Explore the Impact of Age Related Vaginal Symptoms on Postmenopausal Women
Abstract
Background: Age-related vaginal symptoms are a thinning, drying and inflammation of the vagina due to decrease estrogen in the body. The most postmenopausal women experience these symptoms. The Aim of the Study: to explore the Impact of age-related Vaginal Symptoms in functioning and well-being of Postmenopausal Women. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. This study was conducted at the Outpatient clinics in Mitghamr Hospital, Ministry of Health in Egypt. Purposive sampling of 150 postmenopausal women was used. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire and Day to Day Impact of Vaginal aging questionnaire (DIVA).Results: Results showed that the vaginal symptoms had a high disparaging impact on studied postmenopausal women on their daily activities (71.6%), emotional well-being (57.5%), sexual function (61.25) and self-concept (50%). Moreover, the total impact of the day to day life domains was high among women of age group > 50 years, and who was a resident in rural areas with statistically significant difference (p= 0.0001). Conclusion: The current study concluded that the age related vaginal symptoms had a negative impact on the functioning and well-being of postmenopausal women. Recommendations: Routine assessment for age-related vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women by gynecologists, nurse practitioners, and primary care doctors to help their patient to understand this chronic condition and to provide proper management and intervention.