Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in five Asian countries: results from the Pan-Asian REVIVE survey. (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chua, Y.; Limpaphayom, K. K.; Cheng, B.; Ho, C. M.; Sumapradja, K.; Altomare, C.; Huang, K.
• Is Part Of: Climacteric. Volume 20:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause -- postmenopausal -- REVIVE Survey -- Asia -- awareness; Menopause -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Hormone therapy -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Estrogen Replacement Therapy -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 612.665
• DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1315091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7137

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The Pan-Asian REVIVE survey aimed to examine women's experiences with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and their interactions with health-care professionals (HCPs). Methods: Self-completed surveys were administered face-to-face to 5992 women (aged 45–75 years) in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Results: Of 638 postmenopausal women with GSM symptoms, only 35% were aware of the GSM condition, most of whom first heard of GSM through their physician (32%). The most common symptoms were vaginal dryness (57%) and irritation (43%). GSM had the greatest impact on sexual enjoyment (65%) and intimacy (61%). Only 25% had discussed their GSM symptoms with a HCP, and such discussions were mostly patient-initiated (64%) rather than HCP-initiated (24%). Only 21% had been clinically diagnosed with GSM and only 24% had ever used treatment for their symptoms. Three-quarters of those who had used treatment for GSM had discussed their symptoms with a HCP compared to only 9% of those who were treatment-naïve. Conclusion: GSM is underdiagnosed and undertreated in Asia. As discussion of GSM with HCPs appears to be a factor influencing women's awareness and treatment status, a more active role by HCPs to facilitate early discussions on GSM and its treatment options is needed.