The experience of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) among Thai postmenopausal women: the non-reporting issue

Abstract

© 2019, The International Urogynecological Association. Abstract: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is common among postmenopausal women, but, in general, not all of the patients seek medical advice as this sensitive issue can cause them embarrassment. Objectives: To explore the prevalence of GSM among Thai postmenopausal women and their disclosure of and attitude towards GSM. Methods: A questionnaire was used to obtain information on GSM from 499 Thai postmenopausal women who attended the Menopause Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, from November 2015 to August 2016. Results: The mean age of the 499 participants was 57.8 ± 7.2 years. It was notable that 87.2% of them had had GSM, and the prevalence increased with age. The most common symptoms were nocturia (77.7%) and vaginal dryness (51.7%). Among the symptomatic patients, 63.0% conveyed their problem to other people, i.e., friends and family, while 52.9% of them never reported to health care providers. The most common reason for not talking about their GSM was the acceptance of it being part of the natural aging process. Conclusions: GSM is common among Thai postmenopausal women. The prevalence of non-reporting is high and underreported.