Journal article
Clinical manifestations and evaluation of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy
Gynecological endocrinology, Vol.37(8), pp.740-745
08/03/2021
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1931100
PMID: 34036849
Abstract
It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer a severe form of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) related to menopause. Equally, young women may temporarily present this clinical problem while receiving various pharmacological or endocrine treatments or radiotherapy.
To determine clinical and diagnostic exams required to confirm the presence of VVA (also referred to as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and rule out other genital or pelvic clinical conditions.
Literature review searches were carried out on the main scientific article search engines (PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane) using different clinical terms, treatments or interventions and comorbidity related to VVA.
The development and severity of VVA depend mainly on the duration of hypoestrogenism. Hypoestrogenism causes changes in the urogenital tissue, generating signs and symptoms, such as dryness, burning, soreness, itching, and irritation of the genital skin. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis (patient history), questionnaires, physical exam, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be completed with the Vaginal Health Index, the Vaginal Maturation Index, or vaginal pH in the absence of infection or semen. The exclusion of other vulvovaginal organic pathology is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide adequate treatment.
The specialist should be able to identify VVA, rule out other pathologies that make a differential diagnosis and conduct proper management.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Clinical manifestations and evaluation of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy
- Creators
- Faustino R. Pérez-López - University of ZaragozaPedro Vieira-Baptista - Lusíada University of PortoNancy Phillips - Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyBina Cohen-Sacher - Rabin Medical CenterSusana C. A. V. Fialho - Fluminense Federal UniversityColleen K. Stockdale - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Gynecological endocrinology, Vol.37(8), pp.740-745
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1080/09513590.2021.1931100
- PMID
- 34036849
- ISSN
- 0951-3590
- eISSN
- 1473-0766
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/03/2021
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9984318227902771
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