Clinical presentations of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) among menopause women

Abstract

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term that describes a variety of menopausal symptoms and signs that include not only genital symptoms, sexual symptoms, and impaired function, but also urinary tract symptoms. GSM is caused not only by estrogen deficiency but also by degenerative effects and other bladder and pelvic floor processes. This study aimed to detect GSM symptoms in menopausal women in order to be able to provide effective therapy that is appropriate for improving menopausal women's quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data of 32 menopausal women who met the inclusion criteria from December to May 2022 were collected at Arifin Achmad Hospital in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. The age of menopausal women included in this study ranged between 40?71 years and 43.8% patients had 15 years of length menopause. There were 40.6% of patient reported vaginal dryness, 72% felt pain or heat during urination and 96.9% had no recurrent urinary tract infections. Other complaints that were also reported were feeling less orgasm during sexual intercourse (54.9%) and having vaginal discharge (21.9%). Mother bothersome symptoms (MBS) was also reported that included phonophobia (9.4%), nausea (16.1%), and photophobia (6.6%). In conclusion, several complaints of menopausal individuals were reported this included vagina dryness, pain or burning when urinating, less orgasm during sexual intercourse, having vaginal discharge, and having complaints of fear, anger, and anxiety when hearing certain sounds that trigger negative emotions. These findings can be used to understanding the menopausal individuals and to be able to provide appropriate measures to ensure good quality of life to this community.