Vulvar and Vaginal atrophy (VVA) is a medical condition resulting from the loss of estrogen stimulation on vaginal and vulvar tissue. According to the National Library of Medicine, there are 64 million postmenopausal women in the United States, and as many as 32 million women may suffer from vaginal atrophy. This does not include the women who suffer from vaginal atrophy from other causes such as medication or childbirth.

A survey conducted about VVA found that most women were unfamiliar with the term VVA and vulvar and vaginal atrophy. This study also found that most women did not know that their symptoms could be caused by menopause or hormonal changes. Overall the survey demonstrates that many women have a poor understanding and low awareness of VVA and the associated symptoms.

The survey also showed that over half of the participants never discussed their VVA symptoms with their healthcare professional (HCP). Most women waited for their HCP to initiate the conversation. Only 13% reported that this happened. Lastly the survey asked women how their VVA symptoms impacted their life:

Symptom


Vaginal Dryness

Pain During Intercourse

Vaginal Irritation

Bleeding During Intercourse

Pain During Exercise

Participants reporting Symptoms of VVA


55%

44%

37%

8%

2%

Why are women not talking about VVA?
This question comes up often from healthcare professionals, so what needs to change? Studies show that some women did not know to expect changes in their vaginal health after losing estrogen or that the changes are caused from the loss of estrogen. Other reasons for not talking about VVA were that some women felt it was a part of growing older and they decided to just deal with the pain. Some women stated they were embarrassed to discuss any symptoms with their HCP.

Although VVA symptoms may be normal with getting older, women do not have to live with the discomfort. It is also important to understand that it is okay to talk with their HCP along with their sexual partners about the changes they are experiencing. This change in life can be beautiful and natural but does not need to be painful or disrupt your intimate journey.

Treatment options for VVA
Although there is no real treatment for VVA, there are options to help the symptoms of this condition. Surveys conducted show that many women who are using vaginal therapies to treat their symptoms are dissatisfied and discontinue treatment. Many expressed concerns of the side effects of the treatments along with the messiness and not being convenient for them. Estrogen therapies have been shown to provide some relief, but studies show that some women do not want to use estrogen because of the side effects. Some women, such as those who have had breast cancer cannot use estrogen.

In The Pink offers the first of its kind, Moisture Drops, an estrogen-free product with botanical ingredients will allow women to experience wellness and intimate communication once again. Hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil and Vitamin E blend together for the perfect mix that will mimic a woman’s natural vaginal lubrication.

Hemp seed oil offers the benefits of younger looking skin and regulating hormonal balance. These anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and analgesic properties closely match our own skin lipids. Grapeseed oil is an antioxidant that is about 50 times stronger than vitamins C and E. The benefits offered from grapeseed oil include anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in addition to being deeply moisturizing.