Atrophic vaginitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female reproductive anatomy

Causes of painful intercourse

Uterus

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Atrophic vaginitis

Definition:

Atrophic vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina due to thinning and shrinking tissues and decreased lubrication of the vaginal walls. It is caused by a lack of estrogen.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Atrophic vaginitis is typically caused by a decrease in estrogen, as normally occurs after menopause. The disorder may occur in younger women who have had surgery to remove their ovaries. Some women experience it immediately after childbirth or while breastfeeding, since estrogen levels are lower at these times.

Review Date: 10/25/2004
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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