Vaginal Dryness Specialist

Advanced Women Health Helen Hsieh, MD Our Services Vaginal Dryness
Helen Hsieh, MD - - Gynecologist

Advanced Women Health

Helen Hsieh, MD

Gynecologist & Aesthetic Specialist located in Flushing, NY

Vaginal dryness — a symptom of menopause — commonly happens to women as they get older, but it can occur at any age, causing pain and discomfort during sex. Dr. Helen Hsieh of Advanced Women Health in Flushing, New York, is a gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience helping women get relief from the pain and frustrations of vaginal dryness. If you’re a woman experiencing vaginal dryness at any age, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Hsieh using the online booking system.

Vaginal Dryness Q & A

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is often a symptom of menopause and postmenopause as women’s estrogen levels drop. As you age, your vaginal skin also becomes thinner and less elastic.

You may experience vaginal dryness as a result of lower estrogen during childbirth and breastfeeding, after ovarian surgery, or as a result of certain medications that are used to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

Other common causes of vaginal dryness include:

  • Smoking
  • Perimenopause
  • Immune disorders
  • Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy
  • Anti-estrogen medications
  • Antihistamine medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Allergic reaction to soap, lotion, perfumes
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Low sex drive

How is vaginal dryness diagnosed?

If you experience vaginal discomfort, burning, itching, or painful sexual intercourse, it’s a good idea to make an appointment for a pelvic exam so Dr. Hsieh can evaluate your symptoms and rule out any other conditions. She performs an internal exam to check for thinning or redness and looks for other possible causes of your discomfort.

Dr. Hsieh asks about your past health issues, how long you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of vaginal dryness, and if anything makes them worse. She may also test your estrogen levels to determine if hormone levels are a concern.

Is there a way to treat vaginal dryness?

Treatments depend on the cause of your condition and may include medications, lubricants, and creams that are especially useful during intercourse. Topical estrogen may also alleviate vaginal dryness discomfort. This comes in a tablet or cream form, or a ring that you place directly into your vagina.

There are also several alternative therapies and natural supplements that may help relieve your symptoms.

Additionally, Dr. Hsieh offers ThermiVa® treatments that can help improve vaginal laxity (looseness) as well as increasing natural vaginal moisture. This is an in-office, noninvasive procedure that helps many women overcome the unpleasant side effects that sometimes occur during and after menopause.

If you suffer from painful symptoms of vaginal dryness and it’s causing you discomfort and affecting your intimate relationship, know you’re not alone and there is something you can do about it.

Learn more about the causes and treatment options for this common problem among women. Contact Dr. Hsieh by phone, or use the online booking system to schedule an appointment today.

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