scholarly journals Involutive changes in the vulvovaginal area

Author(s):  
Sergei I. Surkichin ◽  
Larisa S. Kruglova ◽  
Inna A. Apolikhina ◽  
Roman Yu. Mayorov ◽  
Marika Avin

Involutional changes in the vulvovaginal area involve a series of transformations leading to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) during menopause. Signs and symptoms most often observed in this syndrome: vaginal dryness (54.4100%), dyspareunia (17.677.6%), burning (2.056.9%), itching (7.856.6%) and dysuria (5.936.1%). Other complaints include deformity of the vulva, irritation, and recurrent bacterial infections of the urinary tract or vagina, and yeast infection. Vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and irritation are the symptoms that most affect a woman's quality of life. The article analyzes modern ideas about the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The questions of the mechanisms of occurrence are considered, a description of the clinical picture is given. The issues of treatment of atrophy of the vulvovaginal region are discussed in detail, in particular, special attention is paid to physiotherapeutic methods of treatment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayane Cristine Alves Sarmento ◽  
Ana Paula Ferreira Costa ◽  
Pedro Vieira-Baptista ◽  
Paulo César Giraldo ◽  
José Eleutério ◽  
...  

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a term used to define a compilation of signs and symptoms arising from decreased estrogenic stimulation of the vulvovaginal and lower urinary tract. Among 27–84% of women in postmenopausal are affected for symptoms of GSM, and these can unquestionably impair health, sexual function, consequently the quality of life of these women. The main signs and symptoms of GSM include, among others, burning, irritation, vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria, or recurrent urinary tract infection. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis, questionnaires, physical exams, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be complemented by using the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI), or vaginal pH measurement. The acknowledgment of this condition by health professionals is crucial for its identification and proper management and exclusion of other conditions that make a differential diagnosis with it.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-253
Author(s):  
T.V. Tazina ◽  
◽  
A.V. Knyazeva ◽  
T.V. Bebneva ◽  
◽  
...  

The proportion of women of perimenopausal and postmenopausal age increases every year. Hormonal changes which are typical for these women are characterized by hypoestrogenism and a great diversity of clinical signs, e.g., vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, pain, burning, dyspareunia, and frequent urination. These symptoms occur at any age but are more common in postmenopausal women. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) significantly reduces the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Among GSM presentations, vulvovaginal atrophy affects only vulvar and vaginal mucosa. Managing vulvovaginal atrophy in women of various ages is an important issue of gynecological practice. This paper describes current approaches to the treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy in women of various ages with a special focus on the association between vaginal dryness and the reduction of both general and sexual quality of life. In particular, non-hormonal topical medications are discussed. Knowing current (including international) approaches to address vaginal dryness are important for obstetrical gynecological practice. KEYWORDS: genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, lubricants, vaginal moisturizers. FOR CITATION: Tazina T.V., Knyazeva A.V., Bebneva T.V. Current management of vaginal dryness. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2021;4(3):250–253 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2021-4-3-250-253.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
N.A. Tatarova ◽  
◽  
V.A. Linde ◽  
S.N. Gusev ◽  
◽  
...  

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is due to the development of atrophic and dystrophic processes in estrogendependent tissues and structures of the lower third of urinary tract in different periods of aging of the reproductive system. Nonhormonal treatment for GSM is considered as a first-line treatment and includes the use of gels, creams and suppositories that contribute to the restoration of hydrolipid balance, stimulating the collagen production that have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, regenerating effect, as well as increasing mucosal resistance and reducing the risk of adhesion of conditionally pathogenic infection. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of the vaginal cream for intimate hygiene EstrogialTM Plus in women with symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and GSM. Patients and methods. 24 women aged 43 to 58 were examined. The inclusion criteria were the symptoms of GSM and VVA, the vaginal health index – no more than 20 points. During the course of the study, four visits were carried out, including standard observational procedures, filling the Quality of Life Questionnaire, the administration of treatment. The application of the cream Estrogial™ Plus in doses was prescribed 1 time per day on the vulvar vestibule for 30 days. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated, all patients continued therapy for up to 60 days. According to the modified questionnaire for general clinical assessment, the state «very much improved» was revealed in 83.3% of patients with a severe form of GSM and VVA and in 66.7% with moderate VVA, «much improved» – in the rest. After treatment, 52% of patients had no symptoms of VVA, and 48% had symptoms in a mild form. Filling the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), all 24 patients reported positive effects in the form of increased libido and reduced vaginal dryness during sexual intercourses. The study presents clinical cases of cured patients with GSM and VVA. Conclusion. The data obtained during the study make it possible to conclude that the intravaginal administration of the cream EstrogialTM Plus in doses is effective for the treatment of GSM and VVA. The proven therapeutic effects and safety of the use of local non-hormonal treatment enhance the prospects for providing treatment and preventive care for women during the menopausal transition and menopause. Key words: vulvovaginal atrophy, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, non-hormonal treatment, Estrogial™ Plus


Climacteric ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Moral ◽  
J. L. Delgado ◽  
F. Carmona ◽  
B. Caballero ◽  
C. Guillán ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 171-171
Author(s):  
Michelle Shardell ◽  
Patti Gravitt ◽  
Jacques Ravel ◽  
Anne Burke ◽  
Rebecca Brotman

Abstract The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a collection of signs and symptoms related to estrogen decline that involves physical changes to the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract. GSM signs and symptoms may occur during any reproductive stage but are most common during menopause. Vaginal microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus spp., protect the female genital tract from multiple conditions; however, Lactobacillus spp. abundance declines during menopause. We aimed to determine the longitudinal association of vaginal microbiota with GSM signs and symptoms across reproductive stages. In a two-year cohort study comprising 750 women aged 35-60 years who contributed 2111 semiannual person-visits, low-Lactobacillus spp. vaginal microbiota communities were observed at 21.2% (169/798), 22.9% (137/597), and 49.7% (356/716) of person-visits among pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women, respectively (p<.001). After covariate adjustment, low-Lactobacillus spp. communities characterized by high Atopobium and Megasphaera relative abundance were associated with vulvovaginal atrophy relative to high-Lactobacillus spp. communities dominated by L. crispatus (OR[Odds Ratio]=3.04, 95% Confidence Interval[CI]=1.02-9.06) among post-menopausal, but not among peri- or pre-menopausal women. Also, post-menopausal women with low-Lactobacillus spp. communities reported decreased libido (OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.04-3.12) and vaginal dryness (OR=1.61, 95%CI=0.89-2.90) more frequently than their counterparts with high-Lactobacillus spp. communities, but not among peri- or pre-menopausal women (p for interaction<.05). Specifically, low-Lactobacillus spp. communities characterized by high Atopobium and Megasphaera relative abundance were related to both decreased libido (OR=2.82, 95%CI=1.11-7.14) and vaginal dryness (OR=3.50, 95%CI=1.18-10.44) compared with high-Lactobacillus spp. communities dominated by L. gasseri/L. jensenii. Vaginal microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus spp., and menopause may synergistically influence GSM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Farina Kamilos ◽  
Celso Luiz Borrelli

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical response of patients with symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause after application of microablative fractional radiofrequency in the vagina and vaginal introitus. Methods: Fourteen patients with symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause underwent three applications of microablative fractional radiofrequency with a 30-day interval, using the Wavetronic 6000HF-FRAXX device and a fractional vaginal electrode. The questionnaires World Health Organization Quality of Life (for quality of life evaluation), Female Sexual Function Index and Quality of Life Adapted Questionnaire in the Domain of Sexual Satisfaction (for sexual function and satisfaction evaluation) were administered before and after the applications (30 to 60 days after the last procedure), in addition to the satisfaction questionnaire after procedure. Results: There was an increase in almost all dimensions on average in quality of life, with statistical significance only in the health domain. There was a significant improvement in the sexual domains in almost all dimensions. All patients stopped using lubricant during intercourse after treatment. In the satisfaction questionnaire after treatment, we observed that the vast majority felt cured or much better (29% and 64%, respectively, total of 92.6%) and were very satisfied or satisfied (43 and 57%, respectively, total of 100%). The only patient who reported little improvement had an 18-year postmenopausal history and was treatment naïve. Conclusion: Microablative fractional radiofrequency was effective in treating symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, and eliminated the use of vaginal lubricant during the period observed. Since this is a pilot study with a small number of patients, further studies are required to corroborate our findings and evaluate the long-term effects of microablative fractional radiofrequency on the vaginal tissue.


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