Open AccessPerceptions of Dyspareunia in Postmenopausal Women with Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy: Findings from the Revive Survey
Author(s) -
Murray A. Freedman
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.363
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1745-5065
pISSN - 1745-5057
DOI - 10.2217/whe.14.29
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginal atrophy , vaginal disease , postmenopausal women , vulva , perception , quality of life (healthcare) , vaginitis , gynecology , vagina , family medicine , dermatology , surgery , psychology , nursing , neuroscience
Symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), including dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, have a distinct negative impact on a woman's quality of life. The REVIVE survey highlighted the lack of awareness of VVA symptoms among postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms, with many women reluctant to initiate discussions with their healthcare professionals despite the presence of vaginal symptoms. The REVIVE survey also provided insights into women's views of VVA treatments. Women reported displeasure with the vaginal administration route, lack of symptom relief with over-the-counter products, and concerns about the safety of estrogen therapies. With the high prevalence of VVA, obstetricians/gynecologists should become vigilant in identifying women with VVA by implementing screening and discussion of symptoms during routine office visits - providing patients with information about appropriate therapies based on the severity and impact of symptoms, keeping in mind individual preferences and perceptions.