What does atrophic changes present mean?
Overview. Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms.
Can you reverse vaginal atrophy?
Currently, estrogen replacement is the best way to reverse vaginal atrophy and GSM. Not every woman will be able to use this treatment option, however. Concerns about the long-term effects of increased estrogen sometimes discourage doctors from prescribing it.
What does vulval atrophy look like?
Vulvar and vaginal mucosae may appear pale, shiny, and dry; if there is inflammation, they may appear reddened or pale with petechiae. Vaginal rugae disappear, and the cervix may become flush with the vaginal wall. Vaginal shortening and narrowing tend to occur. A thin watery yellow vaginal discharge may be observed.
What is genitourinary syndrome?
The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term that describes various menopausal symptoms and signs including not only genital symptoms (dryness, burning, and irritation), and sexual symptoms (lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function, but also urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria, and …
What does atrophic changes mean in a Pap smear?
Sometimes after menopause or when breast feeding there are ‘atrophic changes’ in the cervix, caused by decreased hormone levels. If your Pap smear result is ‘atrophic’ you may be given some local oestrogen treatment (for example, oestrogen cream) and asked to have the Pap smear repeated in three months.
What does atrophy mean?
1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue atrophy of muscles also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant.
What does vaginal atrophy feel like?
Vaginal atrophy (also called atrophic vaginitis) is a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner. This results in itching, burning and pain during sex, among other symptoms. The condition also includes urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and frequent urination.
What is a Mona Lisa procedure?
MonaLisa Touch from Pacific Gynecology Surgical Group MonaLisa Touch is one type of vaginal rejuvenation that uses a gentle laser to stimulate collagen production of the tissues within the vaginal wall.
What is the Mona Lisa surgical procedure?
What causes GSM?
Hormonal changes cause GSM. Levels of female sex hormones drop in the lead-up to menopause, a period called perimenopause, and this can affect the genitals and urinary tract. For example, the hormone estrogen helps lubricate the vagina, and reduced estrogen levels can cause the vagina to become dry, itchy, and tight.