There are also hormone creams and vaginal estrogen rings that are available to help with vaginal dryness in geriatric women.

If this condition doesn’t respond to any of the suggested treatments, women should see a doctor for more remedial options. Often a discussion about vaginal dryness can help women to target their specific issues and find the correct treatment.

Three approaches for treating vaginal dryness:

Three levels of approaches can be considered for treating vaginal dryness:
(1)lifestyle changes, (2)alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach and go on to the next level only if it is necessary. Click on treatments for vaginal dryness to learn all about these three excellent approaches.

Other Related Articles:
Vaginal Dryness Help
Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women
Lubricants for vaginal dryness
Vaginal Dryness Intercourse

Sources:
  • "Vaginal Dryness". Mayo Clinic Health Resource. 2007.
  • "Vulvovaginal Symptoms". The Changing Body: Menopause Handbook. www.menopause.org.
  • Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.