Vaginal dryness and genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Common, treatable and too often unspoken.
What it is
Lower oestrogen can thin and dry the tissues of the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder. Doctors call this genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It affects about half of women after menopause.
Signs
- Dryness, itching, burning or irritation
- Pain or bleeding with sex
- Needing to pass urine often or urgently
- Repeated urinary tract infections
What helps
Unlike hot flushes, these symptoms usually stay or worsen without treatment. Options include vaginal moisturisers used regularly, lubricants during sex, low dose vaginal oestrogen and pelvic health physiotherapy. Vaginal oestrogen is suitable for most women.
Talk to your doctor
Many women never mention these symptoms. Your doctor hears about them every day. Saying "I have vaginal dryness" or "sex has become painful" is enough to start.
Talk to us
Our free workshops cover this and more, in plain language, with time for questions. See our programmes or get support.