Menopause brings about a number of physical changes. Ovaries stop releasing eggs, periods cease, hot flashes begin, and vaginal dryness becomes more common. Along with the dryness, vaginal pain may also increase during and after menopause.

Most pain after menopause can be traced to one issue: A drop in estrogen. This hormone is responsible for lubricating the skin in and around the vagina, making the tissues more flexible, and maintaining the vaginas pH balance. (This helps keep infections at bay.)

The greater the drop in estrogen, the higher the likelihood of issues like vaginal dryness, tightness, and pain.

Learn more about what causes vaginal pain after menopause and what can help relieve the pain. This article will also look at other issues not related to menopause that could be responsible for vaginal pain or discomfort.

In most cases, vaginal discomfort and pain after menopause are related to sex. In fact, according to the North American Menopause Society, 17 to 45 percent of postmenopausal women say they find sex painful.

As estrogen levels drop, the vagina makes less of its own natural lubrication and moisture. The tissues become thinner and more fragile.

As a result, penetrative sex may cause tearing and irritation. Discomfort and pain after sex are more likely, too. In fact, its not uncommon for postmenopausal people to experience soreness, burning, and irritation in the vagina or vulva after sex.

Pain after menopause may also be the result of vaginal tightness during sex. Without estrogen, your vagina can shorten and narrow at the opening. Penetration may be painful.

This dry, thin vaginal tissue and the resulting inflammation and irritation is a condition called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis. Other symptoms can include:

Without treatment, people may experience tearing and bleeding after sex. People may be less inclined to have sex because they fear post-sex discomfort and pain.

Vaginal atrophy can also lead to chronic vaginal infections like yeast infections after menopause. Because of the changes in the vaginas pH, bacteria, yeast, and other organisms can grow and thrive more easily. These issues can lead to pain and discomfort, among other symptoms.

Urinary function issues are common in people with vaginal atrophy, too. This includes urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections. These conditions cause pain and discomfort.

Vaginal pain after menopause is often easily treated. Your doctor will want to pinpoint the underlying cause of any pain or discomfort. This will help ensure youre receiving the proper treatment. Some of these treatments include:

Hormonal changes arent the only reason for vaginal pain after menopause. The following issues may also cause vaginal pain and discomfort:

You dont have to live with vaginal pain after menopause. Lower estrogen levels do cause many changes to the body, including vaginal pain and discomfort. However, most of the underlying causes of this pain can be treated and corrected with your doctors help.

Pain during sex after menopause is a common issue. Many of the other issues that can cause vaginal pain after menopause are common, too. Despite that, many people simply do not talk about it with their doctors or clinicians.

It may be a fear of embarrassment. It could also be simply not knowing how to bring up the topic. But if you dont discuss this issue, you wont have the opportunity to get help and treatment.

After menopause, vaginal pain is typically the result of changes to the vagina caused by low estrogen levels. Less estrogen in the body leads to thinner, drier, and less elastic vaginal tissues. Penetrative sex may be more painful as a result of these changes, especially if you do not use lubrication.

Typically, vaginal pain after menopause is easily treatable. Over-the-counter lubrication or moisturizers can help during sex. Sometimes, people need a prescription from their doctor for estrogen supplements or creams. These treatments can help boost your estrogen levels and restore the vaginas natural moisture and flexibility.

If youre experiencing vaginal pain after menopause, talk with your doctor, who will be able to help you find the right treatment.

Continued here:
Menopause and Vaginal Pain: Causes and Treatment - Healthline

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