What is atrophic vaginitis?
It's the diagnosis your doctor uses when you have a dry vagina. Don't you just love medical jargon? Atrophic vaginitis is not only an uncomfortable topic of discussion, but it can also be a physically uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful condition. In addition to vaginal dryness, other symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are vaginal burning and/or itching, pain with urination, and decreased lubrication causing pain with sexual activity (dyspareunia). Let's face it, no one wants to admit their dry vagina is causing pain with sexual activity. And since no one admits it, there's very little discussion on how to deal with it. So if you're interested in how to improve decreased lubrication causing dyspareunia, then read on.
What causes vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy occurs when estrogen levels decline such as with natural or surgical (ovaries removed) menopause, medications that counteract estrogen, long-term use of certain oral contraceptives, and breastfeeding. The lower estrogen levels result in literal thinning and sometimes shrinking of the vaginal tissues. The thin tissue doesn't lubricate well and is prone to inflammation and tearing. Since low estrogen causes atrophy, the obvious treatment is estrogen but not all women can or want to take estrogen, and even if they do it doesn't always result in adequate lubrication.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) can be found in many beauty and wellness products: facial moisturizers, serums, body creams, and joint supplements to name a few. The reason hyaluronic acid is used in these products is that it is a naturally-occurring, powerful humectant. Its main function is to trap water inside cells to keep the tissues moist and lubricated. The ability of HA to keep tissues moist and lubricated makes it a great ingredient for a product to lubricate the vagina.
Hyaluronic acid for down there
Hyaluronic acid doesn't just increase moisture, but it also promotes wound healing by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial infections. (Litwiniuk 2016, Xiaojuan 2019) It makes one shudder thinking of having a wound down there, but unfortunately many women with atrophy personally experience tearing of the thin vaginal tissue from atrophy.
Increased moisture and lubrication, reduced inflammation, and potential prevention of bacterial infections are why the team at Glissant included HA in our FDA-cleared, water-based lubricant. Hyaluronic acid plays a major role in beauty and wellness, and that beauty and wellness should include your parts down there.
Try GLISSANT's FDA-cleared Sea-Salt & Caramel Water-Based Intimate Lubricant Spray and GLISSANT's CBD & CBG Oil-Based Intimate Lubricant Spray
Dr. E. MD is a physician in Beverly Hills with over 20 years of experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.