‘As long as I have a restroom somewhere […], I am fine’: a qualitative study on the perspectives of peri- and postmenopausal women on the impact of the urinary component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01523-x
• Publication Date: 2021-11-08T03:02:49Z
• Authors: Michaela Gabes; Gesina Kann; Julia von Sommoggy; Petra Stute; Christian J. Apfe...
• Keywords: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; 610; 610 Medicine & health; Focus group; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; Surveys and Questionnaires; 616; Urinary component; Humans; Toilet Facilities; 610.72; ddc:610; Research; Gynecology and obstetrics; 3. Good health; Postmenopause; Impact; Surveys and Questionnaires [MeSH] ; Qualitative study ; Female [MeSH] ; Atrophy [MeSH] ; Postmenopause [MeSH] ; Toilet Facilities [MeSH] ; Humans [MeSH] ; Urinary component ; Menopause ; Focus group ; Menopause [MeSH] ; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause ; Impact ; Research; RG1-991; Female; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Atrophy; Qualitative study; Menopause

Our aim was to gain insight into the experiences of women suffering from urinary component Genitourinary Syndrome Menopause (GSM) and understand impact complaints as part GSM on lives affected women.Qualitative study.Online, primary care.Postmenopausal aged 46 85 years reporting vaginal were recruited participate in either online or face-to-face focus groups share their with GSM. Transcripts sessions analysed using qualitative content analysis.One group, one group online-interview conducted, involving 11 women. Five a priori assumed main themes related urogenital symptoms identified: daily life, emotional well-being, sexual functioning, self-concept body image, interpersonal relations communication. Additionally, two further associated GMS clinical condition inductively found: unmet healthcare needs, including expectations regarding menopausal lack adequate health education, aspects personal dealing complaints, coping strategies medical treatment.This study showed that have, similar negative impacts well communication We identified several needs should trigger improvements healthcare.