The sex lives of post-menopausal women are suffering because of an under-recognised symptom of menopause that will affect almost half of all women.
Health on Female First
Despite British women being the most likely to report that their sex lives are suffering due to the condition, they are 50 per cent less likely to have received the treatment, compared to women in Europe and North America, according to a first-of-its kind study, known as CLarifying vaginal atrophy’s impact On SEx and Relationships (CLOSER).
The CLOSER study has revealed that two thirds of British post-menopausal women and their partners agree they are having less sex because of vaginal atrophy - a common, chronic (long-term, ongoing) post-menopausal condition caused by a drop in oestrogen levels.
Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching and painful intercourse, and the condition can have a significant impact on quality of life. If left untreated, vaginal atrophy can lead to serious long-term urogenital problems, including incontinence.
“The CLOSER study offers the first opportunity to examine the real impact that vaginal atrophy is having on the intimate lives of post-menopausal women and their partners”, explains Dr Heather Currie, Associate Specialist Gynaecologist at theDumfriesand Galloway Royal Infirmary, MD of Menopause Matters Ltd and Honorary Secretary of the British Menopause Society.
“Most people have not heard of this condition, but vaginal atrophy is one of the most common symptoms of the menopause, and also the simplest to treat. The challenge remains that vaginal health in older women is still a taboo subject, and even doctors find it difficult to talk to their patients about it”.
Vaginal atrophy is more likely to have a negative impact on British women’s self-esteem compared to women in other countries, with British women being most likely to have lost confidence as a sexual partner and to feel depressed about their sex lives.
Communication barriers about vaginal health are greatest between British couples
One in five British men are uncomfortable with discussing vaginal atrophy, more than in any other country, and as many as one in 10 men have felt sexually frustrated and thought about other women. In addition, according to the CLOSER data, one in five men reported that vaginal atrophy has aggravated their own sexual health issues, such as erectile dysfunction.
Seeking help
“Despite the considerable impact on themselves, their partner and their relationship, three quarters of women with vaginal atrophy will not seek medical help”, says Dr Nick Panay, Consultant Gynaecologist, Queen Charlotte’s &ChelseaHospital,London, and Chairman of the British Menopause Society.
“In addition, despite British women experiencing the benefits of local oestrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy in the CLOSER study, they are in fact 50 per cent less likely to access these treatments compared to their peers in other countries”.
British women who had tried local oestrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy reported beneficial effects such as less painful sex, more satisfying sex for their partner and themselves, feeling closer and less isolated from their partner, having sex more often, and saying that they now look forward to having sex; however, just 21% of British women have tried local oestrogen treatment. Instead, British women were among the most likely to self-treat using over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants and moisturisers, but these measures only provide temporary relief of symptoms and do not treat the underlying condition.
Once vaginal atrophy has been diagnosed, many healthcare professionals may recommend oestrogen treatments that are available in systemic and local forms.
Tagged in Menopause Women's Health