exudates and Atrophy

The Pan-Asian REVIVE survey aimed to examine women's experiences with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and their interactions with health-care professionals (HCPs).. Self-completed surveys were administered face-to-face to 5992 women (aged 45-75 years) in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.. Of 638 postmenopausal women with GSM symptoms, only 35% were aware of the GSM condition, most of whom first heard of GSM through their physician (32%). The most common symptoms were vaginal dryness (57%) and irritation (43%). GSM had the greatest impact on sexual enjoyment (65%) and intimacy (61%). Only 25% had discussed their GSM symptoms with a HCP, and such discussions were mostly patient-initiated (64%) rather than HCP-initiated (24%). Only 21% had been clinically diagnosed with GSM and only 24% had ever used treatment for their symptoms. Three-quarters of those who had used treatment for GSM had discussed their symptoms with a HCP compared to only 9% of those who were treatment-naïve.. GSM is underdiagnosed and undertreated in Asia. As discussion of GSM with HCPs appears to be a factor influencing women's awareness and treatment status, a more active role by HCPs to facilitate early discussions on GSM and its treatment options is needed.

Topics: Aged; Atrophy; Dyspareunia; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Surveys; Humans; Indonesia; Malaysia; Methaqualone; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Sexual Behavior; Singapore; Surveys and Questionnaires; Syndrome; Taiwan; Thailand; Vagina; Vulva; Women's Health

Topics: Adult; Asian People; Atrophy; Duodenum; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Microvilli; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sprue, Tropical