13 April, 2016
Treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy with hyaluronic acid
The treatment with hyaluronic acid specific to the genital area (antiaging intimate) is recommended to a high percentage of women who, on reaching the menopause, experience vaginal dryness, itching, irritation and pain. These symptoms prevent them from having satisfactory sexual relations, affecting their quality of life significantly.
This problem affects almost 50% of women on the menopause. It is a consequence of the decrease in the amount of oestrogen in the body that occurs at this stage of women’s lives and despite using moisturisers, lubricants and/or local oestrogens, the results are not entirely satisfactory.
Most women reach the menopause naturally or spontaneously around 50 years, but there are other situations that may provoke the menopause at any age, such as a consequence of having both ovaries removed (surgical menopause) or after having been subjected to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy treatment.
However, vaginal dryness known as “vulvovaginal atrophy” is not exclusive to women who have reached the menopause. There are some drugs that can also provoke it such as Tamoxifen, used as a complementary therapy in the treatment of breast cancer, low-dose hormonal contraceptives, isotretinoin, which are used in cases of severe acne and in some types of cancer, some antidepressants and women who suffer from Lichen sclerosus of the vulva may also suffer from it.
The treatment with hyaluronic acid can also be applied to other women who complain of vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) and in situations other than the menopause. For example, in post partum retractile scars post or in young women who have required an oncological treatment that has provoked a genital atrophy.
“Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life that involves some inconveniences, it’s true, but it isn’t as big a tragedy as many women think. It may be a good time to reinvent themselves as a woman and as a person. It is time to devote more attention to our bodies and our minds”
“Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life that involves some inconveniences, it’s true, but it isn’t as big a tragedy as many women think. It may be a good time to reinvent themselves as a woman and as a person. It is time to devote more attention to our bodies and our minds”The treatment is performed in the gynecology department and does not require hospitalization. It is recommended that the patient is given a local anesthetic about 30 minutes before the procedure, so that it is completely painless.
During the first ten days after treatment is recommended to avoid getting wet in places like swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzi, spas, etc. and avoid sexual relations during the first 7 days after application.
The results have been really satisfactory:
- Vaginal dryness is improved
- Improvement for those suffering with dyspareunia
- Improves the production of the vaginal mucus
- Improves the vaginal pH
Although it can vary from woman to woman, normally patients do not require a new application until 12 months later.
At the moment in Spain the only hyaluronic acid specifically designed for the genital area, is present in two products: Desirial® and Desirial plus® ISDIN®. The first is recommended in those cases in which we want to rehydrate and recuperate genital comfort. Desirial Plus® helps reconstruct the tissue and increase the volume of the outer labia where necessary.
