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Getting Great Treatment From The OBGYN

About a year ago, I started thinking about having a baby. I knew that I wanted to have a child, but I wasn't sure if my husband was ready. However, after a great discussion with my hubby, I could tell that it was time. We started looking into different options, and I found a great team of professionals who could help. After we tried for a few months, we went in for our appointment, and I was pleased to learn that I was pregnant. It was really special to learn about our little one, and before we knew it, we were inviting our little one into the world. This website is all about starting your family with the help of a great doctor.

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Getting Great Treatment From The OBGYN

How Can Your OBGYN Treat Vaginal Atrophy

by Reginald Ford

The term "vaginal atrophy" may sound scary, but this condition is actually quite common in older women after menopause. It causes vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, genital itching, and sometimes even urinary incontinence. The good news is that vaginal atrophy is quite easy to treat. Here are some of the top treatments your OBGYN may recommend after confirming your diagnosis.

Vaginal Moisturizers

For milder cases, and for women who want to avoid taking hormone supplements, your OBGYN may recommend a vaginal moisturizer. There are some over-the-counter products you can try and also some stronger prescription preparations. A vaginal moisturizer is similar to a lubricant, but it is meant to be applied several times per day, and it lasts for hours at a time. Not only will it reduce friction between your vaginal walls, but over time, it should help these tissues become more supple and retain their suppleness.

Estrogen Cream

If you have a more serious case of vaginal atrophy, or if topical moisturizers don't give you relief, your OBGYN may recommend an estrogen cream. This is a cream that is infused with estrogen that you apply directly to your vaginal area; the estrogen is absorbed by your vaginal tissues, and over time, it helps to strengthen them while also increasing your production of natural lubrication. You will generally use the cream two or three times a day at first, and then when your symptoms are under control, cut back to using it once a day.

DHEA

For patients who deal with really painful sex due to vaginal atrophy, and for those with more serious vaginal atrophy, an OBGYN will sometimes prescribe DHEA cream. DHEA is a precursor to estrogen. Your body will absorb the DHEA from the cream and convert it to estrogen and other hormones. Some women who have side effects when using estrogen creams respond better to DHEA creams. They are used in much the same way.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

If vaginal atrophy is not the only symptom you're experiencing — you're also having hot flashes, mood swings, and other troubles — your OBGYN may recommend taking hormone replacement pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone. These will raise your circulating levels of hormones to combat all of your symptoms, including vaginal atrophy.

If you think you may be suffering from vaginal atrophy, contact an OBGYN near you. There is a lot they can do to help ease your symptoms, from over-the-counter creams to hormone supplements.

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