To study prevalence and determinants of Genitourinary Syndrome among Menopause Women

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:This study was centered to explore the prevalence and determinants of genitourinary syndrome of
menopause(GSM) in postmenopausal women attending Gynae OPD of B.R.D Medical college, Gorakhpur, Uttar
Pradesh.
METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was performed on 162 patients who had attained their menopause
more than one year back visiting to Gynecology OPD of B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and
had given consent for pelvic examination during a period of 6 months(September 2018 to February 2019). The
participating women were questioned about their genitourinary complains, and the relationship between these
symptoms and other factors were evaluated.
RESULTS:The prevalence of genitourinary syndrome was found to be 38.6%. The most prevalent genital
symptoms were irritation/burning(68.2%), itching(61.9%), pelvic pain(60%). Increased frequency of
micturition(55.5%) and dysuria(52.4%) were most prevalent urological symptoms.However, superficial dyspareunia
in sexually active females was encountered to be 48.2%. Most prevalent signs were loss of vaginal rugae(88.4%)
and vaginal pallor(68.9%). The prevalence of genitourinary symptoms was higher in women already having
urogynecological pathologies i.e. stress incontinence( OR 2.6), vaginal prolapsed( OR 2.2), urinary tract infections(
OR 2.2). BMI>30 kg/m2
 was an important determinant for genitourinary syndrome.
CONCLUSION:The Genitourinary syndrome of menopause( GSM) is prevalent in postmenopausal women
affecting upto 38% of those consulting gynecologist which is not a less number . In this study only 19(11.7%)
sexually active in which superficial dyspareunia amounted to 48.2%. This less number might be due to women
taking it granted that sexual life is no more after menopause and not talking about their problems related to sexual
function to the clinicians for proper management. While in other studies done worldwide maximum symptoms were
pertaining to sexual problem. Despite high prevalence of symptoms and signs it remains undiagnosed and
undertreated. It seems necessary to provide adequate evaluation in postmenopausal women.The term, GSM provides
an accurate and comprehensive description of a common symptomatic postmenopausal condition and encompasses
both vulovaginalatrophy and urological changes. This latest terminology helps create awareness and reduce social
stigma of the problems associated with postmenopausal hypoestrogenism and helping the physician to tailor the
appropriate treatment.