Local Estrogen Therapy Research Articles

Flemish consensus statement on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections in older nursing home residents.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly reported infections in Belgian nursing home residents. In older adults, UTI diagnosis and management is complex, often leading to over-diagnosis and irrational antimicrobial use, stressing the need for a guideline approach. A consensus statement on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in older adults residing in nursing homes was developed in a collaborative effort between the Flemish Hospital Outbreak Support Teams, the Flemish Agency for Care and Health, the Association of the Flemish Coordinating and Advising General Practitioners, the Belgian Association of Urology, the Belgian Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics and PhD researchers based on a combination of clinical expertise, (inter)national guidelines and peer-reviewed studies. Optimizing fluid intake, appropriate toilet behaviour and posture, mobilization and local estrogen therapy in women are of proven value in UTI prevention, whereas the use of cranberry and probiotics is not to be advocated. The importance of avoiding bladder catheterization is stressed. In older nursing home residents, the diagnosis of UTIs remains challenging, mostly due to atypical systemic symptoms. A consensus diagnostic algorithm for UTI among residents with and without a urinary catheter was developed, including the presence of suggestive clinical symptoms and a positive urine culture. Urine dipsticks have a high negative but a low positive predictive value. C-reactive protein point-of-care testing is not recommended. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be screened for, in order to avoid unnecessary triggers for treatment. In cystitis, nitrofurantoin is the primary choice for treatment, with fosfomycin as an alternative; in prostatitis and uncomplicated pyelonephritis a fluoroquinolone is the advocated empirical antimicrobial.

Preoperative topical estrogen application in the management of hypospadias: a systematic review.

Local estrogen therapy has been explored as an alternative to conventional testosterone therapy in children requiring urethroplasty for hypospadias. Our objective is to evaluate if preoperative estrogen stimulation reduces post-urethroplasty complications and enhances penile dimensions. A systematic search was conducted on various databases, selecting only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested estrogen on hypospadias patients under 18years. Articles underwent sorting following PRISMA guidelines and bias risk was assessed using the JBI clinical appraisal tool for RCTs. Out of 607 screened records, 10 underwent full-text review, and 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for analysis. The total patient cohort across studies was 387 with 174 in the estrogen group. All studies utilized topical estrogen, but in different formulations and timings. Prudence is necessary for interpreting results due to variations in formulation, timing, and hypospadias type across studies. Limited by a small number of studies and outcome presentation non-uniformity, the review suggests no change in penile dimensions or postoperative complications with topical estrogen. Further research is needed to explore wound-healing properties of estrogen in hypospadias through animal and human studies.Registration and protocol: Registered in Prospero CRD42024502183.

Vulvovaginal atrophy in women with and without a history of breast cancer: Baseline data from the PatiEnt satisfactiON studY (PEONY) in Italy

ObjectivesTo assess clinical characteristics of postmenopausal women with moderate/severe vulvovaginal atrophy, as well as its impact on sexual function, well-being, and quality of life, and to provide an overview of most used treatments. Study designOngoing longitudinal, observational study conducted in 17 Italian gynecology centers, involving women already treated or initiating a local vaginal estrogen therapy or ospemifene. We report baseline data for women with and without a history of breast cancer. Participants filled in self-reported questionnaires at study entry. Main outcome measuresSeverity of vulvovaginal atrophy; ongoing treatments; patient-reported outcomes, including severity of symptoms, Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and SF-12® Health Survey. ResultsOverall, 334 women (20.4 % with a history of breast cancer) started or continued local therapy (61.1 %) or ospemifene (38.8 %) at study entry. Vulvovaginal atrophy was severe in 28.6 %, and was responsible for severe symptoms, particularly vulvar dryness with burning or irritation and pain during sexual intercourse. Both sexual dysfunction (FSFI≤26) (81.5 %) and sexual distress (FSDS-R ≥ 11) (74.4 %) were common. A reduction in the SF-12 mental component score was documented. Women with breast cancer more often had severe vulvovaginal atrophy (41.2 %), had more severe symptoms, and the impact of vaginal symptoms on emotional well-being, sexual functioning and self-concept/body image was greater. The majority of them (83.8 %) received ospemifene as a treatment. ConclusionsModerate/severe vulvovaginal atrophy is a common, often neglected condition with an impact on QoL and sexuality, particularly in women with a history of breast cancer. It is important to alleviate the burden associated with the disease.

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice

Современные лазерные технологии в гинекологической практике: возможности инновационного неодимового лазера

Aim. To summarize a review of modern literature and present a clinical observation of the use of the Magic Gyno Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal patients. Key points. One of the most significant problems of the menopausal period is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), the symptoms of which have a significant impact on the quality of life and sexual health of most women during menopause and occur in more than 50% of patients. The search and study of new effective and safe methods for treating the symptoms of GSM is an extremely urgent task, the importance of which, taking into account existing demographic and social trends, will only increase in the coming years. In addition to the objective risks associated with hormonal therapy, which is the "gold standard" in the treatment of GSM, it should be noted that for some patients it is contraindicated for medical reasons, and sometimes women themselves do not want to use hormone-containing drugs. Thus, there is a need to select other methods of therapy that will provide long-term symptomatic effect. Based on the available data, treatment of GSM using laser devices may be comparable in effectiveness to local hormonal therapy, and superior in safety. One of the most promising instruments of this class is the Nd:YAG laser, successfully used in cosmetology, ophthalmology, dentistry, surgery, urology, as well as in gynecology. After therapy with a neodymium laser, an improvement in lubrication and elasticity of the tissues of the vulva and vagina, normalization of the pH of the vaginal discharge was shown, as well as a significant reduction in the manifestations of sexual dysfunction and an increase in the quality of sexual life noted by patients. Conclusion. The neodymium laser method in gynecological practice is a new promising method of treatment. Although further randomized controlled trials are required, it has now been successfully used in the treatment of GSM and for patients who are contraindicated for hormonal therapy, or those who do not want to use even topical estrogens due to obsessive stereotypes and unreasonable fears. may become an alternative to local estrogen therapy. Key words: vulvovaginal atrophy, neodymium laser, Nd:YAG laser, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, hormone replacement therapy, estriol, vaginal wall prolapse.

Current trends in the prevention and treatment of genitourinary menopausal syndrome

Genitourinary menopausal syndrome is still a widespread problem that significantly affects the quality of life in postmenopause. The cause of this state is hypoestrogenism that is associated with menopause and the following change in the vaginal microflora due to the elimination of lactobacilli. The disturbance of the vulval and vaginal microflora provides risks for the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms, and the deficiency of sex hormones is associated with atrophy of the epithelium of the urogenital tract. An analysis of published clinical studies using a combination of L. acidophilus and 0.03 mg estriol (Gynoflor® E) in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, breast cancer survivors, in postmenopausal women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors was performed. Treatment with a combination of L. acidophilus and 0.03 mg of estriol (Gynoflor® E) can be evaluated as safe without risk of endometrial effects or other systemic effects. Local estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women can restore the vaginal epithelium, and a useful lactobacillus flora is needed to prevent urogenital infections. Local application of estriol is preferable, as it causes a local proliferative response and has no stimulating effect on the endometrium. This method of therapy may also be considered for hormone-sensitive women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. However, today, there are not enough clinically validated studies proving the absolute safety of this treatment method among breast cancer women. The effect of this therapy is achieved due to the synergistic action of estriol and lactobacilli.

Vulvovaginal atrophy in the CRETA study: the healthcare professionals’ perception

Objectives The objective is to assess the perception of gynecologists regarding patients’ adherence to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) treatments, to evaluate the gynecologists’ opinions on what their patients think about treatment adherence, and to compare the gynecologists’ opinions with the patients’ own perceptions within the CRETA study. Methods Spanish gynecologists who participated in the CRETA study were asked to fill out an online 41-item questionnaire to evaluate their views on VVA management. Results From 29 centers across Spain, 44 gynecologists completed the survey. Their mean age was 47.2 years old, two-thirds of them were women, and the average professional experience was over 20 years. According to the gynecologists, the therapy most frequently used by VVA-diagnosed women was vaginal moisturizers (45.5%), followed by local estrogen therapy (36.4%) and ospemifene (18.2%). Nevertheless, ospemifene was viewed as the therapeutic option with the most efficacy, easiest route of administration, shorter time to symptom improvement, lower percentage of dropouts, and higher treatment adherence. Conclusions Spanish gynecologists are in general agreement with their patients regarding VVA treatment preferences and the main issues for adherence and effectiveness. However, there is an opportunity for doctor–patient communication improvement. Among the three therapeutic options evaluated, ospemifene is regarded as offering some competitive advantages.

Trans-labial or introital ultrasounds for midurethral slings.

Stress urinary incontinence is common in adult women. The use of introital or trans-labial ultrasound can help the surgeon (urologist or gynecologist) to better assess the type of incontinence the patient presents in order to guide him in the management of the patient. Often, surgical treatment with a mid-urethral sling (MSU) placement can be chosen in case of failure of non-invasive therapies (such as local estrogen or physical therapy) and if the clinical examination shows an urethral hypermobility. The use of ultrasound can help in this choice. Although rare, complications of MSU can sometimes cause disabling symptoms and be difficult to diagnose. Introital or trans-labial ltrasound can help diagnose them. The objective of this work was to describe the realization of ultrasound of stress urinary incontinence before or after the placement of a MSU, in order to make their realization easier for young surgeons which can use them in current practice.

Oestrogen therapy for treating pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of a woman's uterus, bladder, or rectum into the vagina. It affects 50% of women over 50 years old who have given birth to at least one child, and recognised risk factors are older age, higher number of births, and higher body mass index. This review assesses the effects of oestrogen therapy, alone or in combination with other treatments, on POP in postmenopausal women. To assess the benefits and harms of local and systemic oestrogen therapy in the management of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in postmenopausal women, and to summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations. We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (up to 20 June 2022), which includes CENTRAL, MEDLINE, two trials registers, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings. We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, multi-arm RCTs, and cross-over RCTs that evaluated the effects of oestrogen therapy (alone or in combination with other treatments) versus placebo, no treatment, or other interventions in postmenopausal women with any grade of POP. Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trials using prespecified outcome measures and a piloted extraction form. The same review authors independently assessed the risk of bias of eligible trials using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Had data allowed, we would have created summary of findings tables for our main outcome measures and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We identified 14 studies including a total of 1002 women. In general, studies were at high risk of bias in terms of blinding of participants and personnel, and there were also some concerns about selective reporting. Owing to insufficient data for the outcomes of interest, we were unable to perform our planned subgroup analyses (systemic versus topical oestrogen, parous versus nulliparous women, women with versus without a uterus). No studies assessed the effects of oestrogen therapy alone versus no treatment, placebo, pelvic floor muscle training, devices such as vaginal pessaries, or surgery. However, we did identify three studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with vaginal pessaries versus vaginal pessaries alone and 11 studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with surgery versus surgery alone. There was insufficient evidence from RCTs to draw any solid conclusions on the benefits or harms of oestrogen therapy for managing POP symptoms in postmenopausal women. Topical oestrogen in conjunction with pessaries was associated with fewer adverse vaginal events compared with pessaries alone, and topical oestrogen in conjunction with surgery was associated with reduced postoperative urinary tract infections compared with surgery alone; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as the studies that contributed data varied substantially in their design. There is a need for larger studies on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oestrogen therapy, used alone or in conjunction with pelvic floor muscle training, vaginal pessaries, or surgery, for the management of POP. These studies should measure outcomes in the medium and long term.

(463) The Increasing & Lethal Spectrum of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Abstract Introduction In 2014, the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause replaced the previous concept of vaginal and genital atrophy. The spectrum of this syndrome includes and is not limited to atrophy, dryness, recurrent UTI, dyspareunia, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal stenosis, labial fusion, and/or vulvar obliteration. However, with time and the continuous exposure to women who have reached more advanced ages, such as centenarians, the spectrum of the GSM has been increasingly showing new entities and disorders never described before. Objective To update and expand the literature on the spectrum of GSM affecting the well-being, sexual functioning, and quality of life of postmenopausal women including the new observations seen in centenarians. Methods Multiple peer reviewed articles of both cohort and observational studies were evaluated to assess the increased spectrum of GSM symptoms in the centenarian women population. Results Nearly 60% of women in menopause experience GSM. Despite a vast majority of signs and symptoms, only 7% of providers ask women about this condition implying that GSM continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. In the early extreme of the spectrum of GSM, we show the new finding of the presence of false abnormal cervical dysplasia in women who have never had an abnormal PAP smear and have maintained a stable sexual relationship with their partner. This misconstrue is due to early vaginal and cervical atrophy which produces cells that, under the microscope, are very similar to dysplastic cells to the pathologist. This scenario is frequently seen in more than 80% of cases with those epidemiological characteristics, which is extremely easy to resolve with 4 months of regular local estrogen therapy. In the other extreme of the spectrum of GSM, in the elderly, the combination of lack of HRT and sex for prolonged periods of times produced the partial or total obliteration of the labia majora or minora with fusion in several women. Thus, preventing the exit of urine through the urethra with significant retention of fluid affecting the urinary bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Finally, having been exposed to the care of centenarian women in home care (women over 90 years old), we have realized that a significant number of them died with the diagnosis of pneumonia. However, when reviewing the analyzed cases retrospectively, we found that the real diagnosis was undiagnosed recurrent UTIs with poor clinical manifestations (which is common in these types of patients). The algorithm goes as follows: undiagnosed recurrent UTIs with poor clinical manifestations such as fever, leukocytosis, and poor verbal manifestations due to the age of patients, that progress to sepsis and the pneumonia that has been the part that really draws the attention of the physician. Conclusions The new findings of this review highlight the clinical implications when analyzing the two extremes of the spectrum of GSM throughout women’s lives. In all these cases, local or systemic HRT was never used. Appropriate management of GSM will enhance the quality of life and sexual function of these women. Disclosure No

Impact of vulvovaginal atrophy therapies on postmenopausal women's quality of life in the CRETA study measured by the Cervantes scale

ObjectiveTo assess the correlation of different vulvovaginal atrophy therapeutic options with the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Study designThe CRETA study is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study designed to measure, besides treatment satisfaction and adherence, the quality of life of postmenopausal women diagnosed with vulvovaginal atrophy in 29 hospitals and centers across Spain. Main outcome measuresThe study enrolled postmenopausal women currently receiving treatment with vaginal moisturizers, local estrogen therapy or ospemifene. Clinical features and treatment perceptions were collected by self-report questionnaire and quality of life was evaluated using the Cervantes scale. ResultsAmong the 752 women included, the ospemifene cohort showed a statistically significant lower global score (44.9 ± 21.7) on the Cervantes scale (and therefore, a better quality of life) than the cohorts treated with moisturizers (52.5 ± 21.6, p = 0.003) or local estrogen therapy (49.2 ± 23.8, p = 0.0473). In the analysis by domains, ospemifene-treated women showed statistically significant better scores in menopause & health and psychological status than moisturizers-treated women (p < 0.05). In the domains of sexuality and couple relations, the score for the quality of life of the ospemifene cohort was statistically significantly better than the scores in either of the cohorts treated with moisturizers (p < 0.001) or local estrogen therapy (p < 0.05). ConclusionsPostmenopausal women diagnosed with vulvovaginal atrophy and treated with ospemifene have better quality of life than women treated with vaginal moisturizers or local estrogen therapy. The improvement observed with ospemifene is more remarkable in those aspects related to sex life and couple relations. ClincialTrials.gov numberNCT04607707.

Conjugate treatment with high concentration normobaric oxygen and hyaluronic acid for vaginal atrophy: a prospective study.

Vulvovaginal atrophy is a condition closely related to low circulating estrogen levels, with post-menopause being the main cause. However, patients of childbearing age may also present with these symptoms due to treatments that reduce estrogen production. Local estrogen therapy is the causal treatment of local symptoms, but it is not always accepted and is often abandoned by patients. In recent years, alternative therapies have been proposed: fractional CO2 laser or the conjugate treatment with normobaric oxygen and hyaluronic acid, the latter being the subject of this study. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conjugate topical treatment with normobaric oxygen and hyaluronic acid. 50 patients were evaluated and treated with 5 applications of 15 minutes each, every 15 days, with Caressflow®. All patients presented at least one of the symptoms related to vulvovaginal atrophy: dryness, burning, and dyspareunia. In all cases, vulvoscopy, colposcopy, and cervicovaginal cytology were performed. The patients were interviewed with an analogic scale (VAS) concerning the severity of symptoms before and after the treatment. Colposcopy and PAP-smear were assessed by mean of Vaginal Health Index Score (VHI) at baseline and at the end of the treatment. All patients completed the treatment scheme and presented with a significant improvement in subjective symptoms. The colposcopy and PAP-smear performed 10 days after the end of the last treatment showed a significant improvement in the appearance and elasticity of the vaginal epithelium and the cytological picture, which showed, in the sample taken after treatment, hyaluronic acid vesicles within the cell cytoplasm. This study corroborates the data presented in the latest published papers on the effectiveness of treatment with normobaric O2 and hyaluronic acid on vaginal atrophy. Efficacy has been confirmed both in terms of subjective symptoms reported by the patients and objective improvement at colposcopy and PAP-smear cytology.

Estrogen therapy after breast cancer diagnosis and breast cancer mortality risk

PurposeThe safety of local estrogen therapy in patients on adjuvant endocrine treatment is questioned, but evidence on the issue is scarce. This nested case–control registry-based study aimed to investigate whether estrogen therapy affects breast cancer mortality risk in women on adjuvant endocrine treatment.MethodsIn a cohort of 15,198 women diagnosed with early hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer and adjuvant endocrine treatment, 1262 women died due to breast cancer and were identified as cases. Each case was matched with 10 controls. Exposure to estrogen therapy with concurrent use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs), tamoxifen, or both sequentially, was compared between cases and controls.ResultsNo statistically significant difference in breast cancer mortality risk was seen in patients with exposure to estrogen therapy concurrent to endocrine treatment, neither in short-term or in long-term estrogen therapy use.ConclusionsThe study strengthens current evidence on local estrogen therapy use in breast cancer survivors, showing no increased risk for breast cancer mortality in patients on adjuvant AIs or tamoxifen.

Pre- versus Post-Menopausal Onset of Overactive Bladder and the Response to Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: A Prospective Study

Background and Objectives: This study examined the utility of local estrogen therapy for improving urinary symptoms in women diagnosed with Overactive Bladder allied to the time of onset of urinary symptoms whether pre- or post-menopausal. Materials and Methods: Subject to informed consent, menopausal women diagnosed with Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) were enrolled at three urogynecological units. OAB symptoms were scored using the Global Pelvic Floor Symptoms Bother Questionnaire (GPFSBQ), with explicit attention to question number 3 that specifically addresses the presence or absence of urgency and the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS). The Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was used to assess the vaginal mucosa trophism. Exclusion criteria included: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥ stage II, urinary tract infection or disease, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, use of diuretics, alcohol or drug addictions, neurological and/or psychiatric disorders, and other precluding conditions. Women were treated with local estrogens for 3 months and re-evaluated. Results: Forty-three post-menopausal women were enrolled. Of these, ten women developed OAB symptoms before menopause (Group I) and 33 developed symptoms after menopause (Group II). Following local estrogen therapy, based on the Global Pelvic Floor Symptoms Bother Questionnaire, improvement of OAB symptoms was reported by 20% of patients in Group I (p = 0.414) and 64% of patients in Group II, (p = 0.002). Based on the PPIUS scale, diminution in urinary urgency was experienced by 20% of patients in Group I (p = 0.68) and 66% of patients in Group II (p = 0.036). Improved VHI scores were graded statisticaly significant in both groups (Group I in 100% of women, p = 0.005 vs. 76% in Group II, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results indicate that local estrogen therapy is more effective in women who develop OAB after menopause.

Diagnostics and management of vulvovaginal atrophy according to the international guidelines

Vulvovaginal atrophy is one of the genitourinary symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency which leads to the development of immature vaginal epithelium, glycogen deficiency, reduction or even elimination of lactobacilli, and secondary genitourinary tract infection. Among the main symptoms were dryness, burning, itching, and dyspareunia. Diagnosis is typically based on the patient’s complaints, signs, and symptoms. Management of vulvovaginal atrophy includes various forms of topical estrogens and non-hormonal drugs. Low-dose vaginal estrogens can be used as monotherapy or as a supplement to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In the case of monotherapy, there is no need to add progesterone for the endometrial protection. According to the recent studies, local vaginal estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and venous thromboembolism. On patients with hormonophobia, an alternative method of treatment is the use of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers or who have had cancers of various localization. For instance, usage of lactic acid vaginal gels in breast cancer survivors has improved vaginal dryness and dyspareunia as compared with the placebo. Yet, vaginal estrogen therapy has better clinical effects than non-hormonal drugs.

Local management strategies for inflammatory vaginitis in dermatologic conditions: Suppositories, dilators, and estrogen replacement

Prevalence of vaginal involvement in erosive lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris has been reported in over 58% and up to 44% of patients, respectively.1Khurana A. Tandon S. Marfatia Y.S. Madnani N. Genital lichen planus: an underrecognized entity.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2019; 40: 105-112Crossref PubMed Google Scholar,2Kavala M. Topaloğlu Demir F. Zindanci I. et al.Genital involvement in pemphigus vulgaris (Pv): correlation with clinical and cervicovaginal Pap smear findings.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015; 73: 655-659Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar While most dermatologists are comfortable utilizing ultrapotent steroids on the vulva, less are comfortable with managing vaginal inflammation. Here, we highlight 3 local strategies to target inflammatory vaginal dermatoses and prevent scarring (Fig 1). We recommend starting with 25-mg hydrocortisone acetate suppositories, available as rectal suppositories. Patients should be counseled to use vaginally instead of rectally. Suppositories are initiated nightly for 2 to 4 weeks and decreased to every other night, or 2 to 3 times per week depending on disease control. Patients should be evaluated monthly, and suppositories should be tapered to the lowest dose/frequency that maintains disease remission.2Kavala M. Topaloğlu Demir F. Zindanci I. et al.Genital involvement in pemphigus vulgaris (Pv): correlation with clinical and cervicovaginal Pap smear findings.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015; 73: 655-659Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar If more potent suppositories are required, hydrocortisone can be compounded at doses of 100 to 200 mg. When prescribing suppositories, we recommend candidal prophylaxis, with topical antifungals 2 to 3 times per week or oral fluconazole 150 to 200 mg weekly. Insertion of dilators 3 times, weekly, to prevent adhesions. Dilators can be ordered online and come in sets of varying sizes. Patients should use the largest dilator comfortable, and vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can be utilized. Estrogen deficiency should be considered in postmenopausal patients as this can contribute to vaginal inflammation. Local estrogen therapy includes a ring, tablet, or cream. Generally, vaginal cream tends to have the least pain with insertion and is used nightly for 2 weeks with decrease to maintenance 1 to 3 times per week. None disclosed.

Hyaluronic Acid: A Valid Therapeutic Option for Early Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Cancer Survivors?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a chronic condition affecting a large number of women, with a major impact on their urogenital health and sexual function. It occurs at midlife because estrogen levels decline with menopause enhancing aging-related changes of the functional anatomy of the urogenital system. Unfortunately, GSM may occur early in the lifespan of women or be exacerbated following anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, ionizing radiation, or surgical removal of reproductive organs. Symptoms of GSM are often under-reported by women, under-estimated and under-diagnosed by health care providers (HCPs), and subsequently under-treated, despite their profound negative impact on the quality of life. The mainstay of vaginal treatments is local estrogen therapy (LET) ensuring an effective management of moderate to severe symptomatic GSM. However, LET is generally contraindicated in women with a history of hormone receptor positive cancer, due to the fear of increased recurrence or possible interference with endocrine adjuvant therapies. Among non-hormonal treatments, hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers have shown promising clinical results both in healthy women and in cancer patients or survivors. Its strong water-binding properties provide lubricating and moisturizing effects, which contribute to maintaining a proper level of hydration and viscoelasticity in several body parts, including the urinary tract and genital tissues. Hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers are effective, safe, and well tolerated; therefore, they may represent a valid option for the early management of GSM-associated symptoms in every woman with a history of cancer who is unable or unwilling to undergo hormone-based therapies. Hence, the aim of this review was to provide an overview of GSM etiology and treatment in women with natural or iatrogenic menopause, with a focus on the use of hyaluronic acid as a prophylactic treatment in the context of an integrated management protocol for cancer patients.

Local Estrogen Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background:The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is expected to increase in the next few decades, imposing a substantial medical burden. The effect of local estrogen therapy (LET) on POP in postmenopausal women is still controversial; therefore, we aimed to provide reliable evidence to address this issue from the perspective of vaginal health and quality of life (QoL).Methods:We searched in the PubMed, the Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases for eligible RCTs from beginning to Apr 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed in our study.Results:Seven RCTs(n=570) were included. No significant improvement of the epithelial thickness (SMD=1.38, 95%CI −0.54 to 3.31, P=0.16) or vaginal pH (SMD=−0.98, 95%CI −2.65 to 0.69, P=0.25) after LET compared with the control. A slight increase was observed in the VMI (MD=16.58, 95%CI 1.14 to 32.02, P=0.04). Regarding QoL, no significant differences between the estrogen group and the control group in PFIQ-7 (6m: MD=3.60, 95%CI −3.13 to 10.33, P=0.29; 12m: MD=3.53, 95%CI −3.35 to 10.41, P=0.31), PISQ-12(6m: MD=0.62, 95%CI −0.73 to 1.98, P=0.37; 12m: MD=0.36, 95%CI −1.06 to 1.77, P=0.62), or PGI-I (6m: RR=0.99, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.07, P=0.88; 12m: RR=1.01, 95%CI 0.95 to 1.07, P=0.72) score. Moreover, no more specific adverse events (AEs) (RR=1.11, 95%CI 0.84 to 1.48, P=0.46) were observed in the interventional group.Conclusion:Not find LET caused either a significant improvement in vaginal health and QoL or more AEs.

Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women With Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated Either with Locally Applied Estrogen or Placebo: Results of a Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial

Local estrogen therapy (LET) has beneficial effects on genitourinary atrophy; however it is currently unclear if LET improves sexual function in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To evaluate if LET vs placebo results in an improved sexual function in postmenopausal women with symptomatic POP. We performed a secondary analysis of sexual outcomes of a previous randomized controlled trial comparing LET and placebo in 120 postmenopausal women (60/group) with symptomatic POP stage ≥3 and planned prolapse surgery. Women were randomly assigned to receive local estrogen or placebo cream 6 weeks preoperatively. The effect of therapy vs placebo was assessed with ANOVA with interaction effect of time*group and a multivariable linear regression model was built to assess the impact of different variables on sexual function before therapy. We evaluated the sexual function score in sexually active women of our study population using the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire at recruitment time and again after 6 weeks of treatment. Among 120 randomized women, 66 sexually active women remained for final analysis. There was no significant difference in the change of the sexual function score over time between the treatment groups (difference in changes in score from baseline to 6 weeks for Estrogen group vs control group was -0.110 with 95% CI -0.364 to 0.144) Multivariable analysis showed that no independent risk factor for unsatisfying sexual function score could be identified. Based on our results, LET has no beneficial effect on sexual function in postmenopausal women with POP. Main strength of our study lies in the study design and in the use of a condition- specific questionnaire. As this is a secondary analysis, this study may be insufficiently powered to identify differences in sexual data between groups. LET had no impact on female sexuality in postmenopausal women with POP. Marschalek M-L, Bodner K, Kimberger O, et al. Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women With Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated Either with Locally Applied Estrogen or Placebo: Results of a Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:1124-1130.

Predictors for long-term adherence to vaginal pessary in pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective study.

The objective was to investigate the rate of adherence to pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to identify factors associated with long-term (longer than 1 year) use of vaginal pessaries in Brazilian women with POP and its impact on quality of life (QoL). A prospective observational study assessed 247 consecutive women candidates for a pessary to manage symptomatic POP. Patients were fitted with a ring pessary and follow-up visits were performed at 1, 6, and 12months. Pessary complications and reasons for discontinuation were recorded. Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire (P-QoL) was applied at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. We used a logistic regression model for the analyses, with p < 0.05 for significance. A total of 236 women were included in the study, of whom 110 (46.6%) maintained the pessary treatment for longer than 12months. The main reason for pessary discontinuation was the patient opting for surgery (50.8%). Vulvovaginitis was the main long-term complication (44.5%), followed by vaginal ulceration (16.4%) and urinary urgency (10%). No prior hysterectomy (OR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.19-4.31), vaginal estrogen use (OR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.06-3.52), and mean age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06) were variables associated with long-term use of vaginal pessary (p < 0.05 for all). Total P-QoL score significantly changed with pessary use (519.1 at baseline and 260 after 12-month treatment, p < 0.00). Our study suggests that no prior hysterectomy, the local estrogen therapy, and age might be factors associated with use of a ring vaginal pessary for longer than 1 year. Long-term pessary users had a significant improvement in their quality of life.