Vulvovaginal atrophy screening in Perimenopause – A Forsaken practice in Gynaecology

Abstract

Background: Vaginal atrophy (VA) of menopause is a condition associated to physiological, histological and anatomical changes noticed in the genital and urinary tracts in peri and postmenopausal women. Vaginal atrophy is the sequel of the decrease levels of estrogens in plasma, which are symptoms of menopause. And early screening and appropriate management can prevent the discomfort and improve their quality of life of perimenopausal women. Objective: To comprehensively review and critically assess the literature on vaginal atrophy and screening modalities. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search from ‘Pubmed’ for relevant literature. Studies were individually and collectively assessed for methodological quality and available resources of screening modalities for vaginal atrophy. Review Findings: Vaginal pH plays important role in perimenopausal women's life. The proposed study is facilitating ph testing does not need speculum examination women can check by herself. Adding a self sampling method by using vaginal atrophy screening (VAS) combistick to the traditional method based vaginal health index (VHI) may have better accuracy while screening vaginal atrophy.