Atropic Vaginitis

by Clare
(New York)

Q. I have atropic vaginitis and am having a lot of burning and pain. I am in my seventies and this just keeps getting worse. Even compound premarin burns. Will a baking soda soak help? I will start with one fourth teaspoon in the sitz bath water. Please help me. Thank You


A. Here are one or two suggestions that might help.

I don't believe that the baking soda sitz bath will help because it will take your vaginal pH the wrong way. After menopause the vagina becomes more alkaline.

See if your doctor thinks that Estrace cream might be better that Premarin. A lot of women find that Premarin does burn - Estrace has a different main ingredient. It might not help as they both contain a substance which can irritate sensitive skin but worth trying.

Postmenopausal women have reduced levels of good bacteria in their vagina. This can lead to more urinary tract infections and vaginal infections. The right bacteria down there will help raise the acidity level. Fem Dophilus
oral tablets will help with that. They are a probiotic that can help with age-related vaginal problems.

Have you tried a non hormonal water soluble vaginal cream such as Replens?

I hope that one of these suggestions might improve things for you. Atropic vaginitis is one of those things all we women have to look forward to!