Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Vaginal dryness: a comparison of prevalence and interventions in 11 countries – PubMed

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19627461/

  There is limited research comparing cross-cultural differences in women’s experiences of vaginal dryness. […] To examine international differences in the prevalence of vaginal dryness, the degree to which it is experienced as problematic or bothersome, the use of lubricants to alleviate it, and women’s discussion of this problem with physicians. […] Prevalence of self-reported vaginal dryness varied from a minimum of 5.8% in Italy to a maximum of 19.7% in Brazil. […] Older women (50-65 years) as compared with younger women (18-34 years) reported significantly more vaginal dryness in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Thailand (P values 0.02). […] Women from different countries differ substantially in their experiences, concerns, and reports of vaginal dryness/sexual pain, as well as their familiarity with personal lubricants as a treatment. […] Researchers should assess the prevalence and degree of the bother of vaginal dryness in order to make international comparisons of the burden of this condition.

• #1 11 causes of vaginal dryness | Livi

  https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/causes-of-vaginal-dryness/

  Nearly 17% of women experience vaginal dryness symptoms before menopause, and more than half of women do so after. […] Around 17% of women aged 18-50 and more than half of post-menopausal women over the age of 51 experience vaginal dryness. […] Vaginal dryness during menopause is also called vaginal atrophy, explains Dr Rosen. It affects more than 50% of all post-menopausal women. […] If vaginal dryness is affecting your daily life, book an appointment to speak to a doctor.

• #1 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause – Australasian Menopause Society

  https://menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  Vaginal, vulval and urinary tract symptoms around the time of menopause are caused by falling ovarian hormone levels. […] These symptoms are common- affecting between 40% and 90% of menopausal women. Urinary incontinence develops in up to 50% of postmenopausal women. […] Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is estimated to affect 40-90% of postmenopausal women, with the incidence increasing with age. […] Studies suggest that the use of vaginal oestrogen in peri and post-menopausal Australian women is around 4.5 to 7.8%. […] 27% of women still experience vaginal symptoms when using systemic hormone therapy. […] Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition in Australia.

• #1 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

  https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  GSM includes conditions of the vagina, vulva, pelvic floor tissues, urinary tract, and sexual dysfunction and loss of libido. […] Many studies have surveyed the frequency, type of symptoms, and their impact on health and quality of life. In the Melbourne Womens Midlife Study, the prevalence of vaginal dryness increased with age 4% in early perimenopause, rising to 25% at one year postmenopause and 47% three years after the menopause. […] The most bothersome symptoms reported were vaginal dryness and dyspareunia; some women have multiple symptoms, whereas others are asymptomatic. […] There is a disparity between the number of women who experience bothersome symptoms and those who are treated. […] Many women were unaware that there were treatments available. […] Symptoms after surgical menopause, treatment for breast cancer and premature menopause are often more severe and debilitating.

• #1 Mapping global prevalence of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMC Public Health | Full Text

  https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19280-5

  Prevalence of vagina dryness in postmenopausal women (44.81%) was 2-fold higher than in premenopausal women (21.16%, p0.01). […] The prevalence of urogenital symptoms, including vaginal dryness, was significantly influenced by menopausal stage, with women in postmenopausal stage resulting in the highest prevalence (44.81%). […] The prevalence of vagina dryness (37.34%, 95% CI 34.30-40.44) was reported among urogenital symptoms.

• #1 Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study

  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/76888

  Objective To evaluate factors associated with incident self-reported vaginal dryness and the consequences of this symptom across the menopausal transition in a multi-racial/ethnic cohort of community-dwelling women. […] The prevalence of vaginal dryness increased from 19.4% among all women at baseline (ages 4253 years) to 34.0% at the thirteenth visit (ages 5769 years). […] Advancing menopausal stage, surgical menopause, anxiety and being married were positively associated with developing vaginal dryness, regardless of partnered sexual activity. […] Both vaginal dryness and lubricant use were associated with subsequent reporting of pain during intercourse, but not with a decline in intercourse frequency. […] In these longitudinal analyses, our data support many clinical observations about the relationship between vaginal dryness, menopause, and pain during intercourse, and suggest that reporting of vaginal dryness is not related to androgen level or sexual intercourse frequency.

• #1 Vaginal dryness: 'Women, please report symptoms,’ urge experts

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322214

  Vaginal dryness affects a lot of women, but most of them do not speak about this not even to their doctors and many wont take any steps to improve the discomfort. […] Women can experience vaginal dryness (that is, a lack of vaginal lubrication) at any stage of life. […] However, this problem is most commonly seen during or after menopause, when a womans estrogen levels often plummet. […] The researchers analyzed data from the Study of Womens Health Across the Nation (SWAN) and revealed that most women do not report vaginal dryness to their physicians, and neither do they take any measures to ease this problem. […] The SWAN tracked the data of 2,435 women over a period of 17 years (19962013), and, of all the study participants, 19.4 percent who were aged 4253 at baseline reported experiencing vaginal dryness at the beginning of the study.

• #1 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is detected in more than 50% of postmenopausal women, and at 40-49 years of age, 15-19% of women have relevant signs. […] The literature review suggests that the prevalence of VVA is extremely high but underestimated due to the infrequent seeking of medical care by female patients with relevant symptoms. […] According to various sources, VVA symptoms are recorded in 15-19% of perimenopausal women and 40-80% (according to some reports, up to 90%) in postmenopausal women. […] The prevalence of dysuric disorders (urgent urge to urinate, urinary incontinence) and their severity depend on the duration of postmenopause, while the frequency increases from 15.5% (with a duration of menopause up to 5 years) to 41.4% (20 years or more). […] Despite the high medical and socioeconomic significance of issues related to VVA, a critically small part of those who need it receive treatment for this condition.

• #1 Vaginal atrophy – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352288

  Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. […] Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) signs and symptoms may include: Vaginal dryness. […] Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen production. Less estrogen makes your vaginal tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile. […] Typically, the vaginal lining consists of healthy tissues that are several layers thick and naturally moist. A dry vaginal lining becomes thinner and loses natural moisture. […] Regular sexual activity, either with or without a partner, may help prevent genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Sexual activity increases blood flow to your vagina, which helps keep vaginal tissues healthy.

• #1 Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6136974/

  Vaginal dryness, a symptom of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, increases with age and advancing menopausal stage. […] The menopause transition (MT) is an important time in genital tract aging. […] Our primary objective was to evaluate longitudinally, from pre- to post-menopause, factors associated with the development and consequences of reported vaginal dryness in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of community-dwelling women enrolled in the Study of Womens Health Across the Nation (SWAN). […] We found that, after controlling for age, advancing natural menopausal stage and surgical menopause were the factors most strongly associated with new reporting of any vaginal dryness within the previous two weeks. Higher concurrent endogenous levels of E2 were associated with a reduced probability of incident vaginal dryness, while neither concurrent endogenous T and DHEAS levels nor change in any reproductive hormone was associated with the development of this symptom. […] Over 50% of women with vaginal dryness do not report this symptom to their health care provider.

• #1 Vaginal dryness – treatment and symptoms | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-dryness

  Vaginal dryness is a common problem, especially after menopause. […] The most common cause of vaginal dryness is lower levels of oestrogen. […] Vaginal dryness can cause burning, itching and pain during sex. […] Vaginal dryness is most common in females who have gone through menopause. It affects more than 1 in 2 females after menopause. […] More than 1 in 3 females aged between 57 and 69 years report vaginal dryness. However, most dont talk to their doctor about it. […] The most common cause of vaginal dryness is lower levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen is the female hormone that maintains the vaginal lining and tissue elasticity. […] Vaginal dryness occurs when your body does not produce enough oestrogen. […] Vaginal dryness can also be caused by: the use of hygiene products, such as feminine sprays and harsh soaps; an underlying condition, such as diabetes; not enough foreplay or arousal before sex.

• #1 What is Vaginal Dryness – Causes & Effective Treatments

  https://www.replens.eu/en/what-is-vd-and-how-is-it-caused/

  Vaginal dryness is common and can occur at any age. […] Women living with diabetes are more likely to experience sexual issues, but they often suffer in silence. […] Women with diabetes have a 33% increased incidence of vaginal dryness. […] Vaginal dryness continues past menopause and tends to worsen over time. […] Vaginal dryness, whether mild or severe, can cause pain during intimacy and discomfort, itching and irritation even among those who are not sexually active.

• #1 Gynecologic Problems : Johns Hopkins Sjögren’s Center

  https://www.hopkinssjogrens.org/disease-information/sjogrens-disease/vaginal-dryness/

  Gynecologic manifestations of Sjgrens are an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of the disease. Even though vaginal dryness is a common occurrence during menopause, women with Sjgrens disease report this symptom 2-3 times more often than comparably aged women without Sjgrens. […] The presence of Sjgrens disease appears to aggravate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. […] The treatment of vaginal dryness in the setting of Sjgrens disease includes the use of vaginal moisturizers, water soluble lubricants during sexual activity, and vaginal estrogen creams.

• #1 Vulvovaginal Atrophy Following Treatment for Oncogynecologic Pathologies: Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

  https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/10/1584

  Vulvovaginal atrophy, characterized by the thinning of vaginal mucosa typically resulting from reduced estrogen levels, is frequently exacerbated by oncogynecologic treatments such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. […] Despite VVA being a common side effect, affecting 19–91% of patients treated for oncogynecological conditions, surveys indicate that only about half of oncologists discuss this complication before treatment, and 65–85% report lacking sufficient knowledge about VVA treatment options. […] The prevalence of VVA among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in the general population varies between 36.8% and 81.3%. […] Frequency of VVA among patients treated with AI, TX, or chemotherapy ranges from 19% to 69.7%. […] The prevalence of vaginal toxicity following RT ranges from 30.7% to 91%.

• #1

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-022-03696-4

  Increasing numbers of women with HIV are experiencing menopause. […] The most prevalent symptoms reported are vasomotor (such as hot flashes and night sweats), however urogenital symptoms (including vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction), mood changes, sleep disturbance, cognitive changes and joint pain can also be present. […] Amongst those reporting menopausal symptoms, joint pain (66.4%) was most commonly reported, followed by hot flashes (63.0%), exhaustion (61.6%) and sleep problems (61.4%). Vaginal dryness (34.0%) was the least reported symptom. […] For some symptoms (i.e. hot flashes, sleep problems, bladder problems, vaginal dryness and joint pain), the prevalence increased with menopausal stage, with peak prevalence in the post-menopausal group. […] Within this second cluster, there were two clear subclusters: somatic symptoms (heart discomfort, joint pain and hot flashes) with bladder problems and sexual-related symptoms (sexual problems and vaginal dryness).

• #1 The unspoken agony of vaginal dryness: ‘I had to give up four jobs in four years’ | Menopause | The Guardian

  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/16/the-unspoken-agony-of-vaginal-dryness-i-had-to-give-up-four-jobs-in-four-years

  Recently, there has been much more discussion of menopause. But one debilitating condition, experienced by 80% of women, remains shrouded in secrecy and misunderstanding. […] Vaginal dryness will probably affect between 60% and 80% of women, according to various studies. It is caused by the drop in oestrogen levels, which happens as women go through menopause, causing vaginal tissue to become thinner and less elastic. Despite it being so common, one study has found that a third of female sufferers did not report it to their doctor. […] The implications of vaginal dryness can go far beyond pain. […] Whereas other menopausal symptoms resolve generally they get less severe, then they stop, GSM becomes progressively worse over time and is very difficult to reverse, says Briggs. […] The message overall is clear, though. If you are uncomfortably dry, you should never suffer in silence its not just a part of ageing that happens to everyone, which you have to grin and bear its something that can be treated and, in most cases, eased. […] Awareness is key, says Hamoda. So, while there has never been so much talk about menopause as there is now, theres still a lot that needs to be said.

• #1 Vaginal dryness: 'Women, please report symptoms,’ urge experts

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322214

  But the researchers note in their paper that despite the fact that these symptoms are felt by so many women, 50 percent of them fail to report them to their physicians. […] Moreover, less than 4 percent of the women with vaginal dryness use any kind of therapy such as estrogen tablets, vaginal creams, or vaginal rings to address this problem. […] Studies have confirmed that although more than half of women develop vaginal dryness as they become more postmenopausal, most do not report symptoms, explains the NAMS executive director Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton. […] As recently as last year, another study this one published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine also found that most women do not receive therapy for vaginal dryness, and that many are not even aware that they can solicit medical advice about it. […] It’s shocking that less than 4 percent of women in the SWAN study were using these effective therapies by the end of the study period.

• #1 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  The authors of the Women’s EMPOWER study found that only 7% of women 45-90 years old (mean age 58 years, n=1858) are currently using prescribed TVA therapy (topical estrogen therapy or oral selective estrogen receptor modulators). […] The authors of the Women’s EMPOWER survey concluded that in real clinical practice VVA remains insufficiently recognized, the frequency of prescribing therapy is extremely low, despite numerous clinical guidelines and proposed methods. […] Such a catastrophic discrepancy between the high prevalence and rare clinical diagnosis of VVA entails a severe progressive course of VVA and a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients. […] Over the past decade, many studies have been conducted, mainly surveys, in order to obtain more complete information about the impact VVA on the modern population of postmenopausal women.

• #1 Vulvovaginal symptoms after menopause | Medicine Today

  https://medicinetoday.com.au/mt/supplements/regular-series/vulvovaginal-symptoms-after-menopause

  About 50% of peri- and postmenopausal women report genitourinary symptoms, primarily vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse but, less frequently, vulvovaginal irritation, itching and soreness. […] In the Vaginal Health: Insights, Views and Attitudes survey, 55% of participants reported symptoms but only 4% attributed them to vaginal atrophy. […] Women may have signs of atrophy but no symptoms. […] Among women who have symptoms, some do not realise their cause and that they can seek help; others may be too embarrassed to discuss these symptoms; whereas others do not feel listened to when they seek help. […] Once a woman has genitourinary symptoms, they tend to worsen with time, so it is important to let the woman know this and offer appropriate treatment. […] Some vulval changes occur due to menopause; however, other vulval conditions also increase in prevalence after menopause.

• #1 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause – Australasian Menopause Society

  https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is estimated to affect 40-90% of postmenopausal women, with the incidence increasing with age. […] Studies suggest that the use of vaginal oestrogen in peri and post-menopausal Australian women is around 4.5 to 7.8%. […] 27% of women still experience vaginal symptoms when using systemic hormone therapy.

• #1 Vaginal Health in Menopausal Women

  https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/55/10/615

  VVA affects most peri- and postmenopausal women with a prevalence ranging from 36% to almost 90%, according to the most recent surveys. […] In spite of its high prevalence, VVA is still under-diagnosed and under-treated. Most women do not discuss their symptoms with their gynecologist for various reasons; often because they believe it is just a natural part of aging or because they are uncomfortable talking about it. […] The diagnosis of vulvovaginal atrophy is based on clinical assessment: anamnesis, evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, and gynecological examination with the evaluation of clinical signs. […] VVA is still an under-addressed, under-diagnosed, and consequently under-treated condition. It affects the quality of life of millions of postmenopausal women.

• #1 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  The severity of VVA symptoms (absent, mild, moderate, severe) was assessed using a menopause rating scale. […] The prevalence of VVA symptoms ranged from 40% (Germany) to 54.42% (Spain), with every second respondent assessing their symptoms as moderate or severe. […] VVA does not only affect quality of life, sexual health and couple relationships, but is also associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women. […] The symptoms of HUMS entail a significant deterioration in quality of life, and therefore it is necessary to improve the management of this syndrome in order to mitigate its impact on quality of life of postmenopausal patients.

• #1 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Common problem, effective treatments | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/5/390

  The Vaginal Symptom Questionnaire can be useful for assessing symptoms. […] Healthcare providers should ask about GSM symptoms during routine clinical visits with women who are peri- or postmenopausal or who have hypoestrogenism from other causes, as many women are reluctant to initiate this discussion. […] The pH of the estrogenized vagina ranges from 3.8 to 4.2, whereas in women with GSM, the pH may reach 5.5 or higher. […] A recent review of vaginal atrophy suggests that after a diagnosis of GSM, health-care providers can consider the most bothersome symptom along with the vaginal pH to assess the response to treatment. […] Symptomatic women with GSM who desire intervention should be offered over-the-counter nonhormonal products as the first line of therapy. […] If nonhormonal products are ineffective and there are no contraindications, locally applied estrogen in cream, tablet, or a ring delivery system may be offered. […] If nonhormonal lubricants and moisturizers do not achieve satisfactory symptomatic relief, FDA-approved hormonal therapies include estrogen-containing vaginal creams, rings, and a tablet; a vaginal tablet containing DHEA; and an oral tablet containing ospemifene.

• #1 Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0515/p3090.html

  Vaginal examination or sexual activity can result in vaginal bleeding or spotting. […] Laboratory diagnostic testing, including serum hormone levels and Papanicolaou smear, can confirm the presence of urogenital atrophy. […] Because the lack of circulating, natural estrogens is the primary cause of atrophic vaginitis, hormone replacement therapy is the most logical choice of treatment and has proved to be effective in the restoration of anatomy and the resolution of symptoms. […] Other treatment options include transvaginal delivery of estrogen in the form of creams, pessaries or a hormone-releasing ring (Estring). […] Sexual activity is a healthful prescription for postmenopausal women who have a substantially estrogenized vaginal epithelium. […] Vaginal atrophy need not be an inevitable consequence of menopause or other events that result in long-term estrogen loss.

• #1 Vulvovaginal Atrophy Following Treatment for Oncogynecologic Pathologies: Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

  https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/10/1584

  The diagnosis of VVA is typically based on patient complaints, medical history assessment, and examination of external genitalia and vaginal mucosa. […] Most common complaints include vaginal dryness (64–100%) and dyspareunia (54.5–77.6%), followed by burning (38.3–61.7%), vulvar and vaginal itching (38.5–56.6%), and post-coital bleeding. […] Despite variations in diagnostic methods and criteria across studies, researchers generally agree that VVA can be confirmed when the following three criteria are met: (1) vaginal pH > 5 and a decreased VMI, (2) subjective reports of vaginal dryness and/or other VVA symptoms, and (3) at least one objective sign of VVA (such as mucosal dryness, pallor, decreased rugosity, fragility, or petechiae). […] Treatment options include non-hormonal and hormonal local therapies, pelvic floor muscle training, vaginal dilators, systemic hormonal treatments, ospemifene, and novel methods such as laser and radiofrequency therapy. […] Despite the high prevalence of VVA after cancer treatment, only 39.8% of breast cancer survivors with VVA receive treatment. […] The efficacy of these methods is not always sufficient, necessitating the search for more effective treatments.

• #1 Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need to Know. | ACOG

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know

  Vaginal dryness can cause irritation, burning, and pain with intercourse. Its common after menopause, and it also can happen in the years leading up to menopause. […] The cause is often low hormone levels related to menopause. After and around the time of menopause, your body makes less estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain the vaginas lubrication, elasticity, and thickness. Low levels of estrogen can cause thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal walls. This is called vaginal atrophy. […] Low estrogen and vaginal dryness can happen at other times. Estrogen levels can fall after childbirth, with breastfeeding, during cancer treatment, or with anti-estrogen drugs. […] Some women also have increased urinary frequency or repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) along with vaginal dryness. When this group of symptoms happens during menopause, ob-gyns call it genitourinary syndrome of menopause. […] For vaginal dryness by itself, I recommend trying over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants. […] I often talk with patients about hormonal treatments when vaginal dryness comes along with urinary symptoms or menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

• #1 Vaginal problems diminish quality of life but often go unreported | EurekAlert!

  https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/563502

  New survey documents high incidence of vulvovaginal atrophy and the negative effect on quality of life in postmenopausal women […] Vulvovaginal atrophy is estimated to affect up to 98% of postmenopausal women, many of whom will fail to report symptoms to their healthcare providers or seek help. […] In about 50% of postmenopausal women, VVA leads to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which is the most frequent and a major contributor to sexual dysfunction. […] Although few studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between VVA symptoms and quality of life (QOL), some survey data suggest that VVA is associated with a clinically significant effect on QOL comparable to that seen in conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. […] The authors of the article conclude that severe VVA symptoms have a direct association with worsened QOL in postmenopausal women. […] „Although both women and their healthcare providers are often reluctant to talk about it, vaginal atrophy (part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause) affects quality of life, self-esteem, and the intimacy of relationships,” says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director.

• #1 Vaginal Dryness in Menopause: Symptom Guide | Evernow

  https://www.evernow.com/symptoms/vaginal-dryness?srsltid=AfmBOopzdjChiVhgXsrjsr2CnBO7QXtVWvcTFncZqlYplro9VT3j4iIu

  A 2013 survey of postmenopausal women published in the Journal of Sex Medicine found that vaginal dryness interfered with sleep, quality of life, and temperament in a quarter of study participants. […] A recent clinical article drew the following distinction between lubricants and moisturizers: Lubricants provide short-term relief from vaginal dryness and painful sex, while moisturizers mimic natural vaginal secretions and help your vaginal tissues retain more moisture.

• #1 Vaginal Atrophy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15500-vaginal-atrophy

  At least half of women who enter menopause show signs and symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Vaginal dryness is typically the first indication that you’re developing vaginal atrophy. […] Vaginal atrophy can affect your quality of life and your relationship with your partner(s). There are physical and emotional side effects of GSM. […] You dont have to just live with vaginal atrophy. Even if youre in menopause or postmenopausal, that doesnt mean you should have to deal with UTIs, vaginal itching or painful sex. Treatment for GSM can be very successful. […] Yes, it can. Thats why prompt treatment is important. The sooner you get treatment, the less likely it is that your vaginal atrophy will worsen. For example, the longer you go without estrogen, the dryer your vagina will become. Without treatment, your vaginal atrophy may get worse. […] Vaginal atrophy is serious. It affects your quality of life with discomfort, frequent bathroom trips, frequent UTIs, burning, pain with sex and more. Fortunately, there are many treatments and your healthcare provider can help you find the best option for your symptoms.

• #1 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

  https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  Societal views about womens sexuality at older ages are essentially negative, and sexual problems are often considered to be part of normal ageing leading to many women not seeking help for their symptoms. […] The healthcare professional is in a unique position to sensitively discuss symptoms, such as incontinence, sexual pain, prolapse, vaginal irritation and dryness, and to advise, educate and manage accordingly, providing long-term follow-up.

• #1

  https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2025/03000/prevalence_of_urinary_tract_infections_in_women.6.aspx

  Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is now broadly recognized as the appropriate term to describe the highly prevalent constellation of symptoms affecting up to 84% of women at some point of their postreproductive life. […] The prevalence of UTI in postmenopausal women increases with age and reaches 20% in those aged 65 years and over. […] Studies suggest that continuous low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk of UTI recurrence by 25%, whereas a similar efficacy was shown for single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. […] The 2019 guidance of the American Urological Association includes vaginal estrogen as a prophylaxis for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with rUTI to reduce future UTI risk (moderate recommendation, evidence level: grade B). […] The study’s primary objective was to utilize real-world data to estimate the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of UTI in newly diagnosed women with VVA compared to those without VVA, with a particular focus on stratifying by diabetes history, a population known to have a higher prevalence of UTI.

• #1

  https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2025/03000/prevalence_of_urinary_tract_infections_in_women.6.aspx

  In the first objective, 120,826 (22.16%) of VVA and 40,566 (7.44%) of non-VVA women had at least one episode of UTI during the 12-month period following the index date. […] The overall prevalence of UTI was higher in women with VVA compared with women without VVA. […] The highest difference in the UTI prevalence in the VVA versus non-VVA group was observed in the older age groups (RR = 3.09, 95% CI: 3.03-3.15 for those aged 65-74 years, and RR = 3.26, 95% CI: 3.19-3.33 for women aged 75 years and over). […] We found that across all age groups, women treated with prasterone have a significantly lower UTI prevalence compared to those untreated (6.58% and 12.3%, respectively, P 0.0001). […] The highest difference in UTI prevalence among the prasterone treated and untreated women was observed in those aged 65-74 (7.15% and 16.2%, respectively, P 0.0001). […] This observational study substantiates the higher prevalence of UTI among women with a diagnosis of VVA compared with women without any VVA diagnosis across all ages investigated and diabetes history, which highlights the strong association between the conditions grouped under the umbrella of GSM.

• #2 Mapping global prevalence of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMC Public Health | Full Text

  https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19280-5

  Prevalence of vagina dryness in postmenopausal women (44.81%) was 2-fold higher than in premenopausal women (21.16%, p0.01). […] The prevalence of urogenital symptoms, including vaginal dryness, was significantly influenced by menopausal stage, with women in postmenopausal stage resulting in the highest prevalence (44.81%). […] The prevalence of vagina dryness (37.34%, 95% CI 34.30-40.44) was reported among urogenital symptoms.

• #2 Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21027-vaginal-dryness

  Vaginal dryness occurs at any age. Its most common during or after menopause when estrogen levels decline. The hormone estrogen helps keep your vaginal lining moisturized and healthy. Low levels of estrogen cause your vaginal walls to become thin and dry. This is a common condition of menopause called vaginal atrophy. […] Around 17% of women age 18 to 50 report problems with vaginal dryness during sex, even before menopause takes place. Over half experience vaginal dryness after menopause. […] Vaginal dryness is a common symptom youll likely experience at some point in your life. Several conditions and factors cause your vagina to become dry such as menopause or taking certain medications. This dry feeling can lead to painful sex or burning, itching and soreness in your genitals. Reach out to your healthcare provider for help if your vaginal dryness doesnt go away with over-the-counter treatment or if your symptoms worsen.

• #2 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Common problem, effective treatments | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/5/390

  After menopause, about half of all women experience genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms associated with decreases in estrogen, termed genitourinary syndrome of menopause. […] For many women, the postmenopausal loss of estrogen is associated with uncomfortable genitourinary symptoms, collectively referred to as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). […] From 40% to 60% of postmenopausal women experience GSM, but few seek treatment. […] One study found the prevalence of GSM to be 4% during perimenopause, rising after menopause to 25% after 1 year and to 47% after 3 years. […] Although distressing symptoms occur mostly after menopause, they may be seen in women of any age who experience a hypoestrogenic state, even if it is transient. […] The diagnosis of GSM is based on the history and physical examination.

• #2 Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6136974/

  To evaluate factors associated with incident self-reported vaginal dryness and the consequences of this symptom across the menopausal transition in a multi-racial/ethnic cohort of community-dwelling women. […] The prevalence of vaginal dryness increased from 19.4% among all women at baseline (ages 42-53 years) to 34.0% at the thirteenth visit (ages 57-69 years). Advancing menopausal stage, surgical menopause, anxiety and being married were positively associated with developing vaginal dryness, regardless of partnered sexual activity. […] In these longitudinal analyses, our data support many clinical observations about the relationship between vaginal dryness, menopause, and pain during intercourse, and suggest that reporting of vaginal dryness is not related to androgen level or sexual intercourse frequency.

• #2 Vaginal dryness – treatment and symptoms | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-dryness

  Vaginal dryness is a common problem, especially after menopause. […] The most common cause of vaginal dryness is lower levels of oestrogen. […] Vaginal dryness can cause burning, itching and pain during sex. […] Vaginal dryness is most common in females who have gone through menopause. It affects more than 1 in 2 females after menopause. […] More than 1 in 3 females aged between 57 and 69 years report vaginal dryness. However, most dont talk to their doctor about it. […] The most common cause of vaginal dryness is lower levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen is the female hormone that maintains the vaginal lining and tissue elasticity. […] Vaginal dryness occurs when your body does not produce enough oestrogen. […] Vaginal dryness can also be caused by: the use of hygiene products, such as feminine sprays and harsh soaps; an underlying condition, such as diabetes; not enough foreplay or arousal before sex.

• #2 Vaginal Dryness: Is It Perimenopause? | Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group

  https://gynobmedgroup.com/vaginal-dryness-is-it-perimenopause/

  Vaginal dryness is a common cause of pain during intercourse, but it can also cause irritation, a burning sensation, and an increased risk of infection. Because vaginal dryness is often associated with the onset of menopause, you might wonder if an increase in vaginal dryness is a sign of perimenopause. […] While perimenopause is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness, its not the only one. Other causes of vaginal dryness include hormonal shifts unrelated to menopause such as the postpartum period, cancer treatments, breastfeeding, and certain medications including anti-estrogen medications and some cold medicines. […] Vaginal dryness, whether its due to perimenopause or not, creates unwanted complications. For example, the lack of vaginal lubrication can lead to vulva irritation, increased urinary frequency, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• #2 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  The authors of the Women’s EMPOWER study found that only 7% of women 45-90 years old (mean age 58 years, n=1858) are currently using prescribed TVA therapy (topical estrogen therapy or oral selective estrogen receptor modulators). […] The authors of the Women’s EMPOWER survey concluded that in real clinical practice VVA remains insufficiently recognized, the frequency of prescribing therapy is extremely low, despite numerous clinical guidelines and proposed methods. […] Such a catastrophic discrepancy between the high prevalence and rare clinical diagnosis of VVA entails a severe progressive course of VVA and a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients. […] Over the past decade, many studies have been conducted, mainly surveys, in order to obtain more complete information about the impact VVA on the modern population of postmenopausal women.

• #2 Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0515/p3090.html

  Up to 40 percent of postmenopausal women have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. […] An estimated 10 to 40 percent of postmenopausal women have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, also referred to as urogenital atrophy. […] Despite the prevalence of symptoms, only 20 to 25 percent of symptomatic women seek medical attention. […] Menopause is the leading cause of decreased levels of circulating estrogen; therefore, it is the etiology in almost all cases of atrophic vaginitis. […] A long-term decrease in estrogen stimulation is generally required before symptoms of atrophic vaginitis arise. […] Genital symptoms include dryness, burning, dyspareunia, loss of vaginal secretions, leukorrhea, vulvar pruritus, feeling of pressure, itching and yellow malodorous discharge. […] All atrophic vaginitis symptoms can be exacerbated by a simultaneous infection of candidiasis, trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.

• #2 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is detected in more than 50% of postmenopausal women, and at 40-49 years of age, 15-19% of women have relevant signs. […] The literature review suggests that the prevalence of VVA is extremely high but underestimated due to the infrequent seeking of medical care by female patients with relevant symptoms. […] According to various sources, VVA symptoms are recorded in 15-19% of perimenopausal women and 40-80% (according to some reports, up to 90%) in postmenopausal women. […] The prevalence of dysuric disorders (urgent urge to urinate, urinary incontinence) and their severity depend on the duration of postmenopause, while the frequency increases from 15.5% (with a duration of menopause up to 5 years) to 41.4% (20 years or more). […] Despite the high medical and socioeconomic significance of issues related to VVA, a critically small part of those who need it receive treatment for this condition.

• #2 OTC Products for Atrophic Vaginitis

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/otc-products-for-atrophic-vaginitis

  One component of the syndrome in women is vaginal dryness, accompanied by dryness in the eyes, mouth, skin, nose, and lungs. […] Vaginal dryness and other changes cause dyspareunia for a significant number of women. […] This condition may lead to avoidance of sexual activity. […] However, avoidance contributes to the problem, because intercourse enhances vaginal blood flow and helps preserve tissues in their more youthful state.

• #2 Vaginal dryness: 'Women, please report symptoms,’ urge experts

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322214

  But the researchers note in their paper that despite the fact that these symptoms are felt by so many women, 50 percent of them fail to report them to their physicians. […] Moreover, less than 4 percent of the women with vaginal dryness use any kind of therapy such as estrogen tablets, vaginal creams, or vaginal rings to address this problem. […] Studies have confirmed that although more than half of women develop vaginal dryness as they become more postmenopausal, most do not report symptoms, explains the NAMS executive director Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton. […] As recently as last year, another study this one published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine also found that most women do not receive therapy for vaginal dryness, and that many are not even aware that they can solicit medical advice about it. […] It’s shocking that less than 4 percent of women in the SWAN study were using these effective therapies by the end of the study period.

• #2 Vulvovaginal atrophy in the peri- and post-menopause: relevance and impact on quality of life – Orazov – Gynecology

  https://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/110734

  The severity of VVA symptoms (absent, mild, moderate, severe) was assessed using a menopause rating scale. […] The prevalence of VVA symptoms ranged from 40% (Germany) to 54.42% (Spain), with every second respondent assessing their symptoms as moderate or severe. […] VVA does not only affect quality of life, sexual health and couple relationships, but is also associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women. […] The symptoms of HUMS entail a significant deterioration in quality of life, and therefore it is necessary to improve the management of this syndrome in order to mitigate its impact on quality of life of postmenopausal patients.

• #2 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

  https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  Societal views about womens sexuality at older ages are essentially negative, and sexual problems are often considered to be part of normal ageing leading to many women not seeking help for their symptoms. […] The healthcare professional is in a unique position to sensitively discuss symptoms, such as incontinence, sexual pain, prolapse, vaginal irritation and dryness, and to advise, educate and manage accordingly, providing long-term follow-up.

• #3 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

  https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

  GSM includes conditions of the vagina, vulva, pelvic floor tissues, urinary tract, and sexual dysfunction and loss of libido. […] Many studies have surveyed the frequency, type of symptoms, and their impact on health and quality of life. In the Melbourne Womens Midlife Study, the prevalence of vaginal dryness increased with age 4% in early perimenopause, rising to 25% at one year postmenopause and 47% three years after the menopause. […] The most bothersome symptoms reported were vaginal dryness and dyspareunia; some women have multiple symptoms, whereas others are asymptomatic. […] There is a disparity between the number of women who experience bothersome symptoms and those who are treated. […] Many women were unaware that there were treatments available. […] Symptoms after surgical menopause, treatment for breast cancer and premature menopause are often more severe and debilitating.

• #3 Don’t ignore vaginal dryness and pain – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/dont-ignore-vaginal-dryness-and-pain

  Vaginal dryness occurs in women of all ages, but it becomes much more common after menopause. It’s estimated that the problem affects about half of postmenopausal women most of whom, possibly as many as 90%, don’t seek treatment for their symptoms, which include not only dryness, but also irritation and pain during sexual intercourse. […] GSM can significantly reduce quality of life, similar to other chronic conditions. While other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, typically decline over time, vaginal dryness tends to linger because it results from physical changes in the vagina specifically atrophy of tissues, which become thinner, drier, and less flexible because of estrogen loss. […] Existing treatments don’t get people to zero symptoms. […] If you are experiencing symptoms related to GSM, it’s worth a visit to your doctor. Symptoms similar to those of GSM are sometimes caused by another condition. […] Once other conditions are ruled out, your doctor can work with you to find solutions for GSM, whether that includes a vaginal moisturizer, vaginal estrogen, or another treatment.

• #3 Vaginal problems diminish quality of life but often go unreported | EurekAlert!

  https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/563502

  New survey documents high incidence of vulvovaginal atrophy and the negative effect on quality of life in postmenopausal women […] Vulvovaginal atrophy is estimated to affect up to 98% of postmenopausal women, many of whom will fail to report symptoms to their healthcare providers or seek help. […] In about 50% of postmenopausal women, VVA leads to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which is the most frequent and a major contributor to sexual dysfunction. […] Although few studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between VVA symptoms and quality of life (QOL), some survey data suggest that VVA is associated with a clinically significant effect on QOL comparable to that seen in conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. […] The authors of the article conclude that severe VVA symptoms have a direct association with worsened QOL in postmenopausal women. […] „Although both women and their healthcare providers are often reluctant to talk about it, vaginal atrophy (part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause) affects quality of life, self-esteem, and the intimacy of relationships,” says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director.

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