Causes and symptoms of female vulvar atrophy

Vulvar atrophy refers to the phenomenon that the skin of the female perineum becomes drier, thinner and looser. The surface is not as tight as before and has many wrinkles. The elasticity of the hair decreases, the hair gradually becomes very thin, and then begins to fall out. There are many reasons for female vulvar atrophy, some of which are physiological and some are caused by pathological changes. When female friends find themselves having such symptoms, they must seek treatment as soon as possible.

【Female vulvar atrophy-symptoms】

1. Primary vulvar atrophy: At the beginning, the subcutaneous fat of the vulva disappears, the labia majora becomes flat, and then the pubic hair falls off, the epidermis withers, the surface becomes smooth, dry and shiny, with a waxy luster, and sometimes small red spots appear. The labia minora and clitoris may eventually disappear. The vulva has itching, burning or tingling sensations. If there is a secondary infection, urination may also be painful. The vaginal opening becomes narrow due to atrophy, making sexual intercourse difficult. The atrophy range can extend to the perineum and around the anus, causing a decrease in the tension of the anal sphincter and mild fecal incontinence. Anal fissures may also be caused by atrophy.

2. Lichen sclerosus malnutrition: The main symptoms are itching in the affected area. The lesions involve the vulvar skin, mucous membranes and perianal skin. The clitoris, labia minora and posterior commissure are the most common lesion sites. The skin and mucous membranes become white, thin, dry and easily cracked, and lose elasticity. The clitoris is often atrophied and the labia minora are flat. In the late stage, the skin is as thin as cigarette paper and the vaginal opening is narrow, resulting in difficulty in sexual intercourse. In severe cases, it resembles the condition after vulvectomy, that is, "dry vulva".

3. Lichen planus: Severe local itching, an umbilical area appears in the brown and moist area, the surface is rough and moist, and scratches are visible, and light red reticular spots can be seen on the vestibule and inner side of the labia minora. In addition to invading the labia majora and minora, clitoris and perineum, the vaginal mucosa is also often affected, often with severe atrophic changes, but the vaginal opening and vagina are not atrophic or narrowed.

[Women's vulvar atrophy-cause]

1. Primary vulvar atrophy In postmenopausal elderly women, ovarian function declines, estrogen levels decrease, and their target organs also atrophy.

2. White lesions of the vulva are also called chronic vulvar dystrophy. It is divided into hyperplastic type, lichen sclerosus type and mixed type. Among them, after a long period of time, the inflammatory lesions cause the elastic tissue of the dermis to disappear and become fibrotic, resulting in atrophy of the clitoris and labia minora.

3. Lichen planus is caused by chronic irritation such as leucorrhea and scratching, and is often complicated by severe atrophic changes.

4. Vulvar leukoplakia is a proliferative change of the vulvar mucosa, and 10% to 20% of them will undergo malignant transformation. It may be caused by long-term stimulation such as trauma, inflammation, allergy, infection, etc., and may eventually lead to vulvar atrophy.

Regarding female vulvar atrophy, the above related knowledge is introduced. I hope that it can help you solve your doubts after reading it carefully. When a disease occurs, do not be afraid to see a doctor, and be sure to go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.