Atrophic Vaginitis
Atrophic vaginitis is an erosion of the vaginal tissues. This condition
usually occurs after a woman has gone through menopause.
What is going on in the body?
Low levels of estrogen cause a loss of lubrication, or moisture, in the
vaginal tissues. At the same time, the vagina receives less blood supply and nutrients.
And those two changes together can cause the vaginal wall to thin out. Women have
low levels of estrogen at certain times of life:
before puberty
while breast-feeding
after menopause,
or during postmenopause
At these times, the vagina also becomes less acidic. Harmful
bacteria may replace the germs that are usually found in the vagina. So the vagina becomes
more prone to trauma and infection.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
This condition occurs when the ovaries produce too little estrogen. It is
very rare in children. In women who have this condition, infection and trauma during
intercourse become more likely.
|
