Vaginal Dryness Specialist

How can I tell if I have vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness causes symptoms like pain during intercourse, itching in the genital area, burning when urinating or feeling frequent urges to urinate, and other types of discomfort in the vaginal area. Any time you experience one or more of these issues, you should call Dr. Bickman's office to schedule an appointment so she can evaluate you for vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy or other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness occurs when the normal lubricants that occur naturally in your vagina decrease, usually due to a decline in your body's estrogen levels. Estrogen helps promote the production of fluids that lubricate the vagina and help prevent infection. It also helps maintain the elasticity of the vagina and balance the pH or acidity levels in the vaginal fluid. Menopause is the primary cause of estrogen levels declining, but other factors can also cause a drop in hormones, including:

• childbirth

• breastfeeding

• oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or total hysterectomy

• chemotherapy or radiation treatment

• certain medications, including some allergy medications, antidepressants, and medications to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis

• douching too frequently

• immune system disorders

How is vaginal dryness treated?

When vaginal dryness is caused by a decline in estrogen – the most common cause – it may be treated using a topical estrogen product designed to stimulate the production of vaginal fluid. Many women prefer topical estrogen to estrogen pills because it can be applied directly to the vaginal area, reducing the amount of estrogen needed to produce results. Lower levels of estrogen reduce the potential for side effects. Women who want to avoid estrogen entirely may prefer treatments with the Mona Lisa Touch vaginal laser system, designed to help restore the vaginal lining and reduce or completely treat vaginal dryness and its associated symptoms.

*Individual Results May Vary