If you’ve had a hysterectomy, and you are having problems with vaginal dryness, you are not alone. Vaginal dryness is one of the more troubling symptoms faced by women who undergo a hysterectomy. But why does it happen, and what can you do about vaginal dryness after a hysterectomy.
Vaginal dryness and complete hysterectomy
A complete hysterectomy is an operation in which the uterus and ovaries are removed. This results in “surgical menopause.” Since the ovaries provide many of the hormones the vagina needs to function at its best, removing them can create hormone deficiencies and accelerate problems with vaginal drynes, vaginal shrinkage, pain with intercourse, change of vaginal bacterial flora with secondary recurrent vaginal bacterial and or yeast infections, discharge, odor, itching and burning.
Vaginal dryness is the most common of these vaginal symptoms associated with menopause. It occurs because the vaginal tissue is no longer secreting enough natural moisture to lubricate the vagina. This is often attributed to lack of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen plays a key role in vaginal health. It stimulates the squamous cells that form the lining of the vagina which keeps the mucosal lining thick and elastic and moist. Without sufficient estrogen, the vaginal walls lose their elasticity, and become thin, dry, non-pliable and sensitive.
What can you do?
Treating vaginal dryness often requires a customized treatment program, which is determined by the condition of the vaginal health, not just based on telling a gynecologist that the vagina feels dry. At Fowler Gyn International the choice of dose, type and proportion of bio-identical estrogen necessary to correct the problem are determined by analyzing the vaginal secretions with the Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) Test. Opting for a customized plan is necessary, because many women don’t respond positively to the traditional treatment available for topical vaginal estrogen. That’s why the experts at Fowler GYN International, Phoenix, AZ, carry out a detailed analysis of your symptoms, medical history, and Vaginal Fluid Ananlysis before prescribing a treatment protocol. FGI is led by Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, a board certified gynecologist and specialist in vaginal disorders.
If you are suffering from vaginal dryness after undergoing a hysterectomy, contact FGI for help. Call 480-420-4001 today, or go to www.fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us to find out more.