If you’ve noticed vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, urinary leaks when you laugh or
exercise, or simply feel like “things have changed down there,” you’re far from alone.
These are some of the most common – but least talked about – women’s health concerns. Many
women assume they’re just an unavoidable part of aging, pregnancy, or menopause. The truth
is that while these changes are common, you don’t have to live with them.
At VitalityMD in Toronto, Dr. Shari Caplan, an expert women’s health physician specializing in
menopause, hormone health, sexual wellness, and intimate rejuvenation, helps women
understand what’s happening to their bodies and create personalized treatment plans that
restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life
🎥 Watch the full video with Dr. Shari Caplan on Youtube:
Why Does Vaginal Health Change With Age?
Most people expect wrinkles, grey hair, or changes in body composition as they age.
What many women don’t expect are changes to their intimate health.
These changes can begin during perimenopause – well before your final menstrual period – and
often become more noticeable during menopause as estrogen levels decline.
Common symptoms include:
● Vaginal dryness
● Burning or irritation
● Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
● Reduced natural lubrication
● Vaginal tearing during sex
● Loss of sensitivity
● Difficulty achieving orgasm
● Reduced libido
● Stress urinary incontinence (leaking when coughing, laughing, or exercising)
● Urge incontinence
● Pelvic organ prolapse
Unfortunately, many women suffer silently because they’re embarrassed to bring these
symptoms up, or they assume nothing can be done.
According to Dr. Caplan, neither is true.
What Is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?
A condition previously referred to as vaginal atrophy, Genitourinary Syndrome of
Menopause (GSM) is now recognized as a broader condition that affects the vagina, vulva,
bladder, and urinary tract.
Symptoms may include:
● Vaginal dryness
● Itching or irritation
● Burning sensations
● Painful intercourse
● Recurrent urinary symptoms
● Bladder leakage
● Changes in sexual function
Although GSM is associated with menopause, symptoms can begin during perimenopause,
making early evaluation especially important.
Why Does Sex Become More Painful?
As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal tissues become thinner, less elastic, and produce less
natural lubrication.
This can lead to:
● Increased friction
● Discomfort with penetration
● Small tears after intercourse
● Reduced pleasure
● Decreased sensation
Many women mistakenly believe this is simply “part of getting older.”
In reality, these symptoms often respond well to appropriate treatment.
Why Am I Leaking Urine?
Urinary leakage is another common concern that often accompanies hormonal changes and
pelvic floor weakness.
Several factors can contribute, including:
● Pregnancy and childbirth
● Aging
● Menopause
● Weight changes
● Heavy lifting
● Weak pelvic floor muscles
Some women experience stress urinary incontinence, where urine leaks during coughing,
sneezing, running, or laughing.
Others experience urge incontinence, which causes a sudden, difficult-to-control need to
urinate.
Both conditions deserve evaluation because treatment depends on identifying the underlying
cause.
Every Woman’s Problem Is Different
One of the biggest mistakes women make is assuming every vaginal health treatment works for
every symptom.
Successful treatment begins with determining why symptoms are occurring.
Is the issue:
● Hormonal?
● Vaginal dryness?
● Tissue thinning?
● Loss of collagen?
● Pelvic floor weakness?
● Vaginal laxity?
● A combination of several factors?
Without a proper assessment, women may invest in treatments that don’t actually address the
root cause of their symptoms.
Treatment Options for Vaginal Health and Intimate Wellness
At VitalityMD, treatment is personalized after a comprehensive medical assessment.
Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:
Non-Hormonal Lubricants
Often recommended for women experiencing mild vaginal dryness or discomfort during
intercourse.
Vaginal Estrogen or DHEA
Prescription therapies that can help improve tissue quality, hydration, and comfort for women
experiencing hormone-related vaginal symptoms.
The O-Shot®
The O-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate tissue rejuvenation and improve sexual
wellness. Some women report improvements in sensitivity, lubrication, and overall sexual
function following treatment.
EMFEMME Radiofrequency
EMFEMME uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production within
vaginal tissues, helping improve tissue quality and support.
FemiLift CO₂ Laser
CO₂ laser treatments encourage collagen remodeling within vaginal tissues and may help
improve vaginal dryness, tissue quality, and certain urinary symptoms.
Emsella® Chair
The Emsella chair strengthens the pelvic floor using high-intensity electromagnetic technology
while you remain fully clothed. It is commonly used to help women experiencing stress urinary
incontinence, urge incontinence, pelvic floor weakness, and may also improve sexual function
through increased pelvic muscle strength and blood flow.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms
Many women wait years before asking for help.
Whether it’s because of embarrassment, uncertainty, or assuming the symptoms are “normal,”
delaying treatment often means living with issues that may be highly treatable.
At VitalityMD, we encourage women to think about intimate health the same way they think
about every other aspect of healthy aging.
You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and enjoy an active sex life without pain, dryness, or
bladder leaks.
When Should You See a Women’s Health Doctor?
Consider booking an assessment if you’re experiencing:
● Vaginal dryness
● Pain during intercourse
● Frequent bladder leaks
● Reduced sexual satisfaction
● Difficulty reaching orgasm
● Pelvic pressure or prolapse symptoms
● Changes related to perimenopause or menopause
● Questions about intimate rejuvenation treatments
A personalized medical evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and identify the
treatment options most likely to help.
Women’s Intimate Health Care in Toronto
At VitalityMD, Dr. Shari Caplan takes a comprehensive approach to women’s intimate health,
menopause care, hormone optimization, and sexual wellness.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, pelvic floor
concerns, or other intimate health changes, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Every woman deserves compassionate, evidence-informed care—and there are more treatment
options available today than ever before.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation with Dr. Shari Caplan at VitalityMD in
Toronto to receive a comprehensive assessment and a personalized treatment plan
designed specifically for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaginal dryness a normal part of menopause?
It is very common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Several medical and
non-surgical treatments may help improve comfort and vaginal health.
Can vaginal dryness start before menopause?
Yes. As Dr. Caplan explains, symptoms can begin during perimenopause, sometimes years
before menopause officially begins.
What causes urinary leakage in women?
Hormonal changes, pregnancy, childbirth, aging, pelvic floor weakness, and increased
abdominal pressure can all contribute.
Which treatment is best for vaginal rejuvenation?
There isn’t one treatment that’s best for everyone. The right option depends on the underlying
cause of your symptoms, which is why a medical assessment is the most important first step.
Where can I see a women’s health doctor in Toronto for vaginal health concerns?
Dr. Shari Caplan at VitalityMD provides comprehensive assessments and personalized
treatment plans for vaginal health, menopause symptoms, urinary incontinence, sexual
wellness, and intimate rejuvenation.
