Have questions about vaginal dryness, bladder urgency, UTIs, or treatment options? You’re in the right place! We’re heading to lady town to explore the vaginal health challenges women face in midlife and after cancer treatments. From managing vaginal dryness and discomfort to addressing bladder urgency, recurrent UTIs, and skin conditions like lichen sclerosus. Learn how to navigate vaginal health with confidence and clarity as a cancer survivor or a woman in midlife!
As women navigate midlife or recover from cancer treatments, they often face changes that impact their vaginal health. These changes can be challenging and affect daily life and comfort. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms are often linked to hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause and perimenopause. Addressing these changes and understanding the components of vaginal health will empower you to reclaim your sexual health, provide symptom relief, and give you effective management strategies.
Hormones play a major role in maintaining the pH level or acid level in the vaginal biome, which is crucial for overall vaginal health. Estrogen is a key hormone that influences the balance of good bacteria. Maintaining a balanced pH is essential for inhibiting harmful bacteria growth, preventing infections, and keeping the vaginal environment healthy. Additionally, estrogen promotes blood flow, contributing to the ability to get aroused and keeping the vaginal skin healthy.
Skin health, both inside and outside the vagina, is influenced by hormone levels. External skin, such as the vulva, may change due to hormonal fluctuations, leading to textual differences—from sticky to more polished. Internal vaginal tissues may also be impacted, becoming thinner, drier, or more prone to irritation when estrogen levels decrease or there are changes in the vagina’s biome.
The vagina’s biome is an ecosystem, consisting of yeast, good and bad bacteria. While yeast and bacteria are naturally present, an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast can disrupt the ecosystem, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. When estrogen levels are imbalanced, the likelihood of experiencing issues such as bladder infections or vaginal discomfort increases. Lifestyle habits and a woman’s cycle can also disrupt this balance. A balanced biome relies on the prevention of infection and the overall vaginal health.
Hormones, the vaginal biome, and lifestyle factors are interconnected in maintaining vaginal health. When one is out of balance, the others are affected. For example, if estrogen levels decrease, it can disrupt the biome, while a poor diet and high-stress levels can also affect hormone levels and vaginal bacteria. Being mindful of these connections can help you make necessary changes and adopt healthy habits to nurture your vaginal health.
Lichen Sclerosus is an auto-immune skin condition of the vulva, similar to eczema. This condition occurs when the body has an overreaction to protect itself from things like chronic vaginal discharge, low estrogen, or even the effects of a workout class like spin class. Once the body goes into reaction mode, it stays there, causing symptoms of vaginal dryness, chronic itchiness, and sticky skin. In more serious cases, Lichen Sclerosus can lead to the vaginal skin becoming stuck in a cycle of splitting and healing.
Many women (about 50%!) may have this condition without realizing it. If you’re experiencing symptoms that aren’t improving with typical UTI or yeast infection treatments, it’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable doctor about other possible causes and treatment options. Effective treatments are available that can alleviate symptoms and support tissue healing and restoration. It is important to talk to your doctor about treatment options because untreated Lichen Sclerosus can lead to skin or vaginal cancers.
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, can significantly impact vaginal health. These treatments often lead to hormonal changes, such as reduced estrogen levels from anti-hormone therapies or early menopause. This hormonal shift can alter the vaginal environment, resulting in symptoms like dryness, discomfort, and changes in sexual function.
There are safe and effective treatment options available for managing vaginal health after cancer treatments, both with and without estrogen. For those who can use estrogen, estrogen therapies are carefully controlled and minimize systemic absorption. But whether you cannot use those options or feel more comfortable not using estrogen, there are alternative options. It’s important to consult a knowledgeable doctor about women’s health to provide you with the best advice while making a decision that is tailored to your needs.
Low estrogen levels can cause changes in tissue at the bladder neck and increase muscle tone in the pelvic floor. These alterations can reduce support around the urethra and affect bladder function. Additionally, excessively tight pelvic floor muscles can lead to painful intercourse and general discomfort.
Luckily, there are treatment options. Vaginal Valium, a potent muscle relaxer that can be applied directly to the vagina, helps soothe the pelvic floor before sex. Another product, Milli, is a vaginal dilator that expands and stretches the vagina and pelvic floor muscles. We recommend that women use Milli for 10 minutes daily to allow pelvic muscles to get used to being stretched. Other options include Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and techniques like kegels and hip-opening exercises to improve muscle function and alleviate discomfort.
Having regular physical and pelvic exams can help detect the source of pelvic pain. It also provides an opportunity for a more in-depth conversation about symptoms and other concerns like cancer risk, sexual health, and any issues you may be experiencing.
Ready to take control of your Vaginal Health? Discover evidence-based treatment options and valuable insights on the importance of caring for your vaginal health. Watch our latest Let’s Chat to hear from our knowledgeable providers. If you’re suffering from vaginal dryness, itchiness, or discomfort and are feeling unheard, contact us. We’re here to empower you to take control of your health because you deserve to live confidently and comfortably at every stage of life.
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