More than 70 per cent of post-menopausal women avoid intimacy with their partner as a result of a common, yet widely misunderstood condition, according to results of a new national survey.
The inaugural survey, CLOSER (CLarifying vaginal atrophy’s impact On SEx and Relationships) initially involved more than 8,000 participants worldwide, and has now been repeated in Australia.
The Australian survey includes 1,005 participants, with approximately 500 postmenopausal women with symptoms and an additional 500 male partners of women with symptoms, and highlights some of the physical and emotional impacts of vaginal discomfort – a somewhat awkward topic – on Australian couples.
Vaginal discomfort, which can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional as vaginal atrophy, is a relatively commongenital condition in menopausal women as a result of changes in the levels of female hormones the body produces.
Vaginal atrophy is most commonly diagnosed in women experiencing the natural menopause but can also be a result of surgery to remove ovaries and after treatments for certain medical conditions.
According to Dr Jane Elliott, Immediate-Past President of the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) and women’s health specialist, this survey is an important step in debunking the stigma associated with discussing vaginal atrophy.
“Unfortunately, vaginal atrophy is considered a taboo subject, and even doctors can find it difficult to talk to their patients about it,” said Dr Elliott.
“Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching and painful intercourse and may lead to serious long-term problems, including contributing to incontinence. “If left undiagnosed, vaginal atrophy can have a significant impact on women and their partner’s lives.”
The local CLOSER survey revealed 56 per cent of Australian women surveyed admit to having sex less often as a result of vaginal discomfort. Loss of libido (60%), painful sex (44%), or a worry that sex will be painful (44%), are the main reasons Australian women surveyed with vaginal discomfort said they avoid being intimate with their partner.
In addition, many women admitted the condition had a negative impact on their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, with approximately half (47%) worrying that their long term vaginal discomfort will never go away and have a long term effect on their relationship as a result, and more than half revealing the condition makes them feel old (59%) and upset that their body does not work the way it used to (58%).
Men who were asked about the condition said they empathise with their partners during post-menopause, with two thirds (66%) of men revealing they are comfortable discussing vaginal discomfort with their partner.
Andrea, 59, from regional NSW, says that although her husband of almost 40 years was open to initiating conversations about post-menopausal symptoms, ultimately it was up to her to seek further advice.
“Around the time of my menopause, I started experiencing vaginal dryness and I put up with the soreness for a couple of years,” said Andrea. “The vaginal dryness did impact on my libido. Talking to my husband was a really great start to understanding the effect of vaginal atrophy on our relationship. “Naturally, my husband was also concerned about my discomfort. While he never pressured me to do something about it, I wanted to take some steps to reclaim our intimacy,” Andrea said.
Andrea decided to learn more about the condition and talked with her doctor about whether treatment was necessary.
Professor Rod Baber, President Elect of the International Menopause Society (IMS) and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The University of Sydney, encourages couples to recognise the impact of vaginal discomfort on their relationship and seek advice from their healthcare professional regarding the necessity for, and availability of, treatment.
“There are practical things women can do to minimise irritation to the vagina such as clothing choice, use of low-allergenic washing products and non-scented hygiene products. There are also numerous non-prescription treatment options available including creams, lubricants and moisturisers. If necessary, your doctor may also recommend prescription medications that may help relieve symptoms.”
“If you are postmenopausal and experiencing persistent vaginal symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning, itching, chafing, uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse, please speak to your doctor. It is important that you get a correct diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan, if necessary,” concluded Professor Baber.
Visit www.menopause.org.au or www.jeanhailes.org.au for independent, up-to-date information and support on menopause and vaginal discomfort.
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