Treatment Options Available for Women Suffering From Vaginal Pain

August 8, 2012 — Only about one-fourth of the millions of women who experience vaginal pain report the problem to a health care professional, the New York Times' "Well" reports. Meanwhile, women who do voice concerns are often incorrectly told that there is nothing medically wrong and that the condition is untreatable, "Well" notes.

There are many causes of vaginal pain, but the condition most often results from a loss of estrogen, which can cause vaginal dryness and atrophy. Vaginal atrophy involves a thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls from a loss of estrogen. It can result in dryness and burning, a shortening of the vaginal canal, and urinary problems -- all of which can make intercourse painful.

Many women with vaginal pain are nearing or past menopause, have recently given birth, are breastfeeding, are undergoing treatment with estrogen-suppressing drugs or other cancer treatments, or have had their ovaries removed.

Effective treatments often involve several complementary approaches, according to "Well." Local treatments -- such as a vaginal estrogen ring, estrogen tablets or creams -- can help, as well as over-the-counter lubricants and physical therapy (Brody, "Well," New York Times, 8/6).