The prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms in Japanese women of reproductive and perimenopausal ages: A cross-sectional study across generations.

AIM: This cross-sectional study evaluated vaginal health and hygiene practices among reproductive and perimenopausal women in Japan using an online-based questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire included 11 well-structured questions concerning vulvovaginal symptoms and hygiene care practices. Participants' responses were anonymized and analyzed descriptively. The relationships of age, family income, occupation, and childbearing with women's concerns regarding vaginal or vulvar problems were analyzed by chi-square tests. RESULTS: About 80% of women in their 20s to 50s in Japan reported experiencing vulvovaginal symptoms. Women in their 40s had significantly fewer symptoms than women in their 20s (p = 0.04), and women in their 50s had significantly fewer symptoms than all other age groups (20s, 30s, and 40s) (p < 0.001). Among symptomatic women, 77.5% did not discuss their symptoms with anyone else and only 10% visited doctors. About 12.5% of women reported taking special care of their vagina or vulva regularly, whereas 38.2% expressed a desire to try some form of care but had not yet done so. Of the women who did not take special care of their vagina or vulva, 46.2% lacked knowledge about proper care, 42.2% did not want to spend money on care, 30.5% did not want to discuss care with others, and 21.3% were psychologically reluctant. CONCLUSION: Determination of the prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms among Japanese women can enhance understanding of this prevalent condition and its impact on women's health. These findings may help formulate effective public health interventions and promote better hygienic practices, thus improving the well-being of women in Japan.

A large sample-based case-control study of related risk factors of two types of lichenoid vulvar disease (LVD).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the associated factors of two types of lichenoid vulvar disease (LVD) and to compare the differences in related factors between the different pathological types of lichenoid vulvar disease (LVD). METHODS: The study conducted at the West China second Hospital of Sichuan University included a total of 1770 patients with biopsy-confirmed vulvar lichen simplex chronicus (VLSC)and vulvar lichen sclerosus(VLS), along with 1209 patients with normal vulvovagina as control. Further pathological subtype analysis was carried out on 163 cases of vulvar lichen simplex chronicus and 51 cases of vulvar lichen sclerosus. In addition, Univariate chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the lichenoid vulvar disease group and vulvovaginal normal control group. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in factors between the LVD group and the control group, except for living type, sleep habit, history of drinking, and allergic diseases. There was no significant difference in late sleep, spicy diet, and coffee intake in the factors of life and eating habits and the concomitant disease factors. Furthermore, univariate analysis showed that except for eating seafood, humid living environment, residence, caffeinated drinks, hypertension, and vaginitis, there were statistical differences in the related factors of LVSC. CONCLUSION: The incidence about lichenoid vulvar disease is influenced by various factors such as dietary habits, living environment, mental stress, concomitant diseases, hormone levels and so on, and there were no significant differences in these factors between VLS and VLSC except for income, work stress, systemic immune diseases, and menopause.

Vulvar Aphthous Ulcer in an Adolescent With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar aphthous ulcers have been associated with various prodromal viral illnesses. We describe the case of an adolescent girl who developed vulvar aphthous ulcers during infection with Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. CASE: A 19-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with cough, sore throat, fevers, and rash, and tested positive for COVID-19. She re-presented 2 days later with vulvar pain and was found to have a vulvar aphthous ulcer. She was admitted for pain control and treated with oral steroids. Improvement in her vulvar pain was noted, along with resolution of fevers, cough, and rash. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the novel association of COVID-19 with vulvar aphthous ulcers in adolescents. Use of oral steroids for symptomatic management of COVID-19 led to rapid clinical improvement.

Clinical and microbiological features of Bartholin's gland abscess in pregnant and non-pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The data regarding microbiological and clinical characteristics of Bartholin gland abscesses during pregnancy is limited. Given the hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy we aimed to examine whether a difference exists in the clinical and microbiological features of Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy and the puerperium as compared with nonpregnant patients. In addition, we aim to evaluate whether a Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all women with Bartholin's gland abscess who were treated surgically between the years 2009-2016 in the Soroka University Medical Center. Various demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics were retrieved and a comparison was made between patients with a Bartholin's gland abscess during pregnancy and the puerperium (study group) as compared with nonpregnant patients (controls). In addition, obstetrical characteristics of patients in the study group were retrieved. RESULTS: Of the 363 women who were treated surgically, 38 (10.5%) were in the study group. Women in the study group were significantly younger (26.8 versus 32.8 p < .001). No differences were found between the groups with regard to the clinical presentation (affected side, fever, leukocytosis and need for antimicrobial treatment) or the selected mode of drainage. In addition, no difference was found in the percentage of positive culture results, nor in the distribution of the pathogens between the groups, in both groups the most common pathogen was Escherichia coli. Yet, among the study group, recurrence of the abscess was more common (13.5 versus 2.15% p = -.067) as evident by significantly higher recurrent referrals to the emergency department and recurrent hospitalizations (28.9 versus 14.8%, p < .05, and 26.3 versus 8.0% p < .001, respectively). Of note, fever after the procedures, pain, discharge and bleeding did not differ significantly between groups. No cases of premature rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis were noted following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, no differences were found between the study groups in the clinical presentation and microbiological features. A significantly higher recurrence rate was noted in the study group. Among pregnant patients no adverse perinatal outcomes were noted.

Diagnostic Criteria for Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Vulvar Aberrant Maturation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the features required for diagnosis of differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) and vulvar aberrant maturation (VAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases tasked the difficult pathologic diagnoses committee to develop consensus recommendations for clinicopathologic diagnosis of vulvar lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and dVIN. The dVIN subgroup reviewed the literature and formulated diagnostic criteria that were reviewed by the committee and then approved by the International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases membership. RESULTS: Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is the immediate precursor of human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and shows a spectrum of clinical and microscopic appearances, some overlapping with HPV-related neoplasia. The histopathologic definition of dVIN is basal atypia combined with negative or nonblock-positive p16 and basal overexpressed, aberrant negative, or wild-type p53. The most common pattern of dVIN is keratinizing with acanthosis, aberrant rete ridge pattern, and premature maturation. The morphologic spectrum of keratinizing dVIN includes hypertrophic, atrophic, acantholytic, and subtle forms. A few dVIN cases are nonkeratinizing, with basaloid cells replacing more than 60% of epithelium. Vulvar aberrant maturation is an umbrella term for lesions with aberrant maturation that arise out of lichenoid dermatitis and lack the basal atypia required for dVIN. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of women at risk for dVIN and VAM requires a collaborative approach by clinicians and pathologists experienced in vulvar disorders. Close surveillance of women with lichen sclerosus and use of these recommendations may assist in prevention of HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma through detection and treatment of dVIN and VAM.

Ospemifene in clinical practice for vulvo-vaginal atrophy: results at 3 months of follow-up of use.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of ospemifene 60 mg/day in vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in postmenopausal women under conditions of routine clinical practice after 3 months of follow-up. METHODS: The AYSEX study is a Spanish observational, prospective, and unicentric study in which 5 gynecologists recruited postmenopausal women with VVA in routine clinical practice treated with ospemifene 60 mg/day as an appropriate therapeutic option. Vaginal health, sexual health, dryness, dyspareunia, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment were assessed at baseline and after three months using validated scales. RESULTS: A total of 100 postmenopausal women cytologically and clinically diagnosed with VVA were included in the study. After 3 months of treatment with ospemifene, vaginal health index increased and vaginal pH, dryness, and dyspareunia decreased significantly (p < .0001). A significant improvement was observed in sexual function and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study in routine clinical practice conditions confirms the results previously reported by randomized controlled trials, including a significant improvement in VVA, sexual function, quality of life, and satisfaction with the treatment.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Postpartum Vulvovaginal Atrophy and Lack of Association With Postpartum Dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding-related hypoestrogenic state has been reported as a possible risk factor for postpartum dyspareunia. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of postpartum vulvovaginal atrophy according to 3 different diagnostic methods and to estimate its association with postpartum dyspareunia and daily vulvovaginal symptoms. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of puerperal women attending a routine postpartum checkup. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a gynecological examination. Atrophy was diagnosed separately according to gynecologist impression, vaginal pH measurement (≥5.1), and cytologic vaginal maturation index. Patients were followed up with a telephone survey 2-3 months later, inquiring about symptoms possibly associated with atrophy. RESULTS: Of 117 participants, vaginal atrophy was diagnosed in 48% by gynecological examination, 62% by a pH level of 5.1 or greater, and 40.2% had cytological atrophy. Of the 35.9% of women who had resumed sexual intercourse (42/117), 69% reported dyspareunia. No significant association was found between dyspareunia and atrophy parameters. There was no difference in the rates of dyspareunia among women who were exclusively breastfeeding (21/27 = 78%), partially breastfeeding (4/7 = 57%), or not breastfeeding (4/8, 50%). Atrophy was more common in breastfeeding women according to the 3 criteria (gynecological examination: 57.6% vs 16.7%, p = .006; pH: 70% vs 22%, p < .001; vaginal maturation index: 51.1% vs 0%, p < .001). Of the 117 participants, 47% reported daily vulvovaginal symptoms. Those with daily symptoms reported more dyspareunia as compared with those without daily symptoms (85% vs 52%, p = .025). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of atrophy was observed in puerperal women in association with breastfeeding. There was no significant association between atrophy and dyspareunia or daily vulvovaginal symptoms.

Demographics of New Zealand women with vulval lichen sclerosus: is specialist care equitable?

AIM: Vulval lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory genital skin condition associated with poor quality of life, sexual dysfunction and risk of squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to document the demographics of women with lichen sclerosus seen at specialist vulval clinics. METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of women with lichen sclerosus seen at a tertiary combined gynaecology/dermatology vulval clinic over 12 months and Auckland Regional sexual health vulval clinics over five years. Data were collected for age, ethnicity, skin biopsy, treatment, referral source and time from symptom onset to diagnosis. Ethnicity was compared with Census data for the Auckland region. DISCUSSION: Three hundred and thirty-five women were included; 273 from the gynaecology/dermatology clinic and 62 from sexual health. Women seen at sexual health were younger than those seen by gynaecology/dermatology (mean age 45 and 64, respectively; p<0.0001). Most referrals were from general practitioners (54%), although self-referrals made up 42% of sexual health consultations. The most common ethnicity was European (82%) followed by Asian (10%), Maori (4%) and Pacific Peoples (3%). Compared with Census data, European women were over-represented and Maori, Pacific and Asian women were under-represented. CONCLUSION: We found inequitable ethnic representation of women with vulval lichen sclerosus seen at our institution. Causes may include sociocultural beliefs, variations in access to care or ethnic differences in the prevalence of lichen sclerosus. A deeper understanding of underlying issues would enable planning of initiatives to ensure equitable access to specialist care for all New Zealand women with vulval conditions.

Ospemifene efficacy and safety data in women with vulvovaginal atrophy.

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a frequent, underreported and underdiagnosed condition. Ospemifene is a third-generation Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that has been shown to be effective in women with VVA and dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and vulvar vestibular symptoms. Some of the possible side effects included by FDA and EMA are hot flushes, headache, muscle spasms, vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge. Ospemifene does not increase the incidence of endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. While the efficacy is comparable with that of estrogenic treatments, ospemifene is not only well tolerated and safe but also reduces bone turnover in postmenopausal women, and available data indicate no safety concerns for breast tissue.

Identification of risk factors for postpartum urinary retention following vaginal deliveries: A retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is an uncommon complication of vaginal delivery, defined as a failure to void spontaneously in the six hours following vaginal birth. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for PUR in order to provide prompt management. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, comparative, case-control study, including two groups of 96 patients who delivered vaginally, was conducted at the Women and Children's University Hospital in Lyon, France. Patients were selected based on data extraction from the medical records of the obstetrics and gynecology department. The first group included patients with postpartum urinary retention and the second group, without PUR, was selected randomly, respecting 1:1 matching criteria, paired according to the year of delivery and patient's age at delivery. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis found that instrumental delivery (OR 13.42, 95%CI [3.34;53.86], p = 0.0002), absence of spontaneous voiding before leaving the delivery room (OR 6.14, 95%CI [2.56;14.73], p < 0.0001), no intact perineum (OR 3.29, 95%CI [1.10;9.90], p = 0.03) and vulvar edema or perineal hematoma (OR 8.05, 95%CI [1.59;40.67], p = 0.01) were independent risk factors associated with PUR. CONCLUSION: The present study identified risk factors for PUR that should be taken into consideration as soon as delivery is over in order to implement appropriate management. Future studies are needed to assess the contribution of early systematic bladder scanning in patients with risk factors for early diagnosis of PUR.

Pediatric and Young Adult Vulvovaginal Graft-versus-Host Disease.

Vulvovaginal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an underdiagnosed and poorly recognized complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous studies have reported findings restricted to predominantly adult populations. We report a case series of pediatric and young adult vulvovaginal GVHD, which was identified in 19 patients (median age, 11.8 years; range, 2.4 to 21.9 years) out of a total 302 female patients who underwent transplantation over an 8-year period at a pediatric HSCT center. The majority of patients had concomitant nongenital GVHD; only 1 patient had isolated vulvovaginal GVHD. The median time from bone marrow transplantation to diagnosis of vulvovaginal GVHD was 30 months (range, 2.3 to 97.5 months). A high percentage of the patients in our series were without vulvar or vaginal symptoms (n = 8; 42%), even though 17 patients (89%) presented with grade 3 disease based on current adult grading scales. Vulvar examination findings most frequently included interlabial and clitoral hood adhesions (89%), loss of architecture of the labia minora or clitoral hood (42%), and skin erosions or fissures (37%). Only 5 patients underwent a speculum exam, none of whom had vaginal GVHD. Examination findings of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can overlap with those of GVHD, and 6 patients (32%) in our cohort were diagnosed with POI. Only 1 patient was on systemic hormone replacement therapy at the time of vulvovaginal GVHD diagnosis. The majority of patients (n = 16) were treated with topical steroid therapy, with a median time to response of 43 days. Five patients (26%) had a complete response to therapy, and 10 patients (53%) had a partial response. This case series provides valuable insight into pediatric and young adult vulvovaginal GVHD and highlights the need for increased screening for vulvar disease in this population.

Molecular identification and detection of Wohlfahrtia magnifica in ovine vulvar myiasis in Gansu, China.

Traumatic myiasis causes substantial economic losses to farmers worldwide. In the present study, six flocks of sheep (2261 sheep) were investigated in Gansu, China, and 207 of 552 larvae were genetically characterized based on three genes, including cyt b, EF-1α, and white gene, by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. A survey of sheep in China revealed that the prevalence of vulvar myiasis of six sheep flocks was 5.00% (11/220, Flock1), 4.85% (10/206, Flock2), 4.50% (9/200, Flock3), 5.00% (15/300, Flock4), 4.68% (15/320, Flock5), 0% (0/1015, Flock6), respectively. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that only Wohlfahrtia magnifica was detected in the field samples. This is the first report of ovine vulvar myiasis caused by W. magnifica in Gansu, China. Some prophylactic measures are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of sheep acquiring traumatic myiasis in Gansu, China.

Surgical management of Bartholin cysts and abscesses in French university hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the methods used to manage Bartholin gland abscesses and cysts in French university hospitals. METHOD: Data for this descriptive, cross-sectional study with self-reported data were collected between January and March 2018 by an online questionnaire. The 11 items of the questionnaire assessed the surgical techniques known and used, the type of hospitalization, and the non-surgical management to treat Bartholin gland abscesses and cysts. RESULTS: Overall, 116 obstetrics-gynecology residents responded to the online questionnaire. The three best-known techniques were incision and drainage, marsupialization, and excision of the Bartholin gland. Only 3% of the physicians knew about other techniques. Most participants reported that their unit treated 2-6 Bartholin gland abscesses monthly and fewer than 2 cysts. The most frequent treatment for abscess was incision-drainage (87%), followed by marsupialization (13%). The most widely used treatment for the cysts was gland excision (68.5%) followed by marsupialization (22.5%). In both cases, management generally took place on an outpatient basis (92.9%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 87% of the respondents used incision-drainage for Bartholin gland abscesses, although the recurrence and complication rates of this technique have never been evaluated.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients attended in a vulvar clinic of the dermatology outpatient unit of a tertiary hospital during a 4-year period.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar complaints are among the most frequent causes for a woman to visit a healthcare provider. The diseases of this area of the body may be a challenge to diagnose. In this study, we assess epidemiologic and clinical data of patients in an outpatient vulvar clinic in the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: We performed an observational retrospective study of patients who attended our consultation service for vulvar diseases at the Dermatology Division at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP during a 4-year period. Data were obtained by patient medical records and by phone. RESULTS: During the 4-year period under study, a total of 136 patients were treated in the outpatient service specialized in vulvar care. All patients were included in the study. The most frequent diagnoses were lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (64.7%), lichen planus (8.8%), and vitiligo (8%). We registered that 26.7% of the patients showed extravulvar involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Women with vulvar diseases need specific care, considering not only genital aspects but also all skin changes. In this context, the dermatologist is a very well trained professional to take good and complete care of these patients. However, ideally vulvar clinics should have a multidisciplinary team.

Impact of vulvovaginal atrophy of menopause: prevalence and symptoms in Italian women according to the EVES study.

This cross-sectional study included postmenopausal women, aged 45-75 years, with the aim to assess the presence of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) confirmed by a clinical assessment in the Italian population attending menopausal/gynecological centers. Apart from baseline variables, women scored vaginal, vulvar and urinary VVA symptoms. Impact of VVA on sexual function and quality of life (QoL) was assessed thorough EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ5D3L), Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised (FSDS-R). A physical examination was carried out in accordance with routine gynecological practice. VVA was confirmed in 90% of the 1226 evaluable patients (aged 59.0 ± 7.3 years). The prevalence of postmenopausal women with VVA confirmed by gynecological clinical assessment was 75.3%. The patients with VVA confirmed (n = 926) had more severe symptoms (p < .0005), lower QoL (EQ-visual analog scale, p = .008 and DIVA, p < .0005) and worsened sexual function (FSFI and FSDS-R, p < .0005 for both) when compared with the patients having nonconfirmed VVA (n = 140). VVA is highly prevalent among postmenopausal Italian women. The objective of VVA confirmation is associated with severe symptoms and impaired QoL and sexual function. A proactive approach of Italian clinicians to promote regular and early gynecological evaluation should be performed in order to delay the advancing of the disorder.

Vulvovaginal Discomfort Is Common in Both Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVES: We surveyed women from a primary care population to assess the prevalence of unreported vulvovaginal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of women aged 18 to 84 years without a diagnosis of vulvovaginitis or vulvodynia in the past year were surveyed anonymously about prevalence and severity of vulvar and vaginal symptoms of itching, burning, irritation, vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, and vulvovaginal pain in the past month. Women reporting at least 1 moderate-severe symptom were considered symptomatic. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between women with and without symptoms using Pearson's χ and Student's t test. RESULTS: Of 1,676 mailed surveys, 272 (16.2%) were returned. Respondents were primarily non-Hispanic (254, 93.4%), White (214, 78.7%), and English speaking (267, 98.2%). More than a third of women (107, 39.3%) reported 1 or more moderate-severe symptoms. Symptomatic women were younger (49 ± 14 years vs 54 ± 15 years, p = .004) and more likely to report a history of asthma (22% vs 12%, p = .028), eczema or seasonal allergies (56% vs 40%, p = .011), or a previous diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis or yeast (36% vs 15%, p < .001) than asymptomatic women. Premenopausal versus postmenopausal women reported similar prevalence of moderate-severe symptoms: 57/136 (42%) vs 50/136 (37%), respectively (p = .39). Symptoms frequently or always interfered with both interest in sex (33/107, 31%) and ability to have sex (32/107, 30%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that moderate-severe vulvovaginal symptoms are prevalent in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women and that these symptoms have a significant impact on sexual health.

Calcinosis Cutis of the Vulva: A Review.

Idiopathic calcinosis cutis (CC) is an uncommon skin condition. Although it has been reported many times in the scrotum, it is exceedingly rare in the vulva. Most reports of vulvar CC are in children. Vulvar CC may be thought clinically to be inclusion cysts. Other causes of calcinosis such as autoimmune disease or alterations in serum calcium levels, potentially associated with malignancy, must be considered before considering a case as idiopathic.

Most frequent dermatoses at a vulvar pathology outpatient clinic.

The vulva corresponds to the external female genitalia. Special features of this region favor a wide range of diseases, whose knowledge allows for better clinical management, impacting on the quality of life. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out at a vulvar pathology outpatient clinic, between May and December/ 2015. Data obtained from a standard form included demographic parameters, habits, and vulvar dermatosis and allowed to identify the epidemiological profile of patients with vulvar dermatosis treated in this outpatient clinic and to determine the most prevalent dermatoses. Our results, partially concordant with the literature, provide original data that should stimulate further studies.

The European Vulvovaginal Epidemiological Survey (EVES): prevalence, symptoms and impact of vulvovaginal atrophy of menopause.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the European Vulvovaginal Epidemiological Survey (EVES) was to assess, at a country level, the prevalence of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) confirmed by gynecological clinical assessment among all postmenopausal women attending menopause centers. METHOD: Women aged 45-75 years old with their last menstrual period more than 12 months before and who attended menopause or gynecology centers were included. If they had at least one VVA symptom, women filled a number of questionnaires including the EuroQoL-EQ-5D3L and Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA). Then a gynecological examination was performed to confirm the VVA diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 2160 evaluable patients were included in the study. VVA was confirmed in 90% of the patients. Compared with patients without confirmed VVA (n = 206), patients with confirmed VVA (n = 1954) were significantly older (p < 0.001), had more severe symptoms (p < 0.001 for vaginal and vulvar symptoms, p < 0.05 for urinary ones) and had a lower quality of life as assessed by EQ-5D3L (p = 0.012) and DIVA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VVA is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women. Gynecological clinical assessment of VVA is associated with severe symptoms and impaired quality of life and therefore should be promoted for appropriate clinical assessment and early therapeutic intervention.