It burdens libido and continence during peri-menopause, and then affects about 3 out of 4 women. However, reveals this study presented in Menopause , the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), these vaginal problems and in particular the vulvovaginal atrophy, significantly reduce the quality of life of postmenopausal women.
This survey, which precisely documents the high incidence of vulvovaginal atrophy, shows that this condition, which is sometimes painful, remains, despite its severe effects on well-being and quality of life, very little reported in medical consultations. It is estimated that vulvovaginal atrophy affects up to 98% of postmenopausal women, with the previously described symptoms of vaginal dryness , burning sensation or vaginal itching.
Vulvovaginal atrophy, one of the components of genitourinary syndrome that occurs around menopause is caused by reduced levels of circulating estrogens and androgens, resulting in thinning of the vaginal walls, less elasticity mucous membranes and lower levels of lubrication. In approximately 50% of postmenopausal women, this atrophy leads to dyspareunia and/or sexual dysfunction. Due to a lack of education about this syndrome and menopause-related symptoms more generally, many women see these symptoms as a natural part of the aging process and still fail to report them to their doctors.
Thus, to date still few studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms and quality of life, although some study data suggest a clinically significant effect on quality of life, comparable to that observed in conditions such as arthritis, asthma or irritable bowel syndrome. This European and epidemiological survey, the European Vulvovaginal Epidemiology Survey (EVES) therefore aimed to describe the prevalence of vulvovaginal atrophy, from a sample of more than 2,000 women. This analysis concludes that severe symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy are associated with a drastic reduction in quality of life in these patients.
The message remains the same, healthcare professionals need to recognize the effect of these symptoms as equivalent to those of other conditions and conditions for which there is increased awareness.
“ Although women and their doctors are often reluctant to talk about it, vaginal atrophy, which is part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, affects quality of life, self-esteem and intimate relationships within of the couple. There are accessible treatments, including vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as topical vaginal prescription treatments that can relieve vaginal dryness and dyspareunia and thus help improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women .
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