Vaginal Dryness — Which Lubricant is Right for You?
Vaginal dryness is a common problem that affects millions of women. Thankfully, lubricants are available to help provide relief from painful sex and irritation. To help you make an informed decision on which lubricant is right for you, it’s first important to learn why you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. What Causes Vaginal Dryness? The most common reason for vaginal dryness is perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone begin to plummet with age and can result in dryness. Several other causes include: What Other Conditions Can Accompany Vaginal Dryness? Lack of vaginal lubrication can affect you in many different ways, resulting in: Choosing the Right Lubricant for You Now let’s look at how to select the correct lubricant. There are many types and they range from pleasure-enhancing, non-staining, odorless, perfumed, and even flavored options. And many contain a myriad of unpronounceable ingredients so choosing the right one can be a challenge. Before deciding on the best one for you, you should consider the following: Once you have established all safety factors and your personal needs, deciding if you actually need a lubricant, moisturizer, or more aggressive therapies is your next step. Knowing their function and the results they provide will enable you to make the right selection. What is a Lubricant and What Does it Do? Most lubricants are designed for mild to moderate dryness and immediate use. They alleviate uncomfortable friction during intercourse and provide short-term relief. They come in gel or liquid form and the following types are available: Symptoms That May Not be Helped by Lubricants Store-bought lubricants or other dryness aids may not help some of your symptoms. In that case, you may need to talk to your gynecologist about trying something more effective, such as: We’re Here to Help You Dr. Michael Litrel addresses menopause in this informative video as he explains the effects of hormones in various areas of a woman’s life. If you have any questions about vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, or related therapies, our experts at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists are here to help you. Their skill and training in the most up-to-date technology enable them to diagnose and treat all of your unique feminine issues. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770.720.7733.
Painful Periods and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, forms and grows in places outside the uterus. These growths may lead to pain and infertility. Up to 50% of women who have endometriosis may experience infertility. If you had painful periods as a teenager, it is very likely you have endometriosis. This problem often goes undiagnosed because women “get used to” the pain. Symptoms of Endometriosis In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together. Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period. Fertility problems also may develop. Fortunately, effective treatments are available. Causes of Endometriosis The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. However, possible causes include the following: When to Call Your Doctor If you develop sudden, severe pelvic pain, call your doctor immediately. Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if: Treatment Options There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatment can help with pain and infertility. Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you want to get pregnant. If you have pain only, hormone therapy to lower your body’s estrogen levels will shrink the implants and may reduce pain. If you want to become pregnant, having surgery, infertility treatment, or both may help. Not all women with endometriosis have pain. And endometriosis doesn’t always get worse over time. During pregnancy, it usually improves, as it does after menopause. If you have mild pain, have no plans for a future pregnancy, or are near menopause (around age 50), you may not feel a need for treatment. The decision is up to you. Medicines If you have pain or bleeding but aren’t planning to get pregnant soon, birth control hormones (patch, pills, or ring) or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may be all that you need to control pain. Birth control hormones are likely to keep endometriosis from getting worse. If you have severe symptoms or if birth control hormones and NSAIDs don’t work, you might try a stronger hormone therapy. Besides medicine, you can try other things at home to help with the pain. For example, you can apply heat to your belly, or you can exercise regularly. Surgery If hormone therapy doesn’t work or if growths are affecting other organs, surgery is the next step. It removes endometrial growths and scar tissue. This can usually be done through one or more small incisions, using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy can improve pain and your chance for pregnancy. In severe cases, removing the uterus and ovaries (hysterectomy and oophorectomy) is an option. This surgery causes early menopause. It is only used when you have no pregnancy plans and have had little relief from other treatments. We Can Help As OB/GYNs, we specialize in protecting your fertility and providing treatment to relieve physical suffering. Our three board certified specialists in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) provide an exceptional level of expertise you won’t find in any other OB/GYN practice in the Southeast. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment by calling 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
