Approximately 47% of women suffer from genitourinary syndrome during menopause and up to 70% do not consult for it despite having a great impact on their quality of life.
This syndrome, considered like this for only 10 years, is a set of symptoms caused by the decrease in estrogen and other sexual hormones that occurs during menopause. The discomfort can affect both the vagina and external genitalia, as well as the urethra.
Symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause
The specialists of the describe the main symptoms that this syndrome causes in the female population during the climacteric:
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Vaginal dryness is described by patients as the most uncomfortable discomfort.
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Lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse.
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Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
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Itching and irritation.
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Lower sexual desire.
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Discomfort when urinating.
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.
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Incontinence.
Despite the discomfort it causes and the loss of quality of life it causes, there are still many women who, despite suffering one or more of these symptoms, do not consult about it.
Among the reasons for underdiagnosis indicated by gynecologists, on the one hand, a “failure in communication between doctor and patient” stands out, and also, the lack of knowledge about this syndrome among the female population.
But menopause is not the only cause that can cause this syndrome.
Thus, those women who are under oral contraceptive treatment, who have had gynecological surgery, who have suffered an early menopause, or who have received radiotherapy or chemotherapy due to a tumor, may also suffer the discomfort of this syndrome. genitourinary.
It can also appear during the postpartum period or the period of , due to the consumption of certain drugs (such as antidepressants) or in smokers.
Treatments to improve the quality of life of women
Although the genitourinary syndrome of menopause is not considered something serious, it does considerably affect the quality of life of women. And to address the symptoms, gynecologists have a variety of treatments.
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The first-line treatment in milder cases is vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, they indicate from SEGO. The variety of these products on the market allows each patient to choose the most suitable in each case.
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Another alternative is local hormone therapy, using suppositories or creams with small doses of estrogen. These drugs are used in moderate cases.
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Vulvovaginal laser. A relatively new technique that allows the production of collagen and the renewal of cells in the vaginal area.
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Use of ospemifene, the first non-hormonal treatment to treat genitourinary syndrome orally. It is indicated in postmenopausal women who cannot be treated with estrogens.
But in addition to all these therapeutic alternatives, SEGO gynecologists agree that there is another fundamental element for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause: healthy habits.
In this line, specialists make some recommendations to women who begin to suffer from this discomfort:
- No Smoking. “Tobacco increases estrogen metabolism and has been associated with vaginal atrophy,” the gynecologists emphasize.
- hold a weight appropriate.
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incorporate the physical activity to the daily routine.
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keep the sexual activityEither as a couple or alone. In this way “they increase vaginal blood flow and improve elasticity and lubrication”.