Vaginal Stenosis
Vaginal stenosis is a condition where the vagina becomes too narrow and makes things like having sex, using tampons or getting pelvic exams difficult and potentially painful.
What Is Vaginal Stenosis?
The vagina is a canal that goes from the outside of the female genital area (vulva) to the cervix. Vaginal stenosis is when the vagina gets narrower and shorter. This can make having sex, using tampons or having pelvic exams hard to do or potentially painful.
What Causes Vaginal Stenosis?
For some, stenosis may be something your child was born with (congenital).Vaginal stenosis can be caused by:
- Medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments can cause scar tissue to form in the vagina. The scar tissue does not move as easily and is drier.
- Skin conditions like lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and vaginal atrophy.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Stenosis?
The most common symptoms of vaginal stenosis include pain during sexual intercourse and difficulty using tampons.
Other symptoms may include discomfort when going to the bathroom, vaginal dryness, and in more severe cases, difficulty with menstrual flow.
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How Is Vaginal Stenosis Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and how severe it is. A common treatment is vaginal dilator therapy and surgery to widen the vaginal opening.
- Vaginal dilation – smooth, tube-shaped devices are used to slowly lengthen and widen the vagina. Dilators come in many sizes (like a tampon to a few centimeters (cm) around). These are usually used at your home. They may also be used at an office visit with your doctor or health care provider so they can record your progress.
- Other treatments are pelvic floor physical therapy or using a vaginal moisturizer or estrogen cream for the skin (topical). These help the scar tissue move easier.
How Can Vaginal Stenosis Be Prevented?
- For some, using vaginal dilators after certain treatments can prevent it. Dilators are only recommended if needed by the doctor or health care provider treating you.
- Following the instructions on prescribed topical medicines for certain skin conditions help keep vaginal tissue from changes that may lead to stenosis.
