International The Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health and the North American Menopause Society have approved a new term for symptoms associated with menopause: genitourinary syndrome of menopause (MSM). A medical conference was organized in Chicago, Illinois to discuss a more precise and comprehensive term that would be acceptable to women, researchers, educators, the media and the public.
The main goal was to improve and facilitate the conversation about the menopause period between patients and healthcare professionals.
Why the old terms don't describe menopause symptoms well enough
None of the pre-existing medical terms were accurate or informative enough to describe the symptoms of menopause, all conference participants agreed. The term "vulvovaginal atrophy" explains postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal changes but does not describe symptoms. "Atrophic vaginitis" suggests the presence of inflammation or infection that is not the cause of changes in the genital organs during menopause.
In addition, no other term covers urinary symptoms. Old terms can also make the patient feel uncomfortable, the conference participants decided. The term "atrophy" is associated with aging and withering, and many people simply cannot say the word "vagina".
What changes occur in the genitourinary system of a woman during menopause
Urinary signs and symptoms of menopause occur due to a decrease in estrogen and other steroid hormones. They include atrophy and irritation of the genital organs and structures; dryness, discomfort or pain during intercourse, dysuric manifestations and recurrent infections. The common embryonic origin of all urinary structures and the high density of estrogen receptors in them make them very susceptible to changes in reproductive hormone levels.
Specific changes include a decrease in collagen and elastin in the tissues of the genital organs, a change in the normal properties of the epithelium, a violation of the function of smooth muscles, a loss of elasticity and flexibility of the genital organs and deterioration of their blood supply.
What is the essence of the term "genitourinary syndrome of menopause"
Genito-urinary syndrome of menopause refers to all the signs and symptoms that occur during menopause not other conditions that cause the above symptoms. Such conditions can be, for example, infections, allergies, skin diseases, dysfunction of the muscles and organs of the small pelvis, cystitis, or disorders of the innervation of the genital organs. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause occurs in more than half of all postmenopausal women, but studies show that women are hesitant to discuss these symptoms with medical staff, which is associated with shame and fear.
What benefits will the introduction of a new gynecological term
At the end of the conference, the authors summarized that the genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a more accurate and informative term for the changes that occur in the genitourinary system of women during menopause. The authors argue that the new term will help standardize medical check-ups so that women can actively benefit from treatments that improve their quality of life during menopause and help eliminate unpleasant menopausal symptoms.
Menopause is a period in life that every woman goes through. That is why it is so necessary to talk about this problem. Correct and competent terminology will certainly help the patient and the doctor to find a common language, scientists conclude.
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