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Climacteric : the Journal of the... Apr 2024Arthralgia is a common menopausal complaint in midlife women, and its causes remain unclear. We examined the prevalence of menopausal arthralgia with various factors...
OBJECTIVE
Arthralgia is a common menopausal complaint in midlife women, and its causes remain unclear. We examined the prevalence of menopausal arthralgia with various factors including sleep quality, depression/anxiety, muscle strength and physical performance among midlife Singaporean women.
METHODS
The Integrated Women's Health Program (IWHP) comprised 1120 healthy, community-dwelling women of Chinese, Malay or Indian ethnicities (aged 45-69 years) attending well-women clinics at the National University Hospital, Singapore. Sociodemographic, menopausal, reproductive and health data were obtained with validated questionnaires. Muscle strength, physical performance and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured. Women with moderate to very severe symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale were classified as having arthralgia. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined risk factors for arthralgia.
RESULTS
One-third of the participants reported arthralgia, and 12.7%, 16.2% and 71.2% were in the premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal period, respectively. Menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64, 4.24) and physical/mental exhaustion (aOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.79, 4.47), were independent risk factors for arthralgia. Poor muscle strength (aOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.76), obesity (aOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.32) and rheumatoid arthritis (aOR: 7.73, 95% CI: 4.47, 13.36) were also independently associated with arthralgia after adjustment for confounders.
CONCLUSIONS
Arthralgia in midlife Singaporean women was associated with menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness and physical and mental exhaustion. Women with poor muscle strength were more likely to experience menopausal arthralgia.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menopause; Women's Health; Arthralgia; Postmenopause; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mental Fatigue; Fatigue
PubMed: 38099561
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2287626 -
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England) Dec 2024Vaginal lubricants are commonly used to aid sexual pleasure and/or to help combat vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Several studies have reported their impact on sperm... (Review)
Review
Vaginal lubricants are commonly used to aid sexual pleasure and/or to help combat vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Several studies have reported their impact on sperm function, however there are no published guidelines to help healthcare professionals and couples select a vaginal lubricant that is 'sperm-safe'. To address this, we conducted a literature search using both PubMed and Scopus to identify and appraise manuscripts that reported the impact of lubricants on sperm function. We did not restrict the literature search by year of publication, and we only included manuscripts that looked at the impact of vaginal lubricants on human sperm. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Björndahl et al., (2016) checklist for semen analysis, as most of the studies reported the findings of a basic semen analysis. A total of 24 articles were eligible for analysis with a total of 35 vaginal lubricants (that were available to buy over the counter) being included, 2 of which studied the effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm function and 22 being conducted . KY Jelly, PreSeed and Astroglide were most studied, with most manuscripts focussing on their impact on sperm motility. A paucity of data on most lubricants combined with methodological variations between studies and limited/no reporting on pregnancy outcomes means greater efforts are required before an evidence-based guideline can be published.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Sperm Motility; Lubricants; Semen; Spermatozoa; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 38044638
DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2285349 -
Surgical Technology International Dec 2023Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, distressing, inflammatory process that has a huge impact on quality of life in women. Uncontrolled vulvar LS can lead to chronic...
INTRODUCTION
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, distressing, inflammatory process that has a huge impact on quality of life in women. Uncontrolled vulvar LS can lead to chronic symptoms of itching and pain and can lead to anatomic changes, scarring, and elevated risk of cancer. First-line therapy with corticosteroids is often not successful in controlling symptoms, especially over the long term. This is the first study to review the effects of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) with microneedling to treat the vaginal and vulvar symptoms of LS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study was initiated due to the recognition of improvement in vulvar skin condition and resolution of lichen sclerosus symptoms in patients who had already failed traditional treatment and underwent radio frequency with microneedling procedures of the vulva, perineum, and perianal regions. Patients were treated with three treatments of bipolar RF and bipolar RF with microneedling four to eight weeks apart. Patient questionnaires were used to assess improvement in the symptoms of LS including itching, tearing of tissue, changes in the appearance and color of tissue, and dryness of skin and mucosa.
RESULTS
The data from the questionnaires showed a significant reduction or complete resolution in these symptoms, with 86% of the patients reporting either significant or complete resolution. In the case of itching, which is typically one of the most severe symptoms of LS, 91% of patients reported significant or complete resolution. 87% of patients reported symptom resolution lasting at least six months, with 39% of the patients having results lasting 12 months or more before recurrence. Recurrences can be retreated on an as-needed basis or with annual maintenance therapy consisting typically of just one treatment.
CONCLUSION
Radiofrequency with microneedling treatments for persistent LS showed significant improvement in LS symptoms. As LS is a chronic recurring condition, the treatment protocol resulted in high patient satisfaction for these women who had not experienced these results in terms of amount of symptom resolution or duration of symptom resolution with prior treatments using topical steroid cream or other modalities.
PubMed: 38038180
DOI: 10.52198/23.STI.43.GY1743 -
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Mar 2024Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a common, under-reported, and undertreated chronic progressive condition requiring long-term treatment. Hypoestrogenism in the...
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a common, under-reported, and undertreated chronic progressive condition requiring long-term treatment. Hypoestrogenism in the urogenital tissues is associated with bothersome dyspareunia, vulvovaginal symptoms, overactive bladder, and frequent urinary tract infections. Vaginal hormone therapies, including vaginal estrogen and intravaginal dehydroepiandrostenedione, are safe and effective and improve symptoms and clinical findings. Systemic hormone therapy treats vulvovaginal atrophy less effectively than vaginal hormone therapies with increased stress and urge urinary incontinence. Oral ospemifene effectively treats vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Clinicians need to ask about symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, confirm the diagnosis, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dyspareunia; Vulva; Menopause; Vagina; Hormones; Atrophy
PubMed: 38032827
DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000835 -
BMC Cancer Nov 2023Vaginal CO laser therapy is a new treatment option for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Its potential is particularly interesting in breast cancer survivors, where...
BACKGROUND
Vaginal CO laser therapy is a new treatment option for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Its potential is particularly interesting in breast cancer survivors, where existing treatment options often are insufficient as hormonal treatment is problematic in these women. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of vaginal laser treatment for alleviation of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. The secondary objective is to explore the importance of repeated vaginal laser treatment and the long-term effects in this patient population.
METHODS
VagLaser consist of three sub-studies; a dose response study, a randomized, participant blinded, placebo-controlled study and a follow-up study. All studies include breast cancer survivors in adjuvant endocrine therapy, and are conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Denmark. The first participant was recruited on 16th of February 2023. Primary outcome is vaginal dryness. Secondary subjective outcomes are vaginal pain, itching, soreness, urinary symptoms and sexual function. Secondary objective outcomes are change in vaginal histology (punch biopsy), change in vaginal and urine microbiota, and change in vaginal pH.
DISCUSSION
More randomized controlled trials, with longer follow-up to explore the optimal treatment regimen and the number of repeat vaginal laser treatments for alleviation the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors treated with endocrine adjuvant therapy, are needed. This study will be the first to investigate change in vaginal and urine microbiota during vaginal laser therapy in breast cancer survivors.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06007027 (registered 22 August, 2023).
PROTOCOL VERSION
Version 1, Date 13.11.2023.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Carbon Dioxide; Follow-Up Studies; Laser Therapy; Female Urogenital Diseases; Menopause; Vagina; Urogenital Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38031020
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11656-x -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2023: Signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis, especially when recurrent, have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. The aim of this study was to survey... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Efficacy of a Novel Rigenase and Polyhexanide (Fitostimoline Septagel) Hydrogel Device for the Treatment of Vulvovaginitis Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Analysis of a National Survey and Prospective Observational Study.
: Signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis, especially when recurrent, have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. The aim of this study was to survey gynecologists about their habits regarding the treatments of the pathology and to evaluate the efficacy of a novel vaginal hydrogel composed of wheat extracts and polyhexanide aimed at reducing vulvovaginitis symptomatology. : A cross-sectional analysis of a national survey using 155 Italian gynecologists and a prospective, open-label, observational study were carried out in 75 outpatient clinics across Italy. Pre- and postmenopausal women with suspicion of vulvovaginitis due to at least four of the following symptoms (leucoxanthorrhea, bad odor from genitalia, vulvovaginal dryness, petechiae, burning, and pruritus) while waiting for microbiological swab analysis were included and treated with one hydrogel application every 3 days for 1 week. Primary endpoint was the complete resolution of symptomatology. : The pre-study survey reported that, for most clinicians, local or oral treatment (65.7% and 82.8%, respectively) with antibiotics or antifungals is used very often. Therefore, we proceeded to carry out an observational study. Overall, 615 (362 of fertile age and 253 in postmenopause) women were included in this study. At the 28th follow-up examination, complete resolution of symptomatology was achieved in 578/615 (94.1%; < 0.001) within 12.72 ± 6.55 and 13.22 ± 6.33 days for those of fertile age and in postmenopause, respectively ( = 0.342). All of the evaluated symptoms were significantly reduced after treatment ( = 0.001) without differences according to the patient's menopausal status. A slightly significant reduction in ( = 0.040) and ( = 0.049) was found after treatment. No patient reported side effects, adverse reactions, or discontinued therapy. : This pilot study showed that a hydrogel based on Rigenase (wheat extract) and polyhexanide could be a promising treatment for the relief of vulvovaginitis symptoms. However, these results are limited by the absence of a control group. Additional comparative and randomized controlled trials between the hydrogel and other non-antibiotic devices as well as local antibiotic therapy should be performed to increase the validity of the findings.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hydrogels; Prospective Studies; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Vulvovaginitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38004053
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59112004 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2023Breast cancer treatment is a particularly high-risk situation for the deterioration of sexual health, leading to an alteration in body image and physical deteriorations...
OBJECTIVES
Breast cancer treatment is a particularly high-risk situation for the deterioration of sexual health, leading to an alteration in body image and physical deteriorations such as vaginal trophicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the information received by patients concerning this alteration of their sexual health in relation to their treatment, and to identify their expectations and needs in terms of oncosexual management.
STUDY DESIGN
A bicentric qualitative retrospective study was conducted, involving women aged 18 to 80, treated for breast cancer by total or partial mastectomy after 2014 and having had a follow-up consultation between July and December 2019. Data were collected using medical files and a de-identified questionnaire sent by post or e-mail after obtaining consent. The main outcome measures were the proportion of patients who received informations about oncosexology and those who felt impact on their sexual health.
RESULTS
Of the 274 patients included in the study, 60% said they had received no information about the sexological side effects of their disease or treatment. Of these, 62.5% dared not talk about it during consultation. Patients were keen to receive oncosexological advice or treatment from a specialized nurse or doctor. In 76.1% of cases, patients declared that they had been sexually active in the year prior to their cancer diagnosis, compared with 54.94% after treatment. They reported a loss of femininity in 24% of cases, and 40.5% had no sexual desire.
CONCLUSION
Women treated for breast cancer report a lasting alteration in their body image and sexual activity. Information on the impact of the disease and its treatment on sexual health is inadequate, even though patients are keen to receive specialized care with professional sexology consultations. The impact of breast cancer on sexual health should systematically explained to the patients, especially as treatment options exist and can be offered.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Health; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37944213
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.030 -
Vascular Health and Risk Management 2023Sexual dysfunction pertains to any issue that hinders an individual from attaining sexual contentment. This health issue can have a significant impact on the quality of... (Review)
Review
Sexual dysfunction pertains to any issue that hinders an individual from attaining sexual contentment. This health issue can have a significant impact on the quality of life and psychological health of affected individuals. Sexual dysfunction can generate stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can lead to a reduction in overall life satisfaction and the quality of interpersonal relationships. Sexual dysfunction can manifest as erectile dysfunction in men or lack of sexual desire in women. Although both sexes can experience sexual problems, there are some significant differences in the manifestation of sexual dysfunction between men and women. In men, sexual dysfunction is usually physical and associated with problems such as erectile dysfunction, while in women, sexual dysfunction is usually related to psychological factors. Additionally, there was an association between hypertension and sexual dysfunction in both the sexes. In men, hypertension can cause erection problems, whereas in women, it can cause vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual desire. Furthermore, antihypertensive drugs can negatively impact sexual function, which can decrease adherence to drug treatment. However, nebivolol, an antihypertensive drug, has beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction in men. This is believed to be because nebivolol improves blood flow to the penis by producing nitric oxide, which can help improve erections.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Antihypertensive Agents; Erectile Dysfunction; Nebivolol; Quality of Life; Hypertension
PubMed: 37941540
DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S439334 -
Bulletin Du Cancer Apr 2024To describe frequency, intensity and impact of genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GUSM) in breast cancer (BC) survivors receiving hormonotherapy (HT).
OBJECTIVE
To describe frequency, intensity and impact of genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GUSM) in breast cancer (BC) survivors receiving hormonotherapy (HT).
METHODS
Web-based survey hosted on the Seintinelles website (database of patients and caregivers). Specific questionnaire of 43 questions, including sociodemographic characteristics, history of BC, characteristics of HT, side effects other than GUSM, symptoms of GUSM (frequency, intensity, treatment, and impact) and overall expectations regarding treatment.
RESULTS
Among 1157 participants, 96.4% had at least one GUSM symptom. Percentages with at least one urinary, gynecological, or sexual symptom were 56.0%, 85.6% and 86.1% respectively while 70.3% and 10% declared at least 5 and 10 symptoms respectively. Mean (SD) and median (range) numbers of symptoms were 5.9 (2.8) and 6 (0-14) respectively. Most frequently reported symptoms were decreased desire (77.8%), decreased arousal (71.4%), and vaginal dryness 68.4%). On a scale from 0 (no impact) to 10 (maximal impact), the most important impact was reported for sexual life (mean: 6.6±3.5) followed by psychological condition/self-image (mean 5.4±3.1), and relations with partners (mean: 5.1±3.4). Only 13.6% of participants had received information on GUSM prior to the survey.
CONCLUSIONS
GUSM remains underdiagnosed and underestimated in BC survivors who receive HT, although it is among most frequent and disabling side effects of HT. Awareness should be increased among physicians, along with information to women. Early detection and treatment of symptoms and prophylaxis of GUSM in at-risk women should be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Menopause; Surveys and Questionnaires; Perception; Internet
PubMed: 37940396
DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.08.014 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) are the most frequent menopause-related clinical entities and are consistently included in the...
INTRODUCTION
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) are the most frequent menopause-related clinical entities and are consistently included in the definition of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Nonhormonal therapies, such as lubricants and moisturizers, are indicated as first-line treatments, while the "gold standard'' is represented by topical estrogen products; however, in cancer survivors hormonal treatment is not indicated. For this reason, energy-based therapeutic approaches-for instance, through laser technologies-may be employed as alternative options in this kind of patient; however, there are no studies evaluating the efficacy of a pure diode vaginal laser in the treatment of GSM. As a consequence, with our study, we aimed to evaluate outpatient nonablative diode laser treatment in sexually active women, with contraindications, no response, or refusal of local estrogenic therapy.
METHODS
This prospective study included patients with GSM, aged ≥ 18 years old, with contraindications, or refusal of local estrogen therapies. Women were evaluated via the use of their Vaginal Health Index (VHI) scores, which consists of five measures: elasticity, fluid volume, pH, epithelial integrity, and moisture. Moreover, the intensity of VVA symptoms (vaginal burning, vaginal itching, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and dysuria) was measured using a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS), where the left extreme of the scale (score = 0) indicated "absence of symptom" and the right indicated "symptom as bad as it could be" (score = 100). Sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19) questionnaire. The treatment was performed using a Leonardo Dual diode laser (Biolitec Italia Srl, Milano, Italy). The laser treatment consisted of three sessions, one per month. One month after the third session, the VHI, symptom VAS, and FSFI-19 were re-evaluated. In addition, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire was collected.
RESULTS
Our study enrolled a total of 26 consecutive patients. All patients were either in menopause or under treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). None of the patients reported adverse effects after laser treatment. In total, 19 (73.1%) patients referred improvements of their symptoms according to PGI-I scores. All domains of the FSFI-19 questionnaire, significantly improved after the diode laser treatment. The mean VHI score increased by 3.2 points, from 12.2 to 15.4 ( < 0.001). Additionally, we documented a significant improvement in symptoms affecting the VAS score, from 69.2 to 43.5 points ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
A diode vaginal laser is an effective and easily tolerated ambulatory procedure for vaginal functional restoration in the treatment of GSM and VVA.
PubMed: 37892888
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101158