Effect of stress urinary incontinence on vaginal microbial communities.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum women often experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and vaginal microbial dysbiosis, which seriously affect women's physical and mental health. Understanding the relationship between SUI and vaginal microbiota composition may help to prevent vaginal diseases, but research on the potential association between these conditions is limited. RESULTS: This study employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the association between SUI and vaginal dysbiosis. In terms of the vaginal microbiota, both species richness and evenness were significantly higher in the SUI group. Additionally, the results of NMDS and species composition indicated that there were differences in the composition of the vaginal microbiota between the two groups. Specifically, compared to postpartum women without SUI (Non-SUI), the relative abundance of bacteria associated with bacterial dysbiosis, such as Streptococcus, Prevotella, Dialister, and Veillonella, showed an increase, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased in SUI patients. Furthermore, the vaginal microbial co-occurrence network of SUI patients displayed higher connectivity, complexity, and clustering. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the role of Lactobacillus in maintaining vaginal microbial homeostasis. It found a correlation between SUI and vaginal microbiota, indicating an increased risk of vaginal dysbiosis. The findings could enhance our understanding of the relationship between SUI and vaginal dysbiosis in postpartum women, providing valuable insights for preventing bacterial vaginal diseases and improving women's health.

Oral lasofoxifene's effects on moderate to severe vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: two phase 3, randomized, controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether lasofoxifene improves vaginal signs/symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHODS: Two identical, phase 3 trials randomized postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vaginal symptoms to oral lasofoxifene 0.25 or 0.5 mg/d, or placebo, for 12 week. Changes from baseline to week 12 in most bothersome symptom, vaginal pH, and percentages of vaginal parabasal and superficial cells were evaluated. These coprimary endpoints were analyzed using analysis of covariance, except superficial cells, which were analyzed by the nonparametric, rank-based Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The two studies enrolled 444 and 445 women (mean age, ~60 y), respectively. Coprimary endpoints at week 12 improved with lasofoxifene 0.25 and 0.5 mg/d greater than with placebo ( P < 0.0125 for all). Study 1: most bothersome symptom (least square mean difference from placebo: -0.4 and -0.5 for 0.25 and 0.5 mg/d, respectively), vaginal pH (-0.65, -0.58), and vaginal superficial (5.2%, 5.4%), and parabasal (-39.9%, -34.9%) cells; study 2: most bothersome symptom (-0.4, -0.5), vaginal pH (-0.57, -0.67), and vaginal superficial (3.5%, 2.2%) and parabasal (-34.1%, -33.5%) cells. Some improvements occurred as early as week 2. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate and hot flushes were most frequently reported (lasofoxifene vs placebo: 13%-23% vs 9%-11%). Serious adverse events were infrequent and no deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In two phase 3 trials, oral lasofoxifene 0.25 and 0.5 mg/d provided significant and clinically meaningful improvements in vaginal signs/symptoms with a favorable safety profile, suggesting beneficial effects of lasofoxifene on genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

An effective non-hormonal option with high tolerability for mild to moderate symptoms of vaginal dryness associated with menopause.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and tolerability of a non-hormonal pessary (that forms an oil-in-water emollient with the vaginal fluid) were assessed for the treatment of symptoms of vaginal dryness associated with menopause. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-nine postmenopausal women (mean age 60.8 ± 6.5 years) with mild to moderate symptoms of vaginal dryness (including dyspareunia) were enrolled in this open-label, prospective, post-market clinical follow-up trial, conducted in 2022 by one research center in Germany. The investigational pessary was applied for the first 7 days once daily and the subsequent 31 days twice a week, at bedtime. A treatment-free period of 6 days completed the trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: During the trial, participants filled out questionnaires that enabled the calculation of a total severity score for subjective symptoms of atrophy-related vaginal dryness and impairment of daily as well as sexual life. Furthermore, vaginal health index and safety were studied. RESULTS: A rapid and significant reduction in the severity scores for symptoms was observed over the 38-day course of treatment and beyond. Quality of life assessed by DIVA (day-to-day impact of vaginal aging) questionnaire, dyspareunia and vaginal health index also clearly improved. The tolerability was mainly rated as "good to very good" by the investigator and 94.9 % of participants. The vast majority were very satisfied with the simple and pleasant handling. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Overall, the presented data suggest that the investigated non-hormonal pessary is an effective and well tolerated treatment option for vaginal symptoms associated with dryness, thus improving quality of life for women, even those who are sexually active. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier NCT05211505.

Vulvovaginal atrophy in women with and without a history of breast cancer: Baseline data from the PatiEnt satisfactiON studY (PEONY) in Italy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess clinical characteristics of postmenopausal women with moderate/severe vulvovaginal atrophy, as well as its impact on sexual function, well-being, and quality of life, and to provide an overview of most used treatments. STUDY DESIGN: Ongoing longitudinal, observational study conducted in 17 Italian gynecology centers, involving women already treated or initiating a local vaginal estrogen therapy or ospemifene. We report baseline data for women with and without a history of breast cancer. Participants filled in self-reported questionnaires at study entry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severity of vulvovaginal atrophy; ongoing treatments; patient-reported outcomes, including severity of symptoms, Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and SF-12® Health Survey. RESULTS: Overall, 334 women (20.4 % with a history of breast cancer) started or continued local therapy (61.1 %) or ospemifene (38.8 %) at study entry. Vulvovaginal atrophy was severe in 28.6 %, and was responsible for severe symptoms, particularly vulvar dryness with burning or irritation and pain during sexual intercourse. Both sexual dysfunction (FSFI≤26) (81.5 %) and sexual distress (FSDS-R ≥ 11) (74.4 %) were common. A reduction in the SF-12 mental component score was documented. Women with breast cancer more often had severe vulvovaginal atrophy (41.2 %), had more severe symptoms, and the impact of vaginal symptoms on emotional well-being, sexual functioning and self-concept/body image was greater. The majority of them (83.8 %) received ospemifene as a treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate/severe vulvovaginal atrophy is a common, often neglected condition with an impact on QoL and sexuality, particularly in women with a history of breast cancer. It is important to alleviate the burden associated with the disease.

The prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms in Japanese women of reproductive and perimenopausal ages: A cross-sectional study across generations.

AIM: This cross-sectional study evaluated vaginal health and hygiene practices among reproductive and perimenopausal women in Japan using an online-based questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire included 11 well-structured questions concerning vulvovaginal symptoms and hygiene care practices. Participants' responses were anonymized and analyzed descriptively. The relationships of age, family income, occupation, and childbearing with women's concerns regarding vaginal or vulvar problems were analyzed by chi-square tests. RESULTS: About 80% of women in their 20s to 50s in Japan reported experiencing vulvovaginal symptoms. Women in their 40s had significantly fewer symptoms than women in their 20s (p = 0.04), and women in their 50s had significantly fewer symptoms than all other age groups (20s, 30s, and 40s) (p < 0.001). Among symptomatic women, 77.5% did not discuss their symptoms with anyone else and only 10% visited doctors. About 12.5% of women reported taking special care of their vagina or vulva regularly, whereas 38.2% expressed a desire to try some form of care but had not yet done so. Of the women who did not take special care of their vagina or vulva, 46.2% lacked knowledge about proper care, 42.2% did not want to spend money on care, 30.5% did not want to discuss care with others, and 21.3% were psychologically reluctant. CONCLUSION: Determination of the prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms among Japanese women can enhance understanding of this prevalent condition and its impact on women's health. These findings may help formulate effective public health interventions and promote better hygienic practices, thus improving the well-being of women in Japan.

Prospective, multicenter, uncontrolled study on the effectiveness and safety of a hyaluronic acid water-based vaginal lubricant in alleviating vaginal dryness and dyspareunia.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal dryness (VD) represents a significant concern affecting women across diverse life stages, encompassing both pre- and postmenopausal women at any age. Dyspareunia, defined by genital pain that can be experienced before, during, or after intercourse, is often associated with vaginal dryness. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a water-based vaginal lubricant with hyaluronic acid to reduce sexual discomfort associated with vaginal dryness. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, uncontrolled clinical investigation was conducted over a three-month period in women aged 18 years or older experiencing pain or difficulty during sexual intercourse for whom the use of a vaginal lubricant was recommended. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the FSFI scores, indicating enhanced sexual function (p < .001). Vaginal dryness symptoms, including irritation, dryness, itching, and dyspareunia, significantly decreased after product use (p < .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to the limited scientific knowledge on the application of lubricants in the context of symptoms associated with VD. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: In addition to the short study period, inherent limitations of the study design, and lack of placebo control, it is pertinent to acknowledge that some of the pros used in this study were not based on validated questionnaires. However, as far as we know, this study is the only one that analyzes well-being and sexual pleasure as results using a lubricant formulated with hyaluronic acid. CONCLUSION: This tested vaginal lubricant with hyaluronic acid has demonstrated efficacy in improving vaginal dryness and female sexual function, particularly in reducing pain and improving lubrication during sexual intercourse, and showed a favorable safety profile, with minimal and transient adverse events.

The effects of a real-time temperature monitoring non-ablative monopolar radiofrequency technology on vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) includes a wide range of conditions affecting the reproductive and urinary systems, often requiring careful evaluation and management for optimal health. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the symptom management effects of a real time temperature-monitored non-ablative RF device for the treatment of postmenopausal Chinese women with VVA symptoms. METHODS: This pilot study involved 24 postmenopausal Chinese women with one or more VVA symptoms, who wished to remain sexually active. VHIS, VAS, and FSFI were used to track and evaluate various aspects of the patient's condition. Analyses were conducted at the end of the study to verify the statistical significance of the treatment's results. RESULTS: All patients reported substantial, statistically significant, improvements on every VVA symptom tracked. Approximately 80% of the patients reported total symptom reversal at 12-week post-treatment follow-up. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated that non-ablative, monopolar RF technology equipped with real time temperature monitoring is feasible and safe in the treatment of postmenopausal women with VVA symptoms, and efficacious at up to 12 weeks post-treatment.

The Effect of Citrus Aurantium Vaginal Cream on Vaginal Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women: A Quasi-experimental Study.

Background: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common condition and a silent epidemic affecting many postmenopausal women who suffer from it in silence. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Citrus aurantium vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Methods: This single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 postmenopausal women who were referred to the Gynecology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in the city of Noor, Iran, from June to November 2020. Citrus aurantium vaginal cream was administered to women diagnosed with vaginal atrophy (based on subjective symptoms of atrophy, descriptive evaluation of the vagina, vaginal pH measurement, and degree of vaginal maturation determined by vaginal smear) every night in the first two weeks and every other night for the second two weeks. Data were collected using the scale of subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy; descriptive evaluation checklist of vaginal mucosa; laboratory results registration form (vaginal maturation index, vaginal maturation value, and vaginal pH) before the intervention and two and four weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24) through the analysis of variance with repeated measurements, and LSD post-hoc test. A P value less than 0.05 (P<0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: Citrus aurantium vaginal cream improved subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy (P<0.001), reduced the score of descriptive evaluation of vaginal mucosa (P<0.001), decreased vaginal pH (P<0.001), and increased vaginal maturity (P<0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that citrus aurantium vaginal cream could improve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy without causing serious complications. However, further studies with a control group are suggested to confirm the findings of this study.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20200215046494N.

Vaginal dryness: a review of current understanding and management strategies.

The issue of vaginal dryness in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and its pervasive impact on women's quality of life is often overlooked. Extensive surveys conducted worldwide reveal limited understanding of vaginal dryness among public and health-care providers. Physician knowledge on menopause medicine varies globally, highlighting the need for standardized training. Effective communication between physicians and patients plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating GSM symptoms. There are multiple treatment options to improve vaginal lubrication, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, along with lifestyle modifications. Tailoring treatments to individual patient preferences is crucial for compliance. Overall, GSM is multifaceted, from the prevalence of vaginal dryness to the nuances of treatment preferences. The urgency of widespread education and awareness of this matter must be underscored to meet the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life for women.

Multimodality imaging of diseases of the vagina.

Pathologies of the vagina are important causes of symptoms related to the genital tract in women. They can be missed on transabdominal ultrasonography (USG), which is the baseline modality used for evaluation of gynaecological complaints. Transperineal USG and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice for evaluation of the vagina. Diseases of the vagina can be grouped depending upon the age group in which they occur. In children and young adults, congenital anomalies like longitudinal or transverse vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, vaginal aplasia or atresia, and rectovaginal fistula can be seen. Malignant tumours can rarely occur in children, rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common one. Common diseases affecting adults include benign lesions like epidermoid, Gartner duct, and Bartholin cysts, and urogenital fistulas involving the vagina. Endometriosis and other benign tumours of vagina including leiomyoma, fibroepithelial polyp, and angiomyxoma are occasionally seen. Malignant tumours can be primary, the most common one being squamous cell carcinoma, or secondary, due to direct extension from cancers involving the adjacent organs. Characteristic morphological changes occur in the vagina after radiotherapy, which can be identified on imaging. Knowledge about the imaging appearances of these diseases is crucial in guiding appropriate management.

Comparison of the effect of noninvasive radiofrequency with vaginal estrogen and vaginal moisturizer in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) with vaginal estrogen (E), and vaginal moisturizer (M) on improving vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHODS: A total of 32 postmenopausal women who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into three intervention arms to receive one of the following treatments: three sessions of noninvasive RF therapy (RF arm); intravaginal estriol cream 1 mg applied daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 mg applied two times weekly or 1 mg of estradiol vaginal fast-dissolving film applied daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 mg applied two times weekly (E arm); and intravaginal moisturizer two times a week (M arm). Assessments at baseline and after 4 months were conducted using Vaginal Health Index score, Vaginal Maturation, visual analog scale for VVA symptoms (dyspareunia, dryness, and burning), and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) for urogenital symptoms. Vaginal wall biopsies were administered to participants who consented, pretreatment and posttreatment (at baseline and after 4 months of follow-up). RESULTS: After 4 months, the Vaginal Health Index showed an increase of 6.6 points in mean total score in the RF arm, also in the E arm (+7.3 points), with no significant improvement in the M arm (+1.5 points) (interaction effect: RF, E ≠ M, P < 0.001). Regarding vaginal maturation, there was a significant increase in superficial cells in the E arm (+31.3), with no significant changes in the RF (+9.3) and M (-0.5) arms (interaction effect: E ≠ M, P < 0.001). Vaginal pH decreased significantly in the E arm (-1.25), with a similar response in the RF arm (-1.7), with no significant improvement in the M arm (-0.25) (interaction effect: RF, E ≠ M, P < 0.001).There was a significant improvement in the MRS score for VVA symptoms in the three intervention arms, with no predominance of any arm, whereas the improvement in the total MRS score for urogenital symptoms showed a predominance of the RF arm (ΔRF: -7.8; ΔE: -3.5; ΔM: -2.3; RF ≠ E, M). According to histopathologic analysis, there was no statistically significant increase in glycogenation ( P = 0.691) or epithelial cone height ( P = 0.935), despite an increase in the median delta (difference between pretreatment and posttreatment) in the three intervention arms (glycogenation: RF arm Δ = +118.4%; E arm Δ = +130.9%; M arm Δ = +24.9%; epithelial cone height: RF arm Δ = +33.5%; E arm Δ = +18.6%; M arm Δ = +22.3%). CONCLUSION: The effect of noninvasive RF on the treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause was similar to vaginal estrogen, except for hormonal cytology, and superior to vaginal moisturizer, with improvement in some histomorphometric parameters. These findings are promising, especially for the population that cannot or prefers not to use vaginal estrogen therapy.

The LADY study: epidemiological characteristics of prevalent and new genitourinary syndrome of menopause cases in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is often underdiagnosed and undertreated despite its significant impact on postmenopausal quality of life. We assessed the prevalence of GSM and associated symptoms in Greek perimenopausal/postmenopausal women attending gynecology clinics. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty women, aged 40-70 years (93.1% postmenopausal), attending three gynecology clinics at university hospitals completed a validated questionnaire and underwent pelvic examination. RESULTS: GSM was diagnosed in 87.6% of the women at the study visit, whereas only 16% of the overall sample had been previously diagnosed with the condition. Vaginal dryness (72.7%), vulvar burning sensation or itching (58.0%) and dyspareunia (52.7%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Pelvic signs consisted of vaginal dryness (89.1%), loss of vaginal rugae (80.6%) and vulvovaginal pallor (86.9%). However, only 31.3% of the participants had discussed genitourinary symptoms with their health-care professionals (HCPs). Regarding management, only 11.1% of women had prior experience with any form of therapy, and currently only 8.7% were receiving treatment. CONCLUSION: GSM is highly prevalent in this Greek perimenopausal/postmenopausal population. Nevertheless, the majority of women remain undiagnosed and untreated. Education for both women and HCPs regarding GSM will lead to improved diagnosis and better management of this syndrome.

Effect of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy combined with CO2 laser pretreatment for vaginal condyloma acuminate.

BACKGROUND: Condyloma acuminatum (CA) of the vagina is a sexually transmitted disease due to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV). The treatment efficacy of the conventional methods for vaginal CA is often unsatisfactory with a high recurrence rate. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with CO2 laser pretreatment is a feasible approach for vaginal CA, but the effectiveness and safety need further evaluation. METHODS: This study enrolled 15 patients with vaginal CA. All patients underwent CO2 laser ablation and then ALA-PDT for two or three cycles. The clinical efficacy and side effects were evaluated and analyzed during the treatment and 6 months after the treatment. RESULTS: The wart lesions in 4 cases (26.7 %) disappeared after the first treatment. The wart lesions in 5 cases (33.3 %) disappeared after the second treatment. And 6 cases (40 %) needed three treatment cycles before the lesions disappeared completely. The complete response (CR) rate was 93.3 % (14/15) at 2 weeks after three treatment cycles. There were 5 cases (83.3 %) which have complete remission after 2 treatments in warts diameter <1 cm group. There were only 4 cases (44.4 %) which have complete remission after 2 treatments in diameter>1 cm group. All patients had CR without reoccurrence at 6 months after treatment. The side effects mainly included a mild or moderate burning or stinging sensation (26.7 %). There were no infection, ulcers and scars after treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy combined with CO2 laser pretreatment is a safe and effective treatment for vaginal CA.

Randomized trial: treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause using radiofrequency.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency treatment in postmenopausal women not willing to use or presenting a contraindication for menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and suffering from genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). METHODS: A prospective randomized open study evaluated the effect of radiofrequency treatment versus a gel (control group) in postmenopausal women suffering from GSM. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 10-12 weeks of treatment for severity of vulvovaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, pH, vaginal smear maturation index, Vaginal Health Index and Female Sexual Function Index. The difference at baseline and after 10-12 weeks of treatment and the difference in improvement were tested between groups by a two-sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were only able to treat 48 patients (24 patients using radiofrequency and 24 patients using a gel). Globally, at the end of the study, there were no differences in changes of the measured outcomes between the group of women treated with radiofrequency and the control group. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency treatment was found to be safe, but was not superior to a gel, although the study lacked power. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03857893).

Pelvic floor function after third and fourth degree perineal lacerations: a case-control study on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to compare the quality of life between women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and women with intact perineum or minor vaginal tears following their first vaginal birth through a validated urogynaecological questionnaire. As a secondary aim, we wanted to identify the specific symptoms for pelvic floor dysfunction after a vaginal birth. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three cases (III- and IV-degree vaginal tears) and 133 controls (intact perineum or I- and II-degree vaginal tear) were asked to fill the PFDI-20 condition-specific and quality of life survey at three and 12 months after vaginal delivery. The survey evaluates pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms through three subsections: the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI), the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI), and Urinary Distress Inventory, (UDI). The scoring system ranges from 0 (no distress) to 100 (maximum distress) for each subsection, subsequently summed up to obtain the summary score (0 to 300). The patients recruited were asked to complete the survey at 3- and 12-months follow-up visit. Accordingly, data collection started. Categorical variables were subjected to Chi-square test or Fisher's Exact test. Quantitative variables were compared through Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: All surveys have shown statistically significant differences when comparing the cases to the control group. Consequently, PFDI-20 has shown a strong correlation between III- and IV-grade lacerations and pelvic floor dysfunction persistence at 12 months after delivery. Intestinal symptoms were the most reported disturbances among women with previous OASI. CONCLUSIONS: Major vaginal tears have demonstrated to have a strong impact on women's quality of life up to a follow-up of 12 months. The use of PFDI-20 questionnaire is a useful and valid tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of genital prolapse, fecal and urinary incontinence in primiparous women with a history of OASI. Thus, its application in clinical practice can help offering the most adequate rehabilitative treatment.

Safety and efficacy of non-ablative CO2 laser treatment of vulvo-vaginal atrophy in women with history of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) suffer severe vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) and some of the most effective therapies are contraindicated. In literature we have no data about the non-ablative CO2 laser on these women. The aim of this study was to examine its efficacy, safety and acceptability in BCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The enrolled women underwent 3 sessions of laser therapy (t0, t1, t2) and a one-month follow up examination (t3). At each time point we measured objective signs of VVA via VHI (Vaginal Health Index) and VuHI (Vulvar Health Index) and subjective parameters (Dryness, Burning, Itching, Dysuria) via visual analog scales (VAS). In sexually active women we evaluated the sexual function with FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS (Female Sexual Distress Score) scores and MENQOL (menopause quality of life questionnaire). RESULTS: We enrolled 26 BCS. The mean VHI, VuVHI, dryness and burning VAS scores improved significantly and this improvement was not influenced by the initial VVA grade. MENQOL sexual domain, Lubrication, Orgasm and Pain domains and FSFI total score improved significantly, while Desire, Arousal and Satisfaction domains of FSFI and FSDS did not. At t0 women using Aromatase Inhibitors suffered more severe vaginal dryness than women using Tamoxifen or no therapy, but the three subgroups improved without differences. No adverse event and minimum discomfort were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The non-ablative CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment of VVA and has positive effects on sexual function in BCS regardless the use of adjuvant therapies and the initial grade of VVA.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Greek Women After Menopause: The LADY Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), apart from symptoms related to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), also consists of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Based on the common embryological origin of the genital and lower urinary system, the presence of estrogen receptors, and the high prevalence of VVA and LUTS in the menopausal population, the two conditions can coexist. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of LUTS in a sample of Greek peri- and postmenopausal women. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty (450) women, aged 40-70 years, attending three outpatient gynecology clinics for routine examination, completed a structured interview and responded to a validated questionnaire (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, ICIQ-FLUTS). RESULTS: Urinary urgency or frequency affected 51.6% and dysuria 43.6% of the participants. Mild urgency or frequency was described by 25.6%, moderate by 14.4%, and severe by 11.6% of the women. Mild dysuria was reported by 26.26%, moderate by 5.8%, and severe by 11.6%. Age, weight, BMI, and number of pregnancies and abortions correlated with a higher ICIQ-FLUTS score. Women with moderate/severe symptoms of VVA, such as irritation, a burning sensation, and pruritus of the vulva or vagina, had a higher ICIQ-FLUTS score than women without such symptoms (beta coefficient 2.42, CI 1.204, 3.635, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract symptoms are very common among peri- and postmenopausal women and are linked to symptoms of VVA. Our data support the need for prompt evaluation of women transitioning to menopause, as these symptoms compromise the quality of life.

Vulvar-vaginal-gingival-otic syndrome.

In order to retrospectively analyse the multi-site involvement pattern of erosive lichen planus patients, we retrospectively reported the clinical and medical data of three patients with erosive lichen planus which involving their vulva, vagina, gingiva, and ear canal. We confirmed the existence of otic lichen planus, and found that it is more common in patients with vulvovaginal-gingival syndrome of erosive lichen planus. Therefore, we propose 'vulvovaginal-gingival-otic syndrome' to further describe this rare compound pattern of lichen planus.

Neonatal Single-Stage Surgical Management of Complicated Distal Vaginal Atresia: Revisiting an Appropriate and Feasible Technique.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Hydrometrocolpos is distension of the vagina and uterus with fluid other than pus or blood. It is due to distal vaginal obstruction, and one of its possible causes is agenesis of the distal vagina. Patients with distal vaginal atresia may present in the neonatal period due to stimulation of uterine and cervical glands by maternal estrogen. In this study, we presented our results in managing neonates with complicated hydrometrocolpos due to distal vaginal atresia through a single-stage abdomino-perineal pull-through vaginoplasty. METHODS: During the period from July 2003 to June 2018, neonates presented to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University with complicated hydrometrocolpos (complicated with obstructive uropathy, intestinal obstruction, urinary tract infection, or systemic sepsis) due to distal vaginal atresia were included in the study. All the patients underwent single-stage abdomino-perineal pull-through vaginoplasty with drainage of the accumulated fluid. The patients were followed up for re-accumulation of fluid or vaginal stenosis for at least 4 years after the procedure. RESULTS: During the specified period, 14 neonates with complicated hydrometrocolpos due to distal vaginal atresia (complicated with obstructive uropathy, intestinal obstruction, urinary tract infection, or systemic sepsis) presented to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and underwent single-stage abdomino-perineal pull-through vaginoplasty with drainage of the accumulated fluid. Their age ranged between 4 and 18 days (mean 10, median 8). Two patients (14%) developed vaginal stenosis, which responded well to dilatation, and none of the patients had re-accumulation of the fluid during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Single-stage abdomino-perineal pull-through vaginoplasty in neonates with complicated distal vaginal atresia (complicated with obstructive uropathy, intestinal obstruction, urinary tract infection, or systemic sepsis) is an appropriate and feasible technique with a satisfactory outcome. TYPE OF THE STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE RATING: IV.