Clinical manifestations and evaluation of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer a severe form of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) related to menopause. Equally, young women may temporarily present this clinical problem while receiving various pharmacological or endocrine treatments or radiotherapy. AIM: To determine clinical and diagnostic exams required to confirm the presence of VVA (also referred to as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and rule out other genital or pelvic clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review searches were carried out on the main scientific article search engines (PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane) using different clinical terms, treatments or interventions and comorbidity related to VVA. RESULTS: The development and severity of VVA depend mainly on the duration of hypoestrogenism. Hypoestrogenism causes changes in the urogenital tissue, generating signs and symptoms, such as dryness, burning, soreness, itching, and irritation of the genital skin. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis (patient history), questionnaires, physical exam, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be completed with the Vaginal Health Index, the Vaginal Maturation Index, or vaginal pH in the absence of infection or semen. The exclusion of other vulvovaginal organic pathology is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide adequate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The specialist should be able to identify VVA, rule out other pathologies that make a differential diagnosis and conduct proper management.

Comparison of the Effects of Fenugreek Vaginal Cream and Ultra Low- Dose Estrogen on Atrophic Vaginitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atrophic vaginitis is a common problem in postmenopausal women and results from decreased levels of blood estrogen. It is associated with symptoms of itching, burning, dyspareunia, and postmenopausal bleeding. The present study evaluated the effects of fenugreek extract on atrophic vaginitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 postmenopausal women in Ardabil, Iran, in 2018. The participants were selected using block randomization with the allocation ratio 1:1. Those in the intervention group received 0.5g (the applicator filled to the half-full mark) fenugreek vaginal cream 5% twice a week for 12 weeks. The control group received conjugated estrogens vaginal cream at the dose of 0.625 mg (the applicator filled to the half-full mark) containing 0.3 mg of conjugated estrogens. Atrophic vaginitis was evaluated before and after the treatment through clinical examination, clinical signs, and measurement of Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI). FINDINGS: After the 12-week intervention and modification of the baseline score, the mean (standard error) score for atrophic vaginitis signs was 3.100 (1.43-4.75). This difference was statistically significant in intragroup comparison and in favor of the control group in intergroup comparison (p=0.001). VMI was less than 49% in 86.7% and 46.7% of the participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. This was a significant difference in favor of the control group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that total fenugreek extract could be effective in treating signs of atrophic vaginitis, but it was not as effective as ultra-low-dose estrogen.

Noncandidal vaginitis: a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

Vaginitis is one of the most common causes of patient visits to gynecologists, primary care providers, and urgent care centers. However, many women leave without a clear diagnosis or experience recurrent symptoms despite treatment. The 3 most common etiologies of vaginitis are trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis, which account for an estimated 70% of cases. The remaining 30% may be related to other causes of vaginitis, including atrophic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, and vaginal erosive disease. The purpose of this review is to describe the noncandidal causes of acute and recurrent vaginitis, with the goal of improving the likelihood of accurate diagnosis as well as efficient and effective therapy. We excluded candidal vaginitis from our review because there was a recently published review on this topic in the Journal. The clinical presentation and evaluation of patients with symptoms of vaginitis can be triaged into 1 of 2 diagnostic pathways: noninflammatory and inflammatory vaginitis. The most common noninflammatory cause is bacterial vaginosis. Features such as irritation, purulent discharge, and the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils are more suggestive of an inflammatory process. Trichomoniasis is the most common cause of inflammatory vaginitis. Other well-described forms of inflammatory vaginitis include atrophic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, and erosive disease. We present a review of the pathogenesis, symptoms, examination findings, diagnostic testing, and treatment for each of these causes of noncandidal vaginitis.

Update on vaginal infections: Aerobic vaginitis and other vaginal abnormalities / Actualización en infecciones vaginales: vaginitis aeróbica y otras alteraciones vaginales

It is estimated that abnormal vaginal discharge cannot be attributed to a clear infectious etiology in 15% to 50% of cases. Some women develop chronic vulvovaginal problems that are difficult to diagnose and treat, even by specialists. These disorders (aerobic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, and cytolytic vaginosis) pose real challenges for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Researchers have established a diagnostic score based on phase-contrast microscopy. We review reported evidence on these entities and present our diagnostic experience based on the correlation with Gram stain. We recommend treatment with an antibiotic that has a very low minimum inhibitory concentration against lactobacilli and is effective against enterobacteria and Gram-positive cocci, which are responsible for these entities (aerobic vaginitis and desquamative inflammatory vaginitis)

Se estima que entre el 15 y el 50% de las mujeres que tienen trastornos del flujo vaginal, éstos no pueden atribuirse a una etiología infecciosa clara. Algunas de ellas desarrollarán problemas vulvovaginales crónicos difíciles de diagnosticar y tratar, incluso por especialistas. Son trastornos que plantean desafíos reales en el diagnóstico clínico y en su tratamiento como la vaginitis aeróbica, la vaginitis inflamatoria descamativa, la vaginitis atrófica y la vaginitis citolítica. Para diagnosticarlos, algunos investigadores han establecido una puntuación basada en la observación microscópica mediante contraste de fases. En este artículo, se revisa la evidencia publicada sobre estas entidades y presentamos nuestra experiencia en la correlación diagnóstica con la tinción de Gram. Se recomienda el tratamiento con un antibiótico con una concentración mínima inhibitoria muy baja contra los lactobacilos y eficaz contra las enterobacterias y los cocos grampositivos, responsables de estas entidades (vaginitis aeróbica y vaginitis inflamatoria descamativa)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), formerly referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, is a common chronic condition that requires a collaborative treatment plan between a health care provider and a woman to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Many women are not aware that symptoms can be controlled with treatment. Current treatment options approved for GSM include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and hormones. For women with GSM symptoms that are unresponsive to nonhormonal therapy, low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is the preferred pharmacologic treatment. Clinicians should be trained to routinely ask appropriate questions during the history to elicit sufficient information to assess for GSM. Physical examination findings may further confirm suspicion of GSM.

Tuberculosis of the cervix: An uncommon cause of vaginal discharge in a post-menopausal woman.

Discharge per vaginum is a common symptom of a variety of gynaecological diseases. Among post-menopausal women, atrophic vaginitis, cervicitis and cervical carcinoma are common causes of this symptom. We present a 64-year-old woman who had foul-smelling discharge per vaginum for the past 1 year. Per speculum examination revealed an unhealthy-looking cervix and white discharge. On bi-manual examination, the cervix was flush with the vagina. There was no obvious growth felt, the exact uterine size could not be ascertained and the finger was stained with thick discharge. A biopsy of the cervix showed epithelioid cell granulomas and a diagnosis of tuberculosis was made. The patient responded to antitubercular therapy. Tuberculosis of the cervix may be a rare cause of foul- smelling discharge per vaginum in post-menopausal women but there should be a high index of suspicion of this condition, especially in areas where tuberculosis is common. We report this post-menopausal woman owing to the rarity of tuberculosis of the cervix mimicking a gynaecological malignancy.

A Dermatologist's Approach to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a debilitating condition caused by hypoestrogenism that presents with vaginal dryness and dyspareunia as well as other genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms. Previously known as atrophic vaginitis, the term GSM is now used. OBJECTIVE: To help familiarise dermatologists with diagnosing and managing GSM. METHODS: In total, 218 articles were identified and reviewed by 2 independent authors using PubMed. Articles included were from December 2005 to December 2015. Sixty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: GSM is a clinical diagnosis, requiring the presence of symptoms that should be bothersome and not accounted for by another condition. A pH test may help with diagnosis as vaginal pH will be increased from acidic to neutral. The Papanicolaou test is not recommended because of poor clinical correlation. First-line treatment is low-dose local vaginal estrogen therapy, which has proven efficacy and safety. Serum estrogen levels are not significantly affected with the exception of creams containing high-dose conjugated equine estrogens. Other options have yet to be approved for use in Canada but show promise. CONCLUSION: GSM is a debilitating and common condition that suffers from barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Current treatments are well tolerated, rewarding, and effective with rapid onset.

False-Negative Interpretation of Adenocarcinoma In Situ in the College of American Pathologists Gynecologic PAP Education Program.

CONTEXT: - Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is difficult to correctly interpret on Papanicolaou (Pap) cytology slides and false-negative interpretations of AIS can cause significant problems in daily practice. OBJECTIVE: - To investigate the false-negative interpretation rate of AIS and the factors related to false-negative interpretation through responses in an educational environment. DESIGN: - We retrospectively evaluated 11 337 responses in the PAP Education Program (PAP-Edu) from 173 AIS slides from 2011 to 2015. The false-negative interpretation rate, most common false-negative interpretations, and related other factors were evaluated. RESULTS: - The overall false-negative rate was 6.9% (784 of 11 337). Respondents correctly interpreted AIS 50.0% (5667 of 11 337) of the time; high-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and malignancies (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other carcinomas) accounted for 42.7% (4842 of 11 337) and low-grade intraepithelial lesion accounted for 0.4% (44 of 11 337) of responses. Overall, 92.7% (10 509 of 11 337) of responses were HSIL and above. Among 784 false-negative responses, negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy was the most common (61.5% [482 of 784]), followed by reparative changes (24.1% [189 of 784]) and atrophic vaginitis (7.7% [60 of 784]). Overall, pathologists' responses showed a significantly higher false-negative rate than cytotechnologists' responses (8.3%, 403 of 4835 versus 5.7%, 275 of 4816; P < .001). The false-negative response rates were not statistically different among preparation types. CONCLUSIONS: - The low correct interpretation rate and higher false-negative rate for AIS demonstrate the difficulty in interpreting AIS on Pap cytology, which may cause clinical consequences. The higher false-negative rate with pathologists than with cytotechnologists suggests cytotechnologists' higher screening sensitivity for AIS or cautious interpretation to avoid false-positive results by pathologists.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a new term for a condition more renowned as atrophic vaginitis, is a hypoestrogenic condition with external genital, urological, and sexual implications that affects >50% of postmenopausal women. Due to sexual embarrassment and the sensitive nature of discussing symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly underdiagnosed. The most up-to-date literature pertaining to clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is comprehensively reviewed. Early detection and individually tailored pharmacologic (eg, estrogen therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator, synthetic steroid, oxytocin, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and/or nonpharmacologic (eg, laser therapies, moisturizers and lubricants, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle modifications) treatment is paramount for not only improving quality of life but also for preventing exacerbation of symptoms in women with this condition.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health and The North American Menopause Society.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and the Board of Trustees of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) acknowledged the need to review current terminology associated with genitourinary tract symptoms related to menopause. METHODS: The two societies cosponsored a terminology consensus conference, which was held in May 2013. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Members of the consensus conference agreed that the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a medically more accurate, all-encompassing, and publicly acceptable term than vulvovaginal atrophy. GSM is defined as a collection of symptoms and signs associated with a decrease in estrogen and other sex steroids involving changes to the labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule/introitus, vagina, urethra and bladder. The syndrome may include but is not limited to genital symptoms of dryness, burning, and irritation; sexual symptoms of lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function; and urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. Women may present with some or all of the signs and symptoms, which must be bothersome and should not be better accounted for by another diagnosis. The term was presented and discussed at the annual meeting of each society. The respective Boards of NAMS and ISSWSH formally endorsed the new terminology - genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) - in 2014.

Resistance and barriers to local estrogen therapy in women with atrophic vaginitis.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal atrophy results from a decrease in circulating estrogen and is experienced by approximately 50% of postmenopausal women. Its symptoms affect multiple dimensions of genitopelvic health, sexuality, and overall quality of life. Nonhormonal over-the-counter treatments may provide temporary symptom relief, but the condition is progressive, and hormonal treatment may be warranted. AIM: The study aims to review the literature and discuss the impact of atrophic vaginitis and various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy for atrophic vaginitis. This article also aims to provide a greater awareness of the condition and the difficulties in communicating effectively with patients, and to provide strategies to help healthcare professionals acquire effective communication skills to initiate a candid dialogue with patients who may be suffering in silence and may benefit from therapy. METHODS: This review was based on peer-reviewed publications on the topic of atrophic vaginitis and local estrogen therapy identified from key word searches of PubMed, in addition to landmark studies/surveys and treatment guidelines/recommendations on menopause available in the literature and on the Internet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes are the impact of atrophic vaginitis and the various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy. RESULTS: Minimally absorbed local vaginal estrogen therapy enables administration of estrogen doses much lower than systemic doses used for vasomotor symptoms. Local therapy is also the first-line pharmacologic treatment recommended by the North American Menopause and International Menopause Societies. Despite treatment options, the sensitive nature of the condition and embarrassment may prohibit or limit many women from openly discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals. Many are hesitant to initiate hormonal treatment because of safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should initiate and encourage frank and candid conversation about vaginal atrophy at annual visits and provide follow-up and treatment as needed.

Atrophic vaginitis: concordance and interpretation of slides in the College of American Pathologists Cervicovaginal Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Gynecologic Cytopathology.

CONTEXT: Atrophic vaginitis is a commonly reported subset of Papanicolaou test results that are negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, but interpretive criteria overlap with atrophic changes and other entities, hindering concordance among observers. OBJECTIVES: To report on the participant concordance from 2000 to 2009 in the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Gynecologic Cytopathology, with a reference interpretation of atrophic vaginitis, and to investigate cytologic features of good and poorly performing slides to identify criteria useful in the interpretation of atrophic vaginitis. DESIGN: We summarized 18 302 responses from the program for slides with a reference interpretation of atrophic vaginitis. We randomly selected 18 Papanicolaou test results (3 conventional, 4 SurePath, and 11 ThinPrep) from good and poor performers for prospective, blinded criteria scoring for the following features: abundance of neutrophils, more than 100 degenerating parabasal cells, more than 25% necrotic background, more than 100 pseudoparakeratotic cells, and the presence of stripped or streaked nuclei, histiocytes, and superficial or intermediate squamous cells. RESULTS: Most Papanicolaou test results (>90%) with a specific reference interpretation of atrophic vaginitis were categorized as negative. Cytotechnologists are more likely than pathologists are to label it negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and are equally likely to mistake it for a high-grade lesion. Degenerating parabasal cells, pseudoparakeratosis, and necrotic background are associated with atrophic vaginitis (P  =  .001) on Papanicolaou. Abundant neutrophils (>100 per ×400 field) are also significantly correlated (P  =  .01). CONCLUSIONS: Exact concordance to atrophic vaginitis is less than 90%. Most of the discrepancies are negative results for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Advanced atrophic features are as significant as neutrophils are to the interpretation of atrophic vaginitis.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia sobre la prevención y el tratamiento de la atrofia vaginal / Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology on the prevention and treatment of vaginal atrophy

La atrofia vaginal, causada por el déficit estrogénico, es responsable de la aparición de síntomas que afectan la calidad de vida. El tratamiento tendrá como objetivo restaurar la fisiología urogenital y aliviar los síntomas. Para síntomas como la sequedad vaginal o la dispareunia asociada con atrofia vaginal, la primera línea de tratamiento son los hidratantes (evidencia IA) y lubricantes vaginales (evidencia IIB). Si no proporcionan una adecuada mejora de los síntomas o ante síntomas moderados-intensos, se utilizarán estrógenos. Los estrógenos son los tratamientos más efectivos. En casos de solo atrofia vaginal, la elección será la terapia con estrógenos locales (TEL) (evidencia IA). En casos que coexistan con sintomatología vasomotora que afecte a la calidad de vida, la elección será la terapia hormonal sistémica (evidencia IA). Las dosis bajas de estrógenos son el tratamiento farmacológico hormonal de primera línea para la vaginitis atrófica (AU)

Vaginal atrophy, caused by estrogen deficiency, leads to the development of symptoms that affect quality of life. Treatment aims to restore the urogenital physiology and relieve symptoms. For symptoms such as vaginal dryness or dyspareunia associated with vaginal atrophy, the first line treatments are moisturizers (Evidence IA) and vaginal lubricants (Evidence IIB). If these treatments fail to provide sufficient improvement in symptoms or when the symptoms are moderate-to-intense, estrogen can be used. Estrogens are the most effective treatments. In patients with vaginal atrophy alone, the choice is local estrogen therapy (Evidence IA). In patients who also have vasomotor symptoms affecting quality of life, treatment consists of systemic hormone replacement therapy (Evidence IA). Low dose oestrogens are a first line pharmacological treatment for atrophic vaginitis (AU)

A self-report instrument that describes urogenital atrophy symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Urogenital atrophy affects the lower urinary and genital tracts and is responsible for urinary, genital, and sexual symptoms. The accurate identification, measurement, and documentation of symptoms are limited by the absence of reliable and valid instruments. The Urogenital Atrophy Questionnaire was developed to allow self-reporting of symptoms and to provide clinicians and researchers an instrument to identify, measure, and document indicators of urogenital atrophy. A pilot study (n = 30) measured test-retest reliability (p < .05) of the instrument. Subsequently, a survey of women with (n = 168) and without breast cancer (n = 166) was conducted using the Urogenital Atrophy Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Instrument, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, Breast, Endocrine Scale. Exploratory factor analysis (KMO 0.774; Bartlett's test of sphericity 0.000) indicated moderate-high relatedness of items. Concurrent (p > .01) and divergent validity (p < .000) were established. A questionnaire resulted that enables women, regardless of sexual orientation, partner status, and levels of sexual activity to accurately report symptoms.

Vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis are the most common infectious causes of vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the normal lactobacilli of the vagina are replaced by mostly anaerobic bacteria. Diagnosis is commonly made using the Amsel criteria, which include vaginal pH greater than 4.5, positive whiff test, milky discharge, and the presence of clue cells on microscopic examination of vaginal fluid. Oral and topical clindamycin and metronidazole are equally effective at eradicating bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms and signs of trichomoniasis are not specific; diagnosis by microscopy is more reliable. Features of trichomoniasis are trichomonads seen microscopically in saline, more leukocytes than epithelial cells, positive whiff test, and vaginal pH greater than 5.4. Any nitroimidazole drug (e.g., metronidazole) given orally as a single dose or over a longer period resolves 90 percent of trichomoniasis cases. Sex partners should be treated simultaneously. Most patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis are diagnosed by the presence of vulvar inflammation plus vaginal discharge or with microscopic examination of vaginal secretions in 10 percent potassium hydroxide solution. Vaginal pH is usually normal (4.0 to 4.5). Vulvovaginal candidiasis should be treated with one of many topical or oral antifungals, which appear to be equally effective. Rapid point-of-care tests are available to aid in accurate diagnosis of infectious vaginitis. Atrophic vaginitis, a form of vaginitis caused by estrogen deficiency, produces symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, discharge, and dyspareunia. Both systemic and topical estrogen treatments are effective. Allergic and irritant contact forms of vaginitis can also occur.