Overcoming resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy for the treatment of vaginal atrophy
نویسنده
چکیده
The purpose of this review is to summarize current information regarding the pathophysiology and management of vaginal atrophy (sometimes called "atrophic vaginitis") and to identify barriers to its treatment with local (or "topical") vaginal estrogen therapy. Relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses, and reviews were identified through the PubMed database. Local estrogen therapy is effective and safe for treatment of vaginal atrophy; however, barriers to treatment (eg, patient reluctance to discuss the condition, misinformation, incomplete understanding of the effectiveness and safety of available therapies) result in its underuse. Health care providers can help overcome barriers to effective treatment of vaginal atrophy by facilitating discussion with women about vaginal health. Discussions should occur at routine preventive health care examinations and during episodic visits when patients present with symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Education and counseling should include information on the importance of maintaining vaginal health and the benefits and risks of treatment, including the demonstrated effectiveness and safety profile of low-dose local estrogen therapy.
منابع مشابه
Comparing Two Treatment Methods of Vitamin E Suppository and Conjugated Estrogen Vaginal Cream on the Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Vaginal Atrophy
Background & aim: Menopause is one of the most critical stages in a woman’s life. Special attention needs to be paid to the quality of life of menopausal women. Symptoms of genitourinary atrophy can affect women’s comfort and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare two treatment methods of vitamin E suppository and conjugated estrogens vaginal cream on the quality of life of meno...
متن کاملReviewing the options for local estrogen treatment of vaginal atrophy
BACKGROUND Vaginal atrophy is a chronic condition with symptoms that include vaginal dryness, pain during sex, itching, irritation, burning, and discharge, as well as various urinary problems. Up to 45% of postmenopausal women may be affected, but it often remains underreported and undertreated. This article aims to review the current recommendations for treatment of vaginal atrophy, and curren...
متن کاملBarriers to effective treatment of vaginal atrophy with local estrogen therapy
Vaginal atrophy is a common condition among postmenopausal women, among whom many exhibit both vulvovaginal symptoms (eg, dryness, irritation, itching, and pain with intercourse) and urinary symptoms (eg, increased frequency, urgency, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and dysuria). Unfortunately, few women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy report seeking treatment from a health care provid...
متن کاملPostmenopausal vaginal atrophy: evaluation of treatment with local estrogen therapy
Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, resulting from decreased estrogen production, frequently requires treatment. Estrogen preparations provide the most effective treatment; local application is preferred to systemic drugs when treating only vaginal symptoms. As local estrogen therapies have comparable efficacy, this study aimed to understand treatment practices, assess experiences with different fo...
متن کاملThe role of local vaginal estrogen for treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: 2007 position statement of The North American Menopause Society.
OBJECTIVE To create an evidence-based position statement published by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) on the role of local vaginal estrogen therapy (ET) for the treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. DESIGN NAMS followed the general principles established for evidence-based guidelines to create this document. A panel of clinicians and researchers acknowledged to be ...
متن کامل