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Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Atrophic Vaginitis
Overview
Atrophic vaginitis is an irritation of the vagina caused by thinning tissue and loss of moisture in the vaginal walls. This is most common after menopause or in women who have had their ovaries removed.
About vaginitis
Most women will have vaginitis at some time during their lives. Many types of vaginitis are easy to treat, and your symptoms will go away quickly.
A healthy vagina has a normal balance of bacteria. Vaginitis occurs when something changes the balance of these organisms. This imbalance creates inflammation or causes an infection. Symptoms include:
- Itching
- Pain
- An unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginitis can sometimes be an early sign of a more serious problem, although this is relatively rare.
The uterus is shaped like an upside down pear; the narrowest, lowest part is the cervix, which separates the uterus from the vaginal canal. Most vaginal infections affect the vaginal canal and vulva (the outer lips of the vagina).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact us to see if you should make an appointment:
- Vaginal irritation and burning
- Frequent or painful urination
- Pain with intercourse
- A thin gray or yellow discharge
If you come in for an exam, we may:
- Take your medical history.
- Do a pelvic exam to look for thinning vaginal walls.
- Check your vaginal discharge under the microscope to look for inflammatory cells.
Causes and Prevention
Atrophic vaginitis often occurs with menopause as a result of decreasing levels of the hormone estrogen. Surgery to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy, or other types of ovarian conditions can also result in atrophic vaginitis.
To prevent atrophic vaginitis, have sex regularly if you can. Sexual activity improves blood flow to the vagina, which can keep the tissues healthy. Do not douche and always wipe from front to back after you use the bathroom.
Treatments
You may use vaginal lubricants during sex if intercourse is painful. Some examples of good water-soluble vaginal lubricants that you can buy over-the-counter are Astroglide, Wet Lubricant Gel, or K-Y Jelly.
Low-dose estrogen cream or an estrogen vaginal ring can also treat atrophic vaginitis. This is a long-term treatment, as dryness can return if you stop the treatment.
Additional References:
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.