Vulvovaginal Atrophy: It Impacts the Quality of Life of Millions of Women
Vulvovaginal atrophy, primarily due to menopause, significantly affects women's quality of life and remains underdiagnosed in Mexico.
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common condition resulting from menopause that can severely affect women's intimate, emotional, social, and professional lives. Symptoms such as vaginal dryness, burning, and pain during intercourse are often dismissed as normal aging changes, yet these manifestations can have profound consequences. Despite its high prevalence, up to 70% of women experiencing symptoms do not seek medical help, highlighting a troubling gap in awareness and treatment for a not insignificant number of those affected.
In Mexico, where the average age of menopause is about 47 years, nearly 20 million women are believed to be going through this stage of life. Approximately 80% of women experience vaginal dryness, while other symptoms include vaginal discomfort (57%), pain during intercourse (35%), itching (28%), and burning (26%). These issues not only affect sexual health but can also influence emotional well-being and relationships, thereby impacting women's overall quality of life throughout the menopausal transition.
VVA is a component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which affects not just the vagina but also structures such as the clitoris, the labia majora and minora, as well as the vaginal microbiota and blood flow. Understanding and addressing these changes is crucial for improving women's health during and after menopause, making it imperative to raise awareness about VVA and encourage women to seek appropriate care and treatment options to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.