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

Abstract

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.

摘要：

这项横断面研究包括年龄在45 - 75岁的绝经后妇女, 目的是评估在绝经/妇科中心就诊的意大利人群中是否存在临床评估证实的外阴阴道萎缩(VVA)。除了基线变量外, 女性还对阴道、外阴和泌尿VVA症状进行了评分。通过EuroQoL问卷(EQ5D3L)、阴道老化(DIVA)的日常影响、女性性功能指数(FSFI)和女性性窘迫量表(FSDS-R)来评估VVA对性功能和生活质量(QoL)的影响。根据常规妇科实践来进行体格检查。在1226例可评估患者(年龄59.0±7.3岁)中, 90%的患者证实VVA。经妇科临床评估证实的绝经后妇女VVA患病率为75.3%。VVA确认患者(n¼926)与非确诊患者(n¼140)相比有更严重的症状(p < 0.0005),较低的生命质量(EQ-视觉模拟量表、p¼=0.008和DIVA, p<0.0005)及性功能恶化(FSFI和FSDS-R, 两者p<0.0005)。VVA在绝经后的意大利妇女中非常普遍。VVA证实的目的与严重症状、生活质量和性功能障碍有关。意大利临床医生应采取积极主动的方法, 促进定期和早期的妇科评估, 以延迟疾病的进展。

The Chinese abstracts are translated by Prof. Dr. Xiangyan Ruan and her team: Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China.

Keywords:

• Vulvovaginal atrophy
• prevalence
• sexual function
• DIVA
• EQ-5D
• gynecological exam

Acknowledgements

Manuscript writing and editorial support was provided by Emili González-Pérez, PhD from TFS, S.L. with financial support provided by Shionogi Ltd.

Disclosure statement

Dr. Nappi had financial relationship (lecturer, member of advisory boards and/or consultant) with Bayer-Schering Pharma, Endoceutics, Exceltis, Gedeon-Richter, HRA Pharma, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc, Shionogi Limited, TEVA Women’s Health Inc/Theramex. Dr. Salvatore had financial relationship (grant recipient and speaker fees) with Deka. Dr. Cagnachi had financial relationships (speaker) with Shionogi, MSD, Bayer, Gedeon-Richter, Teva, Omeopiacenza, Italfarmaco. T. Di Paolantonio is a Shionogi srl employee.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public or not-for-profit sectors. The study was sponsored by Shionogi Ltd.