If these don’t work vaginal estrogen, which comes in cream pessary or tablet form) can be prescribed. Water soluble personal lubrication should also be used to help relieve any discomfort. Vaginal moisturisers are available for general use, and it’s recommended that when you have sex, more time is spent on foreplay. Sex with a dry vagina is painful and when your body anticipates pain the muscles tighten, contributing more to the discomfort and pain. But vaginal dryness can have a real impact on your sex life. The dryness can be irritating, and can lead to an itching or burning sensation. This is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of the menopause. That pesky decline in estrogen level is responsible for many changes in the body, including a drier vagina and less lubrication during sex. Speaking of sex You may notice your vagina feels drier:
Libido is affected by so many factors, from hormones to emotional state. Sex drive may decline:įor many women, menopause causes a lowered libido, though every woman is different.
When the ecosystem of the vagina is altered, it leaves women more prone to vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis. The hormonal changes that occur as a woman ages and goes through menopause can lead to atrophy of the vaginal wall (thinning) and affect the delicate pH balance of the vagina, as it stops making as much good bacteria, which fights off the bad bacteria. You become more susceptible to vaginal infections: The bladder is also under the influence of estrogen, and a decrease in this will result in bladder atrophy which can lead to recurrent infection, urgency and frequency of urination. You may get urinary tract infections (UTIs) more frequently:
#Vagina shapes change because of skin
It can be useful to avoid harsh scrubs when washing the area in order to avoid aggravating the skin and ensuring maximum comfort. This loss of fullness is completely normal, and the labia may also become smaller and paler due to decreased blood flow to the area. Appearance of the vulva changes:Īs the body gets older and estrogen levels decrease, the body loses fat and collagen and the result is that the skin and tissue of the vulva and labia becomes thinner and look less plump. Pubic hair changes in appearance:Īlong with the hair on your head, the pubic hair naturally thins and becomes more sparse (which may be welcome news for some), and also greys along with other bodily hair. Although these can’t fix any existing issues, it can certainly be helpful in preventing future issues. This can lead to issues like urinary incontinence or even vaginal prolapse.Īn increase in body weight can also put pressure on the pelvic floor so maintaining a healthy weight can be useful in preventing this, as can doing pelvic floor exercises on a regular basis. As these muscles weaken women may experience a decrease in pelvic floor strength which supports not only the bladder and uterus, but the bowel too. Muscle wastage naturally happens as we age – and this includes the muscles supporting the pelvic floor. Muscles supporting the pelvic floor weaken: You may notice varicose veins: Particularly for women who’ve been pregnant, you may notice varicose veins on the vulva due to weakened vein valves. These symptoms are due to fluctuating hormone levels and a decline in the female hormone, estrogen, due to irregular ovulation. The perimenopause may be manifested by heavy periods, short cycles or even irregular infrequent long cycles, mood swings, insomnia and irritability. This is usually preceded by perimenopause, which can start as early as 45 years of age. The menopause commonly begins at around 50 years of age. He says: “It is good for women to be prepared for the changes that happen to the vulva and vagina as they age so they can take the necessary steps to make themselves more comfortable and, in some cases, help to delay or prevent some of the changes that happen with age.” We all know that crows feet, creaky joints and grey hair are a natural part of aging, but what happens to your vagina as you age? Probably more that you’d expect!ĭr Alex Eskander, Consultant Gynaecologist here at The Gynae Centre has more than 30 years of experience and is renowned in the field for his expertise.
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