Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Atrophic Vaginitis test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Vaginal discharge changed
Vaginal itching
Have irregular vaginal bleeding
Vulva or vagina hurts
Vaginal discharge odor has changed
Genital itch
Bleeding between periods
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
A condition in which the vaginal surface becomes dry and thin, commonly seen after menopause due to decreased female hormone levels. Symptoms include itching and painful intercourse.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Most cases can be managed effectively with lubricants and estrogen creams. Hormone therapy is helpful if there are other bothersome menopause symptoms.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
We would love to help them too.
With a free 3-min Atrophic Vaginitis quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms

Our AI

Your report

Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
See full list
Q.
Vaginal Dryness? Why Your Tissue Is Thinning & Estradiol Vaginal Cream Next Steps
A.
Vaginal dryness often means your vaginal tissue is thinning from low estrogen, especially around menopause, which can cause burning, pain with sex, light bleeding, and urinary irritation; lubricants can ease friction but do not repair the tissue. Estradiol vaginal cream is a targeted, low dose option that restores thickness, lubrication, and comfort with minimal bloodstream absorption, but the right regimen and safety depend on your medical history, especially if you have a history of breast cancer, unexplained bleeding, or blood clots. There are several factors to consider; see below for urgent red flags, who should consult before using it, alternatives if estrogen is not right for you, and practical next steps.
References:
* Nappi RE, Nappi L, Nappi A. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an update on diagnosis and treatment. Climacteric. 2023 Aug;26(4):307-313.
* Pastore LM, et al. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) in Postmenopausal Women: The Role of Vaginal Estrogen Therapy. J Clin Med. 2023 Jun 2;12(11):4449.
* Zhang W, et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Estradiol Vaginal Tablet for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jun 11;18(12):6352.
* Angelin-Duclos C, et al. Vaginal atrophy: clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and management. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Aug;31(4):257-263.
* Portman DJ, Gass ML. Local low-dose estrogen therapy for vaginal atrophy. Climacteric. 2018 Apr;21(2):107-111.
Q.
Is Sex Supposed to Hurt? The Medical Reality of Dyspareunia and Your Next Steps
A.
Sex is not supposed to hurt; ongoing or repeated pain is called dyspareunia, a common but treatable symptom with causes that include vaginal dryness or hormonal shifts, infections, pelvic floor dysfunction or vaginismus, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or fibroids, and vulvar skin conditions, and red flags like bleeding, fever, or severe or worsening pain require prompt medical attention. There are several factors to consider. See below for how the location and timing of pain shape diagnosis, which treatments and self-care steps fit each cause, and other details that could change your next steps, including when to see a specialist and how to involve a partner.
References:
* Pastore LM, Holloway AC, Parry JP. Dyspareunia: an overview of the aetiology, diagnosis and management. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2019 Jun;39(4):428-435. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2018.1517402. Epub 2019 Mar 20. PMID: 30894503.
* Wesselmann U, Riemer-Lau A, Täger L, Wetzig M. Chronic Pelvic Pain and Dyspareunia. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2023 Jan 20;120(3):47-54. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0001. PMID: 36671077.
* Cappelletti M, De Stefano C, Rosati M, Bertino A, Bini G, Zullo M, Di Cesare C, Simoncini T. Vulvodynia and sexual function: a scoping review of the literature. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023 Jun;307(6):1709-1721. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-06979-5. Epub 2023 Mar 10. PMID: 36904126.
* Graziottin A, Brotto LA. Dyspareunia - aetiology, diagnosis and current treatment possibilities. Sex Med Rev. 2019 Apr;7(2):220-235. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.10.004. Epub 2018 Jan 22. PMID: 29377488.
* Sampselle CM, Han E, Mizerik H, Reed BD, Konchel N, Sen A, Wei JT, Smith LM. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review. Phys Ther. 2022 Sep 1;102(9):pzqc120. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzqc120. PMID: 35655787.
Q.
Benefits of Cloves Sexually for Women 30-45: 5 Vital Next Steps
A.
Cloves can modestly support sexual wellness for women 30 to 45 by improving circulation, lubrication and comfort, stress balance and libido, hormone metabolism, and overall energy, though they are supportive rather than a cure. There are several factors to consider; see below for five vital next steps on safe use in food or tea and proper dosing, which symptoms mean stop and check for atrophic vaginitis, when to talk to a doctor, and crucial safety notes including avoiding vaginal use or clove oil and possible drug interactions.
References:
* Prasad, S. K., et al. (2017). Medicinal plants with aphrodisiac properties: A review of scientific evidence. *Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR*, 11(10), FE01-FE07. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/28059.10657. PMID: 29207865; PMCID: PMC5713798.
* Neamtu M, Rusu ME, Burlacu L, Căruntu C, Gligor R, Mircea C, Gligor A, Mărgăritescu C, Rusu V, Popoiag VG, Popa D. (2023). Pharmacological Properties of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (Clove) and Its Role in the Prevention of Human Diseases: A Review. *Molecules*, 28(5), 2130. doi: 10.3390/molecules28052130. PMID: 36903433; PMCID: PMC10003058.
* Kelebek H, Selli S. (2022). Eugenol: A comprehensive review on its pharmacological properties, toxicity, and medicinal benefits. *Journal of Food Science*, 87(5), 1969-1996. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.16104. PMID: 35438495.
* Khalili H, Farzin M, Mohammadi N, Ebrahimi A. (2021). The efficacy of clove essential oil in reducing pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, 272, 113944. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113944. Epub 2021 Feb 17. PMID: 33609827.
* Chandra H, Sridevi V. (2022). Aphrodisiacs from nature: An overview of current scientific knowledge. *Phytomedicine Plus*, 2(3), 100299. doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100299. Epub 2022 Jun 29. PMID: 37170138; PMCID: PMC10170884.
Q.
Female Prostate Orgasm: Symptoms, Health Facts & Vital Next Steps
A.
Female prostate orgasms are real for some people and arise from Skene’s glands near the urethra, often feeling deeper and more internal with pelvic contractions and possible clear or milky fluid release; not having them is normal. Hormonal shifts and urinary or vaginal conditions can change comfort and sensation, and a strong urge to urinate during stimulation is common and usually harmless. Seek care for pain, bleeding, burning, persistent pelvic pressure, or new urinary issues; use lubrication and avoid any stimulation that hurts. For vital next steps, including when to see a gynecologist or urologist and a symptom check for atrophic vaginitis, see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Pastor, R., & Zaviacic, M. (2018). Female Ejaculation: A Systematic Review. *Sexual Medicine Reviews*, *6*(4), 587–598.
* Amato, M., Del Vecchio, C., De Carlo, D. R., Amato, M., Del Vecchio, C., & De Carlo, D. R. (2020). The 'G-spot' and 'female prostate': from Skene's historical description to recent anatomical, histological, and functional evidence. *Minerva Urology and Nephrology*, *72*(4), 488–498.
* Song, J., Chen, T., Liu, J., & Zhang, P. (2023). The Paraurethral Glands: Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Relevance. *Sexual Medicine*, *11*(2), qfad006.
* Zaviacic, M., Pastor, R., Pastor, M. T., & Zaviacic, M. L. (2009). Are female ejaculations and female prostatic fluid different? *The Journal of Sexual Medicine*, *6*(10), 2697–2707.
* Ostrzenski, A. (2012). The anatomy of the G-spot and the female ejaculation. *The Journal of Sexual Medicine*, *9*(5), 1358–1363.
Q.
Vaginal Health in Your 30s & 40s: Common Symptoms & Next Steps
A.
In your 30s and 40s, shifting estrogen levels can bring common vaginal changes like dryness, new discharge or odor, itching, pain with sex, and occasional spotting, with infections and atrophic vaginitis becoming more likely. Next steps include gentle vulvar care, lubricants or moisturizers, timely testing and treatment for infections, and asking about low dose vaginal estrogen when appropriate, with urgent care for unexplained bleeding, severe pain, fever, sores, or symptoms that persist. There are several factors to consider that can change the right plan for you; see complete guidance below.
References:
* Chen, S., Li, H., Yang, R., Yang, H., Chen, X., Wu, X., & Deng, Z. (2023). Association of vaginal health conditions with female sexual dysfunction during the perimenopause and postmenopause. *Menopause, 30*(2), 220-227.
* Palacios, S., & Concha, R. (2021). Vaginal Health and Menopause. *Hormones, 20*(1), 101-112.
* van de Wijgert, J. H., & Verwijs, M. C. (2020). The vaginal microbiome and recurrent bacterial vaginosis. *Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 10*, 279.
* Portman, D. J., & Gass, M. L. S. (2014). Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an updated terminology and global consensus statement from the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health and the North American Menopause Society. *Menopause, 21*(10), 1094-1098.
* Beerepoot, M. A., Geerlings, S. E., van der Wal, C. H., & Prins, J. M. (2016). Recurrent vaginal candidiasis: why and what to do? *Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 29*(1), 1-6.
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.

“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024

“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023

“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Flores SA, Hall CA. Atrophic Vaginitis. 2021 Nov 5. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 33232011.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564341/Stika CS. Atrophic vaginitis. Dermatol Ther. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):514-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01354.x. PMID: 20868405.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01354.x