The Role of Hormones in Vulva and Vagina Pain
“Menopause brings about a number of physical changes. – Ovaries stop releasing eggs, periods cease, hot flashes begin, & vaginal dryness becomes more common. Along with the dryness, vaginal pain may also increase during & after menopause. Lower oestrogen levels generate changes, including vaginal pain” [1]. – But the good news is that underlying causes of vulva & vagina pain can be ameliorated with the help of a Vulva Pain Doctor
A Drop in Oestrogen Levels
Did you know that when a woman’s oestrogen levels go down, their vagina generates less natural lubrication and moisture? Moreover, the tissues become more fragile and thinner. -This can lead to difficult penetrative sex, which can cause irritation and tearing. Furthermore, pain and discomfort post-penetrative sex is also more likely. In fact, it’s common for postmenopausal women to feel irritation, burning, and soreness in their vulva or vagina or post-sex [1].
“Pain after menopause may also be the result of vaginal tightness during sex. Without oestrogen, your vagina can shorten & narrow at the opening. Penetration may be painful.
This dry, thin vaginal tissue & the resulting inflammation & irritation is a condition called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis” [1]
Discussing These Issues Without Feeling Embarassed
As mentioned in leading Pain Medicine Consultant’s, Dr Chris Jenner’s, renowned book, Viva la Vulva, countless women suffer in silence without consulting a medic. – This is simply because they feel embarrassed about discussing their intimate vagina and vulva pain; do not know how to approach the subject if they have a male doctor; or do not realise that there are now multiple types of conventional and cutting-edge treatment to help them get their life back on track. So to that end, discussing the issue with an experienced Vulva Pain Specialist as soon as possible, is the smart way forward. And if you would feel more comfortable consulting a female Vulva Pain Doctor, then you can do so.
Preparing for a Vulva and Vagina Pain in-person or online consultation, is very beneficial, and only involves showing the Vulva Doctor your ‘Pain Dairy.’ Once they have reviewed your medical and sexual history, and asked you various pertinent questions, they will ask you to describe your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, and what brings them on, and what ameliorates them, etc. To that end, compiling a daily Pain Dairy with 24 hourly slots, is ideal, as you can write various notes. For example:
• November 20, Monday Morning, 10.00: tried to inset a tampon, but experienced terrible pain, and could not use it. This sore pain in my vagina lasted for around 30 hours, and made it very difficult to urinate, as it hurt
• November 26, Saturday Evening, 23.30: hoped to have sexual intercourse (vagina sex) with my partner, but even during foreplay, having my vagina touched with his finger made me scream
Clearly, these issues are very sensitive and personal, and this is yet another reason why registering as a new patient with a Specialist Vulva Doctor is the best course of action. They are highly experienced, and have a deep understanding of all the traumatic physical, psychological, and emotional issues that women with this type of pain have to battle on a daily basis. Moreover, some sufferers have virtually given up on getting their issues sorted, as in the past they have told their GP, who due to their lack of specialist training in Pain and Pain Medicine, have not been able to help them treat the root cause.
Conversely, a Vulva Pain Doctor, has received the necessary extensive training, and has built up a portfolio of vast experience working in the sphere of Pain Assessment and Treatment Protocols in various hospitals and clinics. And this is why, after your initial assessment, and after any necessary tests and scans have been carried out, you will be given a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan, which you can get started on right away.
Reference
[1]. Holland, K. (2022). “What to Do About Vaginal Pain After Menopause.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause-vaginal-pain