Newly developed vaginal atrophy symptoms II and vaginal pH: a better correlation in vaginal atrophy?

Abstract

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation among symptoms, signs, and the number of lactobacilli in postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. The secondary objective was to develop a new parameter to improve the correlation.

Study design A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methods Naturally postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years with at least one clinical symptom of vaginal atrophy of moderate to severe intensity were included in this study. All of the objective parameters (vaginal atrophy score, vaginal pH, the number of lactobacilli, vaginal maturation index, and vaginal maturation value) were evaluated and correlated with vaginal atrophy symptoms. A new parameter of vaginal atrophy, vaginal atrophy symptoms II, was developed and consists of the two most bothersome symptoms (vaginal dryness and dyspareunia). Vaginal atrophy symptoms II was analyzed for correlation with the objective parameters.

Results A total of 132 naturally postmenopausal women were recruited for analysis. Vaginal pH was the only objective parameter found to have a weak correlation with vaginal atrophy symptoms (r = 0.273, p = 0.002). The newly developed vaginal atrophy symptoms II parameter showed moderate correlation with vaginal pH (r = 0.356, p < 0.001) and a weak correlation with the vaginal atrophy score (r = 0.230, p < 0.001). History of sexual intercourse within 3 months was associated with a better correlation between vaginal atrophy symptoms and the objective parameters.

Conclusion Vaginal pH was significantly correlated with vaginal atrophy symptoms. The newly developed vaginal atrophy symptoms II was associated with a better correlation. The vaginal atrophy symptoms II and vaginal pH may be better tools for clinical evaluation and future study of the vaginal ecosystem.

Key words::

• VAGINAL ATROPHY
• VULVOVAGINAL ATROPHY
• LACTOBACILLI
• DYSPAREUNIA
• POSTMENOPAUSE
• VAGINAL HEALTH

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge all of the patients who participated in this study. We also would like to thank our research support team, Mrs Sumanee Nilgate, Ms Somtawil Pojanasopanakul and Ms Tanimporn Nillakarn for their invaluable contribution to the success of this study.

Conflict of interest The authors hereby declare no personal or professional conflicts of interest in any aspect of this study. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Source of funding This study was financially supported by a grant from the Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.