oxytocin and Vulvar-Diseases

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a new term for a condition more renowned as atrophic vaginitis, is a hypoestrogenic condition with external genital, urological, and sexual implications that affects >50% of postmenopausal women. Due to sexual embarrassment and the sensitive nature of discussing symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly underdiagnosed. The most up-to-date literature pertaining to clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is comprehensively reviewed. Early detection and individually tailored pharmacologic (eg, estrogen therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator, synthetic steroid, oxytocin, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and/or nonpharmacologic (eg, laser therapies, moisturizers and lubricants, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle modifications) treatment is paramount for not only improving quality of life but also for preventing exacerbation of symptoms in women with this condition.

Topics: Atrophic Vaginitis; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dyspareunia; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Female; Humans; Life Style; Low-Level Light Therapy; Lubricants; Menopause; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Quality of Life; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Syndrome; Urinary Incontinence; Vulvar Diseases

Vaginal or vulvovaginal atrophy is a widespread but poorly recognized condition of peri- and post-menopausal women. It causes urogenital symptoms of dryness, reduced lubrication, itching, burning, irritable bladder symptoms and painful intercourse. This impacts quality of life and sexual health, but increases with time rather than reduces, as with most other menopausal symptoms. With early identification, treatments can improve these symptoms and reverse the physical changes. However, when embedded, bladder and sexual changes have occurred and these may be more difficult to remedy. Therefore, it is important to educate both healthcare professionals and women about these symptoms and advise on the range of interventions available.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Intravaginal; Administration, Oral; Androgens; Atrophic Vaginitis; Atrophy; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Female; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Lubricants; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postmenopause; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Testosterone; Vulvar Diseases