The Sunday Night Sex Show on News Talk 980 CKNW is not only a place where sex and health information is dispensed, it is also a place where listeners can ask questions. Questions regarding vaginal health are not uncommon because this is a not oft discussed area of women’s health. I do hope to change that through the Women’s Health Initiative Network a not for profit organization that will educate women and health care providers about many of the “below the belt” sexual and reproductive issues women navigate over their life time.
That is why I was so pleased to receive an email about vaginal atrophy from a long time listener that gave me the opportunity to clarify a common issue. Her issue was so common yet there was much confusion surrounding this health issue even by her own doctor. Annette, not her real name emailed me about using a hormone-free personal moisturizer for the vaginal dryness, itching and burning she was experiencing. She said that when she was examined by her doctor, she was told that her vaginal tissues were thin and her doctor prescribed hydrocortisone cream.
I must say I was astounded by the doctor’s recommendation because it was the wrong treatment for Annette. Additionally, hydrocortisone would further thin Annette’s vaginal tissues. Annette was exhibiting some of the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, a condition that is associated with a decrease in estrogen in post menopausal women which was the case for Annette at the age of 56 after not having had a period for over one year.
I suggested that Annette try Gynatrof a non-hormonal treatment for vaginal atrophy. Within a few weeks, Annette’s vaginal dryness was resolving and the burning and itching were gone. Still too nervous to engage in sex with her husband, I suggested Annette use the Gynatrof during sex as this gel serves as a lubricant. Annette was delighted to learn this and felt much more confident about resurrecting the intimacy in her relationship.
Maureen McGrath is a Registered Nurse host of the Sunday Night Sex Show on News Talk 980 CKNW, feminist, women’s health expert and a 2016 TED speaker on the Sexless Marriage. Her book is available on Amazon.ca : Sex & Health: Why One Can’t Come Without The Other. She is recipient of the Vancouver Board of Trade Community Catalyst Award 2016 and a finalist for YWCA Women of Distinction.
