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The Question
10/09/09 07:56 AM

"Severe Vagional Atrophy, does glycerin dry you out?"
Asked By: dramawriter2005@yahoo.com  
Category: Sexual Issues

Background Info Hide
Diagnosed with SVA in early 40's. Natural menopause at 50. Unable to get any clitoral moisture even when manual stimulation. I get a completely dry orgasm. DX with Type 2 at 45 after a thyroid storm. Many yeast infections during peri-menopause. Very active with my husband for 20 or more years. We used a lubricant that contains glycerin. Now I bleed slightly during sex. Now no sex.

Expert Answers (1)

10/12/09 10:16 AM

DearDramaWriter2005@yahoo.com:
Atrophic vaginitis (also known as vaginal atrophy or urogenital atrophy) is an inflammation of the vagina (and the outer urinary tract) due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication. This is all due to a lack of the reproductive hormone estrogen. The cause of vaginal atrophy is usually the normal decrease in estrogen as a result of menopause. Other causes of decreased estrogen levels are decreased ovarian functioning due to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immune disorder, removal of the ovaries, or could be due to the use of various medications: (Tamoxifen, Danazol, Medroxyprogesterone, Leuprolide, and Nafarelin).
  • Use of vaginal estrogen before the condition becomes severe is appropriate. A water soluble vaginal lubricant , to include a source of estrogen, can be helpful in some cases, if you have not tried .
  • Glycerin has hygroscopic properties-meaning grabs water-oils from the area it comes in contact, used in makeup to keep the 'shine' down.

    If the dryness, pain, bleeding, could be due to cellular malfunction or damage to cellular lubrication's ability in this area, some suggest the 'Kegal exercises', 'changes in position', 'longer foreplay', or a "1-1" conversation with your Gynecologist, who might offer additional insight and successful lubricant sources.

    The pain and discomfort from dryness make it more likely to have vaginismus. Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles around the vaginal entrance; again the Kegel exercises may help.

    I am sorry to hear of the pain and discomforts. Nerve damage to the cells that line your vagina can also cause vaginal dryness. Getting the blood glucose under control may delay or slow any additional nerve damage. Getting back to the basics: American Diabetes Association's ABCs

  • A1c<7 %
  • Blood pressure<130/80mmHG
  • Tg<150
  • activity to 150 min/wk per PCP OK. Hope this helps, be your best. Regards Sue
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

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