
Talking to Your Health Care Provider About Vaginal Dryness
I am postmenopausal and am experiencing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. How can I discuss these problems with my health care professional?
Aug 20, 2011
Ask the ExpertI am postmenopausal and am experiencing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. How can I discuss these problems with my health care professional?
I am postmenopausal and am experiencing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. How can I discuss these problems with my health care professional?
During menopause, when estrogen levels start to drop, the vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic and less lubricated. These changes can result in a number of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and dyspareunia – or pain during sexual intercourse – which is said to be one of the most bothersome vaginal symptoms of menopause. Decreased lubrication can also cause discomfort, bleeding and tearing of the vaginal tissues during intercourse.
If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, I urge you to talk to your health care professional because there are treatment options available. To help prepare for that conversation, I suggest you:
If you're still uncomfortable with this discussion, during your visit you may want to:
During your visit, you may also want to:
Please don't feel embarrassed to talk with your health care professional about your vaginal health. Your health care professional is trained to understand the symptoms of menopause and to provide information about treatment options that will suit you.