Don’t underestimate the impact of menopause! Many people and healthcare providers lack knowledge about this natural stage of life and the effective treatments available. This leads to unnecessary suffering for so many individuals. Menopause doesn’t just involve hot flashes and mood swings – it also brings about subtle but troublesome genitourinary symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated. Painful sex, urinary issues, infections, and vaginal dryness are all part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). These symptoms are also linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects nearly half of women in their 50s. It’s time to address these issues and seek the help and support needed during this important stage of life.
Systemic menopause symptoms are typically addressed with systemic hormonal therapy, but this may not be enough for those experiencing GSM symptoms. To effectively combat GSM symptoms, the North American Menopause Society suggests using vaginal estrogen in women going through menopause.
Don’t underestimate the impact of menopause! Many people and healthcare providers lack knowledge about this natural stage of life and the effective treatments available. This leads to unnecessary suffering for so many individuals. Menopause doesn’t just involve hot flashes and mood swings – it also brings about subtle but troublesome genitourinary symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated. Painful sex, urinary issues, infections, and vaginal dryness are all part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). These symptoms are also linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects nearly half of women in their 50s. It’s time to address these issues and seek the help and support needed during this important stage of life.
Systemic menopause symptoms are typically addressed with systemic hormonal therapy, but this may not be enough for those experiencing GSM symptoms. To effectively combat GSM symptoms, the North American Menopause Society suggests using vaginal estrogen in women going through menopause.
Differential Diagnosis:
GSM or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and GSM:
- Frequent, urgent, and painful urination
- Feelings of pressure in the bladder or pelvic area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Decreased or no orgasm
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Vaginal pain and burning
- Pain when sitting
A healthcare provider who specializes in pelvic floor issues, such as a physical therapist or doctor at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH, can perform a thorough examination to diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal deficiencies, and pelvic organ prolapse. This includes a visual examination, a q-tip test for pain areas, and a manual examination. It’s important to note that all women will experience GSM if not properly managed. Many people are unaware that menopausal women can also benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy to address discomfort caused by musculoskeletal factors. Combining physical therapy with medical management is crucial for restoring enjoyable sex and addressing urinary and bowel concerns.
FACTS
From: https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/further-reading
- Every day, 6,000 women experience menopause.
- There are currently 50 million menopausal women in the US.
- A troubling 84% of women face discomfort related to their genitals, sexual health, and urinary function during menopause. Shockingly, less than 25% of these women seek help.
- Surprisingly, 80% of OBGYN residents feel unprepared to discuss menopause.
- 90% of postmenopausal women have GSM, but only a third of them speak up about their symptoms.
- There are obstacles to treatment: women typically have to initiate the conversation, they believe their symptoms are just a normal part of aging, and they don’t connect their symptoms to menopause.
- Only 13% of healthcare providers ask their patients about menopause symptoms.
- Even after being diagnosed, most women with GSM don’t receive treatment, despite studies showing a negative impact on their quality of life. Both providers’ hesitation to prescribe treatment and patients’ concerns about safety limit the use of topical vaginal therapies.
Insufficient hormones can lead to itching in the labia and vagina. It is important to also consider other skin problems like Lichen Sclerosus and yeast infections.
Menopause can leave us more susceptible to pesky vaginal and urinary tract infections for a few reasons:
- pH and tissue changes: Our bodies undergo shifts in acidity levels and tissue structures, making us more prone to infections.
- Incomplete bladder emptying: Issues with fully emptying the bladder can lead to lingering bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When our pelvic organs droop or protrude, they can interfere with proper urinary function, putting us at higher risk of infection.
Frequent infections can be a major reason for problems with the pelvic floor. It’s important to address these infections to prevent additional pain and dysfunction after they are gone. If left untreated without hormone therapy, the infections can persist, leading to serious consequences. Women may experience unexplained pain, difficulties with sexual activity, and unnoticed urinary tract infections can result in kidney problems and other serious complications.
Seeking guidance from a menopause expert at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH is highly recommended for monitoring, preventing, and addressing these significant and manageable concerns. It is vital to normalize discussions about GSM and eliminate any feelings of embarrassment, ensuring that vulva owners can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate care. Pelvic floor physical therapy and medical management work together synergistically.
How We Can Help You
If you’re experiencing sexual function issues, it’s important to see a pelvic floor therapist at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH for evaluation. They will determine if your pelvic floor is contributing to your symptoms. During the examination, the therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, and the effectiveness of past treatments. The therapist will evaluate your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterwards, they will review the results with you and establish short-term and long-term therapy goals. Physical therapy treatments at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH will be conducted once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with the rest of your treatment team and provide you with exercises to do at home. We’re here to help you recover and live your best life.
For more information about IC/PBS, check out our IC/PBS Resource List.
How We Can Help You
If you’re experiencing sexual function issues, it’s important to see a pelvic floor therapist at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH for evaluation. They will determine if your pelvic floor is contributing to your symptoms. During the examination, the therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, and the effectiveness of past treatments. The therapist will evaluate your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterwards, they will review the results with you and establish short-term and long-term therapy goals. Physical therapy treatments at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Merrimack, NH will be conducted once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with the rest of your treatment team and provide you with exercises to do at home. We’re here to help you recover and live your best life.
For more information about IC/PBS, check out our IC/PBS Resource List.
