empowering the vaginal atrophy dialogue multi_therapeutic2
TRANSCRIPT
Empowering the Vaginal Atrophy Dialogue
Faculty/Presenter Disclosure
Faculty: Dr. Unjali Malhotra
Relationships with commercial interests: Grants/Research Support: none Speakers Bureau/Honoraria: Bayer, Merck, Pfizer,
Novo Nordisk Consulting Fees: Pfizer Other: none
Disclosure of Commercial Support
This program has received financial support from Novo Nordisk in the form of an educational grant
Potential for conflict(s) of interest: Dr. Unjali Malhotra has received an honorarium from
Novo Nordisk whose product(s) are being discussed in this program
Novo Nordisk distributes, licenses a product that will be discussed in this program: Estradiol 10 μg (Vagifem® 10)
Mitigating Potential Bias
Material was developed and reviewed by independent third-party experts who were responsible for vetting the program’s needs assessment results and subsequent content development to ensure accuracy and fair balance
Learning Objectives
After this session, participants will be able to: Describe the prevalence and pathophysiology of
vaginal atrophy Discuss women’s attitudes about vaginal atrophy Examine the effects of vaginal atrophy and its treatment
on intimate relationships Manage vaginal atrophy using the latest treatment
recommendations Counsel post-menopausal women about vaginal
atrophy and treatment options
Pre-Test Questions
1. In vaginal atrophy :
A. Vaginal pH decreases
B. Blood flow is maintained
C. Parabasal cells predominate in the epithelium
D. Inflammation is always absent
Pre-Test Questions
2. Post-menopausal Canadian women:
A. Have a good understanding of vaginal atrophy and its associated symptoms
B. Are aware of the chronic nature of the condition
C. Are likely to use over-the-counter products before discussing symptoms with their physicians
D. More than 40% would be willing to use local vaginal estrogen to treat vaginal atrophy symptoms
E. All of the above
F. C and D
Pre-Test Questions
3. Local estrogen therapy:
A. Effectively manages symptoms
B. Reverses atrophic changes
C. Has a positive impact on intimate relationships
D. All of the above
E. A and B
Pre-Test Questions
4. How comfortable are you discussing treatment options for vaginal atrophy with post-menopausal women?
A. Very uncomfortable
B. Somewhat uncomfortable
C. Somewhat comfortable
D. Very comfortable
Prevalence of Vaginal Atrophy Up to 75% of menopausal women may experience vaginal
atrophy symptoms1,2
Approximately 50% of post-menopausal women have vaginal atrophy symptoms that impact on sexual function and quality of life3
Despite its prevalence, vaginal atrophy is often not recognized by women as a chronic condition 1/3 will not seek medical advice3
The taboo status surrounding vaginal atrophy means that many women do not receive effective treatment
1. The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2007;14:357-369.2. Labrie F, et al. Menopause. 2009;16:907-22.3. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Climacteric. 2012;15:36-44.
IMS Recommendations: Background
Post-menopausal vaginal atrophy:A common cause of distressing symptoms due to estrogen deficiencyPoorly recognized by healthcare professionalsShould be diagnosed and treated promptly to avoid cascade of events that do not resolve spontaneously
IMS, International Menopause Society.Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Vaginal Atrophy Pathophysiology: Effects of Declining Estrogen
Vaginal epithelium becomes thinner, vaginal rugae diminish
Vaginal wall appears smoother Colonization of the vagina by lactobacillus
decreases Vaginal pH rises above 6 Blood flow is reduced Vagina has pale appearance and may contain
small petechiae and/or other signs of inflammation
Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Vaginal Atrophy: Pathophysiology
Johnston SL. Geriatrics & Aging. 2002;5(7):9-15.
Vaginal environment before menopause Vaginal environment after estrogen loss
Ovaries produce less estrogen(or none at all)Ovaries produce estrogen
The vaginal lining is thick and moist The vaginal lining becomes thin and dry
There is decreased blood flow to vaginal tissues
There is good blood flow to vaginal
tissues
Vaginal walls are elastic
Vaginal fluid is secreted during sexual activity
Vaginal elasticity decreases
There is less secretion of fluids during sexual activityThe vagina narrows and shortens
Vaginal Atrophy Pathophysiology:Cellular Changes
Thick, healthy, well-estrogenized
lining of the vagina in premenopausal women
Thin, dry lining of vaginadue to menopause
(after estrogen loss)
superficial
parabasal
intermediate
The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2007;14:357-69.
After menopause, there is an increase in parabasal and intermediate cells and a substantial decrease in superficial cells
Intermediate and superficial cells predominate in premenopausal women; minimal parabasal cells
Discussion Question
What do post-menopausal Canadian women know about vaginal atrophy?
Viva Survey Results: What Do Post-menopausal Canadian Women Know About Vaginal Atrophy?
Most women thought vaginal dryness, itching, burning, soreness, or pain during intercourse were merely symptoms of menopause
Only 7% of Canadian women associated these symptoms with vaginal atrophy
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
VIVA Survey Results: How Many Women Experience Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
50% of Canadian women experienced vaginal symptoms
59% rated these symptoms as moderate or severe
Discussion Question
Which of the following is not a symptom of vaginal atrophy?
A.Dryness
B.Incontinence
C.Pain during intercourse
D.Itching
E.Vaginal discharge
F.All are symptoms of vaginal atrophy
Recognizing the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
The most common vaginal atrophy symptoms reported in the IMS recommendations1 are the same as those reported by women in the VIVA survey2
Dryness (estimated 75%)1
Dyspareunia (estimated 38%)1
Vaginal itching, discharge, pain (estimated 15%)1
Urinary symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy:1
Dysuria, nocturia, and urgency Urinary incontinence Recurrent urinary tract infections
IMS, International Menopause Society. VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Climacteric. 2012;15:36-44.
VIVA Survey Results: Which Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy Do Canadian Women Experience?
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
Dryness was by far the most commonly experienced symptom of vaginal atrophy
In Her Own Words… About Her Symptoms
Play videoJoan Boone
TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO CLIP: “Vaginal atrophy has so many symptoms, but not every woman has every symptom. The ones I had were dryness, a loss of natural moisturizer; I had painful intercourse, and I had really just the driest feeling, so it was uncomfortable.”
Discussion Question
How does vaginal atrophy impact the lives of post-menopausal women?
IMS Recommendations: Be Aware That Women Are Suffering in Silence
Women are often reluctant to consult/complain about vaginal atrophy, and they may feel their doctors are also uninterested or uncomfortable talking about this issue1,2
The Canadian cohort of the VIVA survey also demonstrated this3
IMS, International Menopause Society. VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Climacteric. 2012;15:36-44.3. Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
“We don’t have a pink Viagra for women,” says Dr. Rossella Nappi. “… maybe it’s less easy to treat VA because it’s easy to speak about ED, and it’s not so easy to talk about VA. We should talk about ED and VA together for a better life of the couple.” ZOOMER Magazine, March 2013
Canadian Women Are Suffering in Silence
52% of women with vaginal atrophy waited ≥6 months before seeing a healthcare provider
56% of women experiencing vaginal atrophy had symptoms ≥3 years
Length of time women experienced symptoms of vaginal discomfort
Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
CLOSER Survey Results: Effects of Vaginal Atrophy on How a Woman Feels About Herself
51% of women felt upset that their body doesn’t work as well anymore
41% of women felt they had lost their youth
33% of women were concerned that vaginal atrophy would never go away
27% women had lost confidence in themselvesas a sexual partner and no longer felt sexually attractive
CLOSER, CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships.Nappi RE. European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) Annual Congress, March 2012.Gingras L, et al. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486.
58%
49%
35%
23%
62%61%
28%
14%
22%
76%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Less sex Less satisfyingsex
Put off havingsex
Stoppedhaving sexaltogether
Avoidedintimacy
Resp
onde
nts,
%
Women
Men
CLOSER, CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships.Gingras L, et al. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486.
CLOSER Survey: Effects of Vaginal Discomfort on Intimate Relationships (Canadian Data)
VIVA Survey Results: Who Would Canadian Women Turn to if They Experienced Vaginal
Discomfort?
60% of women were comfortable discussing vaginal atrophy with their doctor
72% of Canadian women would talk to their primary care physician if they experienced vaginal discomfort
30% would speak to their gynecologist
The Physician-Patient conversation about vaginal atrophy needs to be routine
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
Discussion Question
How would you start the vaginal atrophy conversation?
IMS Recommendations: Getting the Conversation Started
Talk about vaginal dryness since patients may be reluctant to do so1
Consider that relationship/sexual issues may present as vaginal discomfort1
In the CLOSER Survey, 27% of Canadian women said vaginal atrophy made them lose confidence in themselves as a sexual partner2
Remember that women using systemic estrogen can still develop vaginal atrophy symptoms1
Some urinary symptoms occur concurrently with vaginal atrophy and also respond positively to vaginal estrogen therapy1
IMS, International Menopause Society.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. Gingras L, et al. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486.
IMS Recommendations: Getting the Conversation Started
Ask questions such as:
“Around the time of menopause, some women may experience vaginal dryness, which may make intercourse uncomfortable. Have you noticed this type of change?” Be sensitive to the presence of an able sexual partner
“Are you bothered by vaginal itching or vaginal burning?”
“Have you noticed a change in vaginal discharge?”
“Do you sometimes or often have vaginal yeast infections?”
“Do you sometimes or often have urinary tract infections?”
“Have you ever taken any vaginal lubricants or moisturizers to relieve vaginal dryness or itching?”
IMS, International Menopause Society.Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
VIVA Survey Results: Canadian Women More Likely to Use OTC Products Than Treat Underlying Cause
HRT, hormone replacement therapy. OTC, over-the-counter. VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
IMS Recommendations and VIVA Survey: Treatment Options
Women need to be informed about effective treatment options for vaginal atrophy1
VIVA survey data revealed women’s lack of knowledge about treatment options Close to 1 in 10 women believed there is no effective
treatment for vaginal discomfort2
In Canada, 42% of women were unaware of local estrogen treatments3
IMS, International Menopause Society. VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Climacteric. 2012;15:36-44.3. Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
VIVA Survey Results: Canadian Women Willingto Try Effective Treatment That Maintains
Normal Hormone Levels
Only 32% would consider systemic hormone replacement therapy
43% were willing to try local estrogen treatment (LET) 24% undecided about using LET
65% Canadian women did not expect return to the vagina of their youth, but would welcome greater comfort
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.Frank SM, et al. Menopause Int. 2012 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]
Discussion Questions
What are the available treatment options for vaginal atrophy?
IMS and SOGC Recommendations: Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants
Vaginal lubricants May be recommended for subjective symptom improvement of dyspareunia (Level IIIC evidence)1
Do not reverse vaginal atrophy1
Are non-physiological2
Give temporary symptom relief, often followed by vaginal irritation2
Vaginal moisturizers Polycarbophil gel is an effective treatment for symptoms of vaginal atrophy, including dryness and dyspareunia (Level IA evidence)1
Improve lubrication2
Do not reverse vaginal atrophy3
Are less effective than topical estrogen therapy2
Are useful for women who cannot take hormones2
IMS, International Menopause Society. SOGC, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.1. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2009;31(1 Suppl 1):S27-S30.2. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.3. Bélisle S, et al; Menopause Guidelines Committee. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2006;28(2 Suppl 1):S7-S94.
IMS Recommendations: Principles of Local Estrogen Therapy
Restore urogenital physiology1-3
Estrogen therapy lowers vaginal pH, thickens the epithelium, increases blood flow, improves vaginal lubrication1
Alleviate symptoms1-3
Most women will obtain substantial relief from their symptoms after about 3 weeks of treatment1
Some women may require 4–6 weeks before adequate improvement is observed1
These principles are also supported by NAMS and SOGC2,3
IMS, International Menopause Society. NAMS, North American Menopause Society. SOGC, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2007;14(Pt 1):357-69.3. Bélisle S, et al; Menopause Guidelines Committee. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2006;28(2 Suppl 1):S7-S94.
IMS Recommendations:Local Estrogen Therapy
Local estrogen therapy is preferable for vaginal atrophy when systemic treatment is not needed for other reasons Systemic and local therapy may be initially required for some
women Local therapy avoids most systemic adverse events and is
probably more efficacious for vaginal problems
IMS, International Menopause Society.Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Vaginal cream with applicator Intravaginal ring
Vaginal tablet with applicator
SOGC Recommendations: Local Estrogen Therapy
SOGC Clinical Practice GuidelinesConjugated estrogen cream, an intravaginal sustained-release estradiol ring, or estradiol vaginal tablets can be recommended as effective treatment for vaginal atrophy (Level IA)
Vaginal estrogen therapy can be recommended for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in post-menopausal women (Level IA)
SOGC, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2009;31(1 Suppl 1):S27-S30.
Vaginal Atrophy Treatment: Local Estrogen Therapies Available in Canada
Formulation Vaginal Tablet Vaginal Cream Vaginal Ring
Estrogen type (trade name)
Estradiol 10 μg
(Vagifem® 10)1
Conjugated estrogens
0.625 mg/g (Premarin®)2
Estrone 0.1%(Estragyn®)3
17 ß-Estradiol 2 mg(Estring™)4
Dose • 1 vaginal tablet • Start at 0.5 g daily dose strength
• Dose adjustments (0.5 to 2 g) may be made based on individual response
• 2.0 to 4.0 g per day
• 1 ring/3 months
Dosage • Initial: daily for 2 weeks• Maintenance: twice a
week with a 3-4 day interval between doses
• Daily for 21 days, then 7 days off
• Daily for 25 days, then 5 days off
• 1 ring should remain inserted in the vagina for 90 days
Administration • Each tablet is in a pre-loaded applicator ready to be inserted into the vagina
• Cream needs to be squeezed into the applicator and dose measured prior to administration
• 1 ring inserted into the vagina
1. Vagifem® 10 product monograph. 2010. 2. Premarin® product monograph. 2012. 3. Estragyn® product monograph. 2011; 4. Estring™ product monograph. 2009.5. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22. 6. Rioux JE, et al. Menopause. 2000;7(3):156-61. 7. Ayton RA, et al. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1996;103(4):351-8.
All local estrogen preparations are effective5
Patient preference usually determines treatment used5
Patients prefer vaginal tablets and rings over cream6,7
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effect on Vaginal Epithelium
Improvement in vaginal epithelium maturation
LOCF, last observation carried forward.Simon J, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):1053-60.
**
**
* **
* * *
*
* * * *
*
*
*p<0.001 10 µg estradiol vs. placebo. **p=0.007 10 µg estradiol vs. placebo.
Placebo 10 µg Estradiol 2
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effect on pH
pH <5 = grade 0 (no vaginal atrophy)pH 5–5.49 = grade 1 (mild vaginal atrophy)pH 5.5–6.49 = grade 2 (moderate vaginal atrophy)pH >6.49 = grade 3 (severe vaginal atrophy)P-values describe comparisons of the change from baseline between treatment groups.
LOCF, last observation carried forward.1. Vagifem® 10 product monograph. 2010.2. Simon JA, et al. 18th Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). 2008.
Improvement (lowering) of vaginal pH
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effect on Vaginal Health
Grading vaginal healthEvaluations of:
Vaginal secretions Epithelial integrity Epithelial surface thickness Vaginal colour Vaginal pH
Coded on 4-point scale: No atrophy = 0 Mild atrophy = 1 Moderate atrophy = 2 Severe atrophy = 3
Simon J, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):1053-60.
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effect on Vaginal Health
P-values describe comparisons of the change from baseline between treatment groups.
LOCF, Last observation carried forward.Simon J, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):1053-60.
Improvement in vaginal health
p<0.001
p<0.001p<0.001 p<0.001
p<0.001
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effect on Bothersome Symptoms
p=0.053
p=0.014 p=0.003 p=0.004
P-values describe comparisons of the change from baseline between treatment groups.
LOCF, Last observation carried forward.Simon J, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):1053-60.
Change in most bothersome symptom score
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effects on Sex Life (CLOSER Survey, Canadian Data) Canadian women with vaginal atrophy reported that
since starting local estrogen therapy: Sex was less painful (58%) Sex was more satisfying for them personally (43%) They were more optimistic about the future of their sex life
(33%) Their sex life had improved (32%)
Canadian men reported that since their partner started local estrogen therapy for vaginal atrophy: Sex was less painful (58%) They look forward to having sex (59%)
CLOSER, CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships.Gingras L, et al. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486.
Local Estrogen Therapy: Effects on Sex Life (CLOSER Survey, Canadian Data)
CLOSER, CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships.Gingras L, et al. SOGC 68th Annual Conference. June 2012. Poster 486.
In Her Own Words… About Her Treatment
Play VideoJoan Boone
TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO CLIP: “I find that it’s treated all my symptoms, it’s improved my vaginal health, it’s improved my home life with my husband because I’m not having the same kind of problems that I was previously.”
For Discussion
Which of the following conditions is not a contraindication for treatment with local estrogen therapy?
A.Undiagnosed vaginal/uterine bleeding
B.Interstitial cystitis
C.Known or suspected endometrial cancer
D.Other hormone-sensitive cancers
Local Estrogen Therapy: Contraindications
Treatment is contraindicated in patients with: Undiagnosed vaginal/uterine bleeding Known or suspected endometrial cancer Other hormone-sensitive cancers
Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Local Estrogen Therapy:Adverse Effects
Few adverse events Vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, and pelvic pain may be
more common with creams
Systemic effects are uncommon Endometrial hyperplasia and breast tenderness may be
more common with creams
Women need to report vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness, as these side effects are not anticipated with low-dose vaginal therapy
Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Local Estrogen Therapy (LET):Adverse Effects (cont’d)
No evidence of increase in VTEs with use of LET1
No evidence of increase in metastases in breast cancer survivors using LET1
For women with a history of hormone-dependent cancer: Management should depend on patient preference in
consultation with oncologist2
For women treated for non-hormone-dependent cancer: Management of vaginal atrophy is similar to that for women
without a cancer history2
Data insufficient to recommend annual endometrial surveillance in asymptomatic women2
VTE, venous thromboembolism. 1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2007;14:357-69.
Local Estrogen Therapy: Is Progestin Required?
SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines:1
Routine progestin co-therapy is not required for endometrial protection in women receiving vaginal estrogen therapy in appropriate dose (IIIC)
IMS recommendations:2
Conjugated estrogen and estradiol vaginal preparations may stimulate the endometrium in a dose-related mannerAppropriate use of low doses of local estrogen does not require additional progestin for endometrial protection
IMS, International Menopause Society. SOGC, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.1. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2009;31(1 Suppl 1):S27-S30.2. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Local Estrogen Therapy: Treatment Duration
There are no guidelines for therapy duration1
There are limited data on use of local estrogen beyond 6 months
Symptoms commonly return when treatment is discontinued1
If long-term therapy is going to be implemented, low-dose therapy should be used1
Women need to be informed that long-term treatment may be needed1
In the VIVA survey, more than 6 in 10 women did not know that vaginal atrophy is a chronic condition2
Treatment failure should mandate further evaluation1
VIVA, Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes.1. Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.2. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Climacteric. 2012;15:36-44.
IMS Key Treatment Recommendations
1. Start treatment early, before irrevocable atrophic changes have occurred
2. Continued treatment is needed to maintain the benefits
3. All local estrogen preparations are effective
4. Patient preference will usually determine the treatment that is used
IMS, International Menopause Society.Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
IMS Key Treatment Recommendations
5. Additional progestin is not indicated when appropriate low-dose, local estrogen is used, although long-term data (more than 1 year) are lacking
6. If estrogen is ineffective or undesired, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can relieve symptoms due to dryness
7. It is essential that healthcare providers routinely engage in open and sensitive discussions with post-menopausal women about their urogenital health to ensure that symptomatic atrophy is detected early and managed appropriately
IMS, International Menopause Society.Sturdee DW, Panay N. Climacteric. 2010;13:509-22.
Summary: Key Learning Points Vaginal atrophy is a common, chronic condition that can have a
significant effect on a woman’s quality of life
Women suffer in silence, are reluctant to initiate a dialogue about their symptoms, and are unaware that effective treatments are available There is a need to normalize this condition
Treatment with local estrogen is simple and safe and can transform a woman’s quality of life including intimate relationships
43% of Canadian women are open to treatment with local estrogen therapy that maintains normal hormone levels
Physicians need to routinely discuss and effectively manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in post-menopausal women
Post-Test Questions
1. In vaginal atrophy:
A. Vaginal pH decreases
B. Blood flow is maintained
C. Parabasal cells predominate in the epithelium
D. Inflammation is always absent
Post-Test Questions
2. Post-menopausal Canadian women:
A. Have a good understanding of vaginal atrophy and its associated symptoms
B. Are aware of the chronic nature of the condition
C. Are likely to use over-the-counter products before discussing symptoms with their physicians.
D. More than 40% would be willing to use local vaginal estrogen to treat vaginal atrophy symptoms
E. All of the above
F. C and D
Post-Test Questions
3. Local estrogen therapy:
A. Effectively manages symptoms
B. Reverses atrophic changes
C. Has a positive impact on intimate relationships
D. All of the above
E. A and B
Post-Test Questions
4. How comfortable are you discussing treatment options for vaginal atrophy with post-menopausal women?
A. Very uncomfortable
B. Somewhat uncomfortable
C. Somewhat comfortable
D. Very comfortable