Don’t overlook the importance of understanding menopause beyond just hot flushes and mood changes. Despite affecting 50% of the population, there is a lack of knowledge among both individuals and healthcare professionals about menopause and its safe and effective treatments. This has led to unnecessary suffering for many people. Perimenopause, the stage before menopause, typically begins in the 40s and most women will reach menopause in their early 50s. In addition to well-known systemic symptoms, menopause also brings about subtle genitourinary symptoms that can worsen over time if left untreated. These symptoms include painful sex, urinary urgency, frequency, leaking and burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness, collectively known as the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). It’s important to note that these symptoms are also signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, which nearly half of women experience by their 50s.
Systemic menopause symptoms can be effectively managed with systemic hormonal therapy. However, for those experiencing GSM symptoms, this treatment approach may not be enough. To address the specific concerns of women with GSM symptoms, the North American Menopause Society recommends the use of vaginal estrogen during menopause.
Don’t overlook the importance of understanding menopause beyond just hot flushes and mood changes. Despite affecting 50% of the population, there is a lack of knowledge among both individuals and healthcare professionals about menopause and its safe and effective treatments. This has led to unnecessary suffering for many people. Perimenopause, the stage before menopause, typically begins in the 40s and most women will reach menopause in their early 50s. In addition to well-known systemic symptoms, menopause also brings about subtle genitourinary symptoms that can worsen over time if left untreated. These symptoms include painful sex, urinary urgency, frequency, leaking and burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness, collectively known as the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). It’s important to note that these symptoms are also signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, which nearly half of women experience by their 50s.
Systemic menopause symptoms can be effectively managed with systemic hormonal therapy. However, for those experiencing GSM symptoms, this treatment approach may not be enough. To address the specific concerns of women with GSM symptoms, the North American Menopause Society recommends the use of vaginal estrogen during menopause.
Differential Diagnosis:
GSM or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Signs of pelvic floor dysfunction and GSM consist of:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate, accompanied by burning sensation and the need to urinate at night
- Sensation of pressure in the bladder or pelvic area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Reduced or non-existent orgasm
- Difficulty in passing stool
- Pain and burning in the vulva and vagina
- Pain experienced while sitting
A knowledgeable healthcare provider, such as a pelvic floor physical therapist or medical doctor, can conduct various tests to identify and address health issues related to the vulva and vagina. These tests include a visual examination, a q-tip test to determine areas of pain, and a manual examination to detect problems with the pelvic floor, hormones, and pelvic organs. It’s important to note that all women may experience genital symptoms with enough time, but appropriate medical care can help manage these symptoms. Additionally, many people are unaware that menopausal women can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy, which addresses musculoskeletal factors that contribute to discomfort. Combining pelvic floor physical therapy with medical care at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Walnut Creek is essential for restoring enjoyable sex and resolving urinary and bowel concerns.
FACTS
From: https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/further-reading
- Every day, 6,000 women experience menopause.
- Currently, there are 50 million menopausal women in the US.
- A significant 84% of women deal with discomfort related to their genital, sexual, and urinary health during menopause, but only less than 25% seek assistance.
- Surprisingly, 80% of OBGYN residents confess to feeling unprepared when it comes to discussing menopause.
- 90% of postmenopausal women are clinically diagnosed with GSM, but only a third of them actually report symptoms.
- Women face barriers to treatment, such as having to start the conversation themselves and believing their symptoms are just a part of aging. They also fail to connect their symptoms to menopause.
- Shockingly, only 13% of healthcare providers ask their patients about menopause symptoms.
- Even when diagnosed, most women with GSM do not receive treatment, despite studies showing a negative impact on their quality of life. Providers hesitate to prescribe treatment and patients have concerns about safety when it comes to vaginal therapies.
Insufficient hormones can cause itching in the areas between the labia and vagina. Other dermatological problems, such as Lichen Sclerosus and yeast infections on the skin, should also be taken into account.
Menopausal women can be vulnerable to recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections due to three main factors:
- pH and tissue changes
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Pelvic organ prolapse affecting urinary function
Recurrent infections can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, which can result in pain and dysfunction even after the infection is treated. Untreated infections, without hormone therapy, can lead to severe consequences such as unprovoked pain, difficulty with sex, and potential kidney problems. It is important to address and treat these infections to prevent further complications.
Seeking guidance from a menopause expert is crucial in addressing and managing the challenges associated with GSM. These issues are significant but can be effectively treated. It’s important to destigmatize the dialogue around this topic since there’s no reason to feel ashamed. With proper care, those with vulvas can enjoy a fulfilling life. Integrating pelvic floor physical therapy and medical treatment is key.
How We Can Help You
If you’re experiencing sexual function problems, it’s important to see a therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Walnut Creek. They can help determine if your pelvic floor is causing your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. During the evaluation, the therapist will ask about your medical history, previous diagnoses, and past treatments. They will also assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. After the evaluation, they will discuss the results with you and establish therapy goals. Typically, treatments at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Walnut Creek are given once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will work with your treatment team to coordinate your recovery. They will provide both at-home exercises and in-person sessions to help you improve and live your best life possible.
To learn more about IC/PBS, please refer to our IC/PBS Resource List.
How We Can Help You
If you’re experiencing sexual function problems, it’s important to see a therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Walnut Creek. They can help determine if your pelvic floor is causing your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. During the evaluation, the therapist will ask about your medical history, previous diagnoses, and past treatments. They will also assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. After the evaluation, they will discuss the results with you and establish therapy goals. Typically, treatments at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Walnut Creek are given once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will work with your treatment team to coordinate your recovery. They will provide both at-home exercises and in-person sessions to help you improve and live your best life possible.
To learn more about IC/PBS, please refer to our IC/PBS Resource List.
