It's frustrating when the Doctor asks someone if they are dry "down below"? Like, seriously we are adults. You can say the word vagina. Impaired sexual health is often associated with the presence of vaginal symptoms so it is important that women feel comfortable discussing these symptoms and more importantly possible solutions with their healthcare providers.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause or GSM, the new term for Vulval Vaginal Atrophy, can include vulval-vaginal symptoms (dryness, burning, itching, irritation, bleeding), painful intercourse, sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, recurrent urinary tract infections [1].
For healthcare professionals a new guidance document has been produced by the British Society for Sexual Medicine with Dr Louise Newson AKA the “Menopause Doctor” which is aimed at facilitating diagnosis and management of this condition.
Details of this & other important resources for professionals can be found here [2]
This is hugely welcome as it is believed that most women do experience GSM yet only a small amount of people get help with treatments. We hope this leads to more open conversations between women and people with PCOS and/or Menopause and their healthcare providers. Addressing the symptoms of GSM could have a very positive impact on quality of life and also physical, mental and sexual health not just at midlife and beyond.
References:
[1] R.E. Nappi, E. Martini, L. Cucinella, S. Martella, L. Tiranini, A. Inzoli, E. Brambilla, D. Bosoni, C. Cassani, B. Gardella, Addressing Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA)/Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) for Healthy Aging in Women, Front. Endocrinol. (Lausanne). 10 (2019) 561. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00561.
[2] Position Statement for Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM), n.d.
© PCOS Vitality 2021