Impact of vulvovaginal health on postmenopausal women: a review of surveys on symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy

Abstract

Several recent, large-scale studies have provided valuable insights into patient perspectives on postmenopausal vulvovaginal health. Symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, which include dryness, irritation, itching, dysuria, and dyspareunia, can adversely affect interpersonal relationships, quality of life, and sexual function. While approximately half of postmenopausal women report these symptoms, far fewer seek treatment, often because they are uninformed about hypoestrogenic postmenopausal vulvovaginal changes and the availability of safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatments, particularly local vaginal estrogen therapy. Because women hesitate to seek help for symptoms, a proactive approach to conversations about vulvovaginal discomfort would improve diagnosis and treatment.

Update on management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A practical guide

“…Up to 50% of women will develop urogenital signs and symptoms at some time in their postmenopausal life; the incidence is probably under-reported and therefore underestimated [8]. Recent publications [9,10], based on many international surveys in postmenopausal women with VVA, suggest health-care providers (HCPs) should be proactive in order to help their patients to disclose the symptoms related to VVA and seek adequate treatment when vaginal discomfort is clinically relevant. Women are generally unaware that VVA is a chronic condition with a significant impact on sexual health and quality of life, and that effective and safe treatments may be available.…”

“…Many of those with symptoms do not seek help, with a significant difference being demonstrated between incidence of symptoms and rate of treatment [10,11,13,14,15]. Assessment is symptom-driven.…”

Macro-regional variation in attitudes toward and experiences of vulvar and vaginal atrophy among Italian post-menopausal women: a post hoc analysis of REVIVE survey data

“…In spite of this, only 45% of respondents were receiving treatment at the time of the survey, and many expressed dissatisfaction with VVA treatments. Indeed, VVA is under-treated for a number of reasons, including embarrassment at seeking professional medical help and safety concerns over the long-term use of estrogen [8,10,11], which is effective at relieving VVA symptoms [12].…”

Characteristics of post-menopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Implications for vulvovaginal atrophy diagnosis and treatment selection

“…VVA exerts an impact on their attitudes towards sexuality and healthcare and on their quality of life [ [2], [3], [4]]. A better understanding of post-menopausal women's profiles based on their attitudes to their VVA symptoms could improve public health information to prevent the negative views and improve the quality of life of numerous women of middle and advanced age.…”