To prevent vulvovaginal atrophy/genital menopause syndrome, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
Urethra/bladder
- Inadequate fluid intake – the better the bladder is “flushed,” the less likely it is to be inflamed
- Use of vaginal diaphragms (vaginal pessaries; mechanical means of contraception) and spermicides (sperm-killing agents) – this alters the normal bacterial vaginal flora, so there may be an increase in the bacterium E. coli – Escherichia coli – in the vagina, which is associated with an increased risk of cystitis
- Sexual activity:
- Through coitus sexual intercourse) bacteria can enter the bladder and cause cystitis (cystitis) (= timely sexual intercourse). Postcoital micturition (urination after sexual intercourse) can reduce the risk, as this flushes out any bacteria that may be present. Furthermore, the male partner should ensure adequate hygiene
- After the honeymoon by frequent sexual intercourse (“honeymoon cystitis“); common symptoms here are alguria, dysuria and pollakisuria.
- Lack of hygiene – but also exaggerated hygiene.
- Wearing damp swimwear for a long time, cold drafts.
Vulva / vagina
- Sexual intercourse (e.g., change from vaginal to anal or oral coitus; orogenital contacts).
- Excessive intimate hygiene
- Intrauterine device (IUD; coil)
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
