Genitourinary atrophy is sometimes called vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal atrophy, urogenital atrophy but all of these names refer to the same condition. Around a half to two thirds of women experience symptoms of GUS especially with the menopause.
You may have all or only some of the following symptoms:
- dryness/itching/irritation of the vulva and vagina
- Watery thin vaginal discharge (despite feeling dry)
- Pain during or after sex
- Splitting of the skin of the vulva, vagina
- Bleeding with sex
- Less sexual arousal, desire and less strong orgasm
- Urinary symptoms like weeing more often, weeing more at night, stinging wee, blood in the wee, leaking urine
- Urethral or Bladder pain or cystitis
- Recurrent urine infections
- Urethral prolapse or caruncle
Treatments that can help:
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
There are many brands available on the market, but the only brand that Olivia recommends is Yes. Yes products are the only ones with the correct acidity for the vagina (so protects you against infections like thrush and bacterial vaginosis) and they don’t have other unhealthy ingredients.
Vaginal Estrogens
Vaginal estrogens replace the estrogen in the tissues that you are no longer making for yourself. They are very safe, but need to be continued long term. They are not known to be associated with any significant risks, especially when used in low doses. You can buy Gina without a prescription but others need a prescription. Vaginal estrogens come in various strengths and can be given as a cream, gel, vaginal tablet or a ring.