Areas of care
Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse: diagnosis and treatment in Tel Aviv
Vaginal dryness, burning, intimate discomfort and pain during intercourse can occur at any age. Common after menopause, these symptoms can also appear after childbirth, while breastfeeding or following certain medical treatments. A gynecological consultation looks for the cause and offers suitable treatment, hormonal or non-hormonal, to improve intimate comfort and quality of life.
When to come in
- Vaginal dryness, irritation or burning
- Pain at the vaginal opening or on penetration
- Pain during intercourse, superficial or deep
- Intimate discomfort that began after menopause, after childbirth or while breastfeeding
- Dryness linked to certain hormonal or cancer treatments
- Symptoms that persist despite lubricants or moisturisers
- Wanting to know the treatment options, including hyaluronic acid injections
How the consultation works
- 1
Understanding the symptoms. A detailed conversation clarifies the nature of the symptoms, how long they have been present, how intense they are and how they affect daily and sexual life. Particular attention is paid to where the pain is felt, especially on penetration.
- 2
Looking for causes and contributing factors. The assessment takes into account hormonal status, menopause, breastfeeding, medication, and gynecological and cancer history. Certain skin conditions, infections or excessive tightening of the pelvic floor muscles can also explain the symptoms.
- 3
A tailored gynecological examination. The examination is carried out gently, with respect for each patient's comfort. It assesses the vulvar and vaginal lining, its hydration, its suppleness and any fragility. It also looks for signs of vulvovaginal atrophy, skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, tender areas of the vaginal vestibule, scars or excessive tightening of the pelvic floor muscles.
- 4
A personalised treatment. Treatment options are discussed according to the cause identified, hormonal status, medical history and the patient's preferences.
Understanding the causes
A drop in oestrogen, especially after menopause, can thin the vaginal lining, reduce its hydration and elasticity and make the tissues more fragile. These changes, grouped under the name genitourinary syndrome of menopause, can cause dryness, burning and pain during intercourse.
Pain can start at the very beginning of penetration, at the vaginal opening, or be felt deeper. Pain at the opening can be linked to dryness, local inflammation, hypersensitivity of the vaginal vestibule or excessive tightening of the pelvic floor muscles.
Deep pain can have other causes, including endometriosis or other pelvic conditions. Identifying exactly what is causing the symptoms is the basis for choosing the right treatment.
Treatment options
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
Vaginal moisturisers, including those based on hyaluronic acid, can improve the comfort of the lining. Lubricants reduce friction and pain during intercourse.
Local hormone treatment
When dryness is linked to lower oestrogen levels, especially after menopause, local vaginal hormone treatment can be offered. It helps improve the quality, hydration and elasticity of the vaginal lining.
After a hormone-dependent cancer, the choice of treatment requires an individual assessment and sometimes a discussion with the oncologist.
Hyaluronic acid injections: a non-hormonal approach
Hyaluronic acid injections are a non-hormonal treatment option that can be considered for some women with vulvovaginal dryness, intimate discomfort or pain on penetration.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body's tissues and holds a large amount of water. Injectable preparations designed specifically for the intimate area, such as Desirial, aim to improve the hydration and properties of the vulvovaginal tissues.
This approach can be discussed in particular for women whose symptoms persist despite usual treatments, or when hormone treatment is not wanted or cannot be used.
The injections are not suitable for every cause of painful intercourse. Their value depends on the condition of the tissues, hormonal status and medical history.
Scientific data on their efficacy and long-term safety remain limited. A prior gynecological assessment allows the possible benefits, the alternatives and the risks to be discussed.
Learn about Desirial hyaluronic acid injectionsOther treatments
When pain is linked to excessive tension in the pelvic floor muscles, specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy can be offered. Some situations also call for dermatological treatment, management of vulvar pain or investigation of a pelvic condition such as endometriosis.
Frequently asked questions
No. It can also occur in younger women, while breastfeeding, with certain hormonal contraceptives or after medical treatments.
Pain at the vaginal opening can be caused by dryness, local inflammation, hypersensitivity of the vaginal vestibule, a scar or involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles. The gynecological examination looks for the cause.
Yes. Vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and certain specific treatments are non-hormonal options. In selected situations, local hyaluronic acid injections can also be discussed, taking into account the limits of the scientific evidence.
Yes. Several non-hormonal treatments can be offered. In some situations, local vaginal hormone treatment can also be discussed after an individual assessment, with the oncology team where needed. Hyaluronic acid injections, which contain no hormones, can be considered, but their efficacy and safety in this specific setting are not established enough to recommend them routinely.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute individual medical advice.
Book an appointment
Appointments can be booked online, or by WhatsApp message, with a reply during consultation hours.