Causes and Effects
The causes and effects of VVA include:
Causes
- Loss of surface epithelial cells cause thinning of the tissue
- Loss of vaginal rugae causes loss of elasticity and narrowing/shortening of the vagina
- Loss of subcutaneous fat in the labia – leads to fusion of labia, narrowing of introitus and shrinkage of clitoris and urethra
- Vaginal pH becomes alkaline leading to more BV
Effects
- Vaginal dryness
- Vulvar dryness
- Discharge
- Itching
- Dyspareunia
- Fissuring/tearing
- Urethral discomfort