Urogenital atrophy management (640)
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Urogenital atrophy describes changes to the tissue quality of the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder trigone, secondary to reduced tissue estrogen exposure usually associated with the menopause. Symptoms are not necessarily controlled by systemic HRT, and local therapies are commonly needed.
Alternative terminologies include genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vulvovaginal atrophy. However, urogenital atrophy is preferred terminology used by the British Menopause Society (3).
Reported prevalence rates vary, with approximately 1 in 4 women having symptoms prior to menopause, 1 in 2 women after the menopause, and 70% of women affected in their 70s.
The impact of vaginal dryness on relationships, quality of life, daily activities, and sexual function can be significant, but is frequently underestimated. Furthermore, barriers exist to treatment-seeking, with the condition often under reported and undertreated.