Dr. Moukarzel's office
Elias Moukarzel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
OBGYN & Urogynecology located in El Centro, CA
As your childbearing years come to an end, your body changes in more ways than one, and issues with vaginal health often become a concern.
If you are experiencing any pelvic discomfort and bladder control issues, Call our office today at (760) 352-4103 to schedule your initial consultation.
Vaginal Health Q & A
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause and perimenopause (the period of time leading up to menopause) result from your body’s declining estrogen production. As the levels of female sex hormone drop, you ovulate less and eventually, menstruation stops, ending your ability to get pregnant.
In addition, this transition can lead to a variety of symptoms, some of the most common — and troublesome — include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and thinning hair
- Reduction in breast volume
- Decreased libido
Along with these menopause symptoms, many women also experience changes in their vaginal and sexual health.
How does menopause affect vaginal health?
Estrogen plays a vital role in vaginal health and without it, the vagina, and often your libido, suffers. As your estrogen level decreases, you may experience a reduction in natural lubrication, which dries out the sensitive tissues of your vagina, bladder, pelvic muscles and pelvic blood supply leading to irritation, itchiness, and burning. The lining also thins and loses much of its elasticity.
This combination, called vaginal atrophy, makes sex uncomfortable. In some cases, it’s so significant that women put off sex, not wanting to engage because of pain. Overtime your vagina becomes narrower and scarred and the skin even more fragile. The perineal skin becomes dry, itchy, inflamed and painful. Vaginal and bladder infection rates increase.
Along with the lack of estrogen, the changes in your vagina and ability to enjoy sex, even with lubrication, can cause a drop in libido.
If you are experiencing of these issues, Call our office today at (760)352-4103 to schedule your initial consultation.
