
Question: I'm postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
Answer: Vaginal dryness can be a problem for many postmenopausal women. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body's estrogen levels during menopause.
To remedy vaginal dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor might recommend:
Regular sexual activity or vaginal stimulation — with or without a partner — also helps maintain healthy vaginal tissues in women after menopause.
This article is written by Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, M.D., and Mayo Clinic Staff. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.
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