Among the many “changes of life” which occur in post-menopausal women can be a thinning of the walls of the vagina, due to the reduction in estrogen levels.  The vaginal tissue can become more fragile, less elastic, and more easily injured. Sexual intercourse may become painful.

The condition, known formally as atrophic vaginitis, affects up to 40 percent of post-menopausal women. Some women will be affected during the onset of menopause, while others' symptoms may not appear until much later.

Women who have never given birth are more likely to experienceatrophic vaginitis than those have. Chronic smokers, too, are likelier candidates; smoking impairs blood circulation, depriving the vagina of oxygen, and tissue thinning is more likely to occur where blood flow is restricted.

Symptoms may include:

• thinning of the vaginal walls
• shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
• lack of vaginal moisture
• vaginal burning
• spotting of blood after intercourse
• discomfort or pain during intercourse
• pain or burning with urination
• more frequent urinary tract infections
• urinary incontinence

Because atrophic vaginitis creates acidic situations, the vaginas of women suffering from this condition become magnets for bacteria, yeast, and other micro-organisms. This increases their risk of developing urinary tract-related problems.

If you experience unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, burning,  soreness or discomfort during sexual intercourse even after applying lubrication, see your doctor. Even though atrophic vaginitis is a fairly common condition, many women are unfortunately embarrassed to seek help.

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely give you a pelvic examination and check your external genitalia for signs of atrophy, such as sparse pubic hair, loss of elasticity, or bulges on the walls of your vagina. Your doctor may also collect vaginal secretions upon which she will perform pH testing. A urinalysis may also be scheduled.

Treatments for atrophic vaginitis are varied, and may be directed at both the symptoms, such as over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants, and the cause, such as estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen may be taken orally or topically, and it will improve the vaginal elasticity of your vagina and increase your natural moisture.