Menopause is more than the common hot flushes and mood changes. However, most people and healthcare providers lack essential knowledge about menopause and effective treatments, causing unnecessary suffering. Perimenopause, which occurs in the 40s for most individuals, is the precursor to menopause. By their early 50s, the majority of women will be in menopause. In addition to systemic symptoms, untreated menopause can lead to worsening genitourinary issues over time. These include painful sex, urinary urgency and frequency, leakage and burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which is also associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Nearly 50% of women in their 50s experience this dysfunction.
Menopause symptoms can be effectively treated with hormonal therapy. However, this may not be enough for those experiencing GSM symptoms. To address these issues, the North American Menopause Society suggests using vaginal estrogen for women going through menopause. This can help alleviate GSM symptoms.
Menopause is more than the common hot flushes and mood changes. However, most people and healthcare providers lack essential knowledge about menopause and effective treatments, causing unnecessary suffering. Perimenopause, which occurs in the 40s for most individuals, is the precursor to menopause. By their early 50s, the majority of women will be in menopause. In addition to systemic symptoms, untreated menopause can lead to worsening genitourinary issues over time. These include painful sex, urinary urgency and frequency, leakage and burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which is also associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Nearly 50% of women in their 50s experience this dysfunction.
Menopause symptoms can be effectively treated with hormonal therapy. However, this may not be enough for those experiencing GSM symptoms. To address these issues, the North American Menopause Society suggests using vaginal estrogen for women going through menopause. This can help alleviate GSM symptoms.
Differential Diagnosis:
GSM or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM):
- Frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation, waking up at night to urinate
- Pressure felt in the bladder or pelvic area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Reduced or no enjoyment from orgasm
- Trouble emptying the bowels
- Pain and burning in the vulva and vagina
- Discomfort when sitting down
A healthcare provider, whether a pelvic floor physical therapist or a medical doctor at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbus, OH, can conduct a comprehensive examination to identify various issues related to the pelvic area. This includes a visual examination, a q-tip test to assess pain areas, and a manual examination to determine pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal deficiencies, and pelvic organ prolapse. It’s important to note that all women may experience GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) if left untreated. Additionally, many people are unaware that menopausal women can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy to address uncomfortable musculoskeletal factors. Combining pelvic floor physical therapy with appropriate medical management at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbus, OH is crucial in restoring pleasurable sex and alleviating urinary and bowel concerns.
FACTS
From: https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/further-reading
- Every day, 6000 women experience menopause, a significant life transition.
- Currently, there are 50 million menopausal women in the US, highlighting the widespread nature of this stage.
- An alarming 84% of women face uncomfortable genital, sexual, and urinary issues during menopause, but less than 25% seek professional assistance, indicating a need for increased awareness and support.
- Even 80% of OBGYN residents feel unprepared to effectively address menopause, suggesting a gap in medical education surrounding this topic.
- 90% of postmenopausal women have GSM but only ⅓ of them actually report symptoms.
- The barriers to treatment include women having to start the conversation, believing that the symptoms are a normal part of aging, and not linking their symptoms to menopause.
- Shockingly, only 13% of healthcare providers ask their patients about menopause symptoms.
- Even after being diagnosed, most women with GSM do not receive treatment despite studies showing a negative impact on their quality of life. Providers hesitate to prescribe treatments and patients are concerned about the safety of vaginal therapies.
Hormone insufficiency can cause itching in the labia and vagina. It is important to consider other dermatologic conditions, such as Lichen Sclerosus and yeast infections, as possible factors as well.
Menopausal women are at risk of recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections due to several factors:
- Changes in pH levels and tissue composition.
- Incomplete bladder emptying.
- Urinary function being compromised by pelvic organ prolapse.
Recurrent infections can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to pain and dysfunction even after the infection is gone. It is crucial to stop these infections to prevent further issues. If left untreated without hormone therapy, the infections can continue to occur and have severe consequences. Women may experience unprovoked pain, difficulties with sexual activity, and undetected UTIs can lead to kidney problems and other serious issues.
Consulting with a menopause specialist at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbus, OH is highly recommended for effective monitoring, prevention, and treatment of these significant and treatable matters. It is essential to create an open dialogue about the experiences of GSM, eradicating any feelings of embarrassment. With appropriate care, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Pelvic floor physical therapy and medical management go hand in hand to address these concerns.
How We Can Help You
If you’re struggling with sexual function, it’s best to see a therapist for pelvic floor therapy at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbus, OH. They’ll evaluate your pelvic floor to determine any contributing factors to your symptoms. During the examination, your therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, treatments, and their effectiveness. We understand the challenges you’ve faced and many people are frustrated when they come to us. The therapist will assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterward, they’ll explain the results to you and determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on the evaluation, short-term and long-term therapy goals will be set. Typically, physical therapy sessions are held once or twice a week for 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with other experts on your treatment team and provide an at-home exercise regimen. Our goal is to help improve your well-being and enable you to live your best life.
Visit our IC/PBS Resource List for more information on IC/PBS.
How We Can Help You
If you’re struggling with sexual function, it’s best to see a therapist for pelvic floor therapy at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbus, OH. They’ll evaluate your pelvic floor to determine any contributing factors to your symptoms. During the examination, your therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, treatments, and their effectiveness. We understand the challenges you’ve faced and many people are frustrated when they come to us. The therapist will assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterward, they’ll explain the results to you and determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on the evaluation, short-term and long-term therapy goals will be set. Typically, physical therapy sessions are held once or twice a week for 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with other experts on your treatment team and provide an at-home exercise regimen. Our goal is to help improve your well-being and enable you to live your best life.
Visit our IC/PBS Resource List for more information on IC/PBS.
