Atrophic vaginitis

Question 1

Atrophic vaginitis

Answer 1

Dryness and atrophy of the vaginal mucosa related to a lack of oestrogen

Question 2

Who gets atrophic vagnitis

Answer 2

Menopausal women

Question 3

Pathophysiology of atrophic vaginitis

Answer 3

Oestrogen levels fal

Mucosa becomes thinner, less elastic and more dry.

The tissue is more prone to inflammation.

Changes in the vaginal pH and microbial flora that can contribute to localised infections.

Question 4

What does oestrogen do to the epithelial lining

Answer 4

Becomes thicker, more elastic and producing secretions

Question 5

Presentation pf atrophic vaginitis

Answer 5

Itching

Dryness

Dyspareunia

Bleeding due to localised inflammation

Question 6

Conditions associated with atrophic vaginitis

Answer 6

Recurrent UTIs
Stress incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse

Question 7

Atrophic vaginitis on examination

Answer 7

Pale mucosa

Thin skin

Reduced skin folds

Erythema and inflammation

Dryness

Sparse pubic hair

Question 8

Management of atrophic vaginitis

Answer 8

Vaginal lubricants can help symptoms of dryness

Topical oestrogen c

Question 9

Types of topical oestrogen

Answer 9

Cream
Pessary
Tablets
Ring

Question 10

Side effects of topical oestrogen

Answer 10

Increased risk of breast cancer

Increased risk of VTE