Vaginal Health in Menopausal Peruvian Women: Descriptive Research

Abstract

Objective: To analyze vaginal health based on three dimensions: symptoms, information, and treatment in menopausal Peruvian women attended in first level health care facilities. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional research, with the participation of women attended in first level health care facilities during the year 2021. A non-probability sample of 855 women was used. A vaginal health survey composed of 26 indicators was used through 3 dimensions: symptoms, information, and treatment, with a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Results: The mean age was 54.8±6.4 years, 67.8% had no knowledge of hormone therapy for menopause, while 80.9% said they did not use it. In the symptoms dimension: 22.6% experienced hot flashes frequently and 15.2% had vaginal symptoms (dryness, burning, and soreness), 54.9% considered them as a mild discomfort and described the symptoms as part of aging. In the information dimension: 60.4% stated that there is not enough information; 44.6% of women have access to information through their gynecologists, and 46.9% feel comfortable asking about treatment options. In the treatment dimension: 39.2% consider hormonal vaginal suppositories as an effective treatment; 23.5% did not use any treatment; and 73.8% would consider using hormone therapy during menopause. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vasomotor and vaginal symptoms affecting quality of life. The information given to patients was insufficient despite being provided by the gynecologist. There is acceptance for the use of local estrogen therapy.