Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Youn-Jee Chung, Suhyun Shim, Sejin Kim, Jimin Cha, Jae-Yen Song, Min Jeong Kim, Mee-Ran Kim
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 lasers for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in Korean women. Results showed that after two sessions of laser therapy, some GSM symptoms improved significantly and the vaginal health index score (VHIS) increased significantly after completion of the treatment. The average satisfaction of patients with the laser therapy was 4.3. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the long-term effects of laser therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nancy A. Phillips, Gloria A. Bachmann
Summary: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common syndrome in postmenopausal women, characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary urgency. Diagnosis and treatment require consideration of various factors, and healthcare providers can significantly improve women's health and quality of life by proactively discussing and providing interventions for GSM.
MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Nursing
Jean M. Marino
Summary: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects approximately 50% of menopausal women and can have negative impacts on their lives and relationships. Treatment options include moisturizers, lubricants, and medications.
JOURNAL OF MIDWIFERY & WOMENS HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jing Wang, Ling Wang
Summary: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) mainly occurs in postmenopausal women, caused by insufficient sex hormones leading to anatomical and physiological changes in the vagina. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) shows promise as a treatment for VVA, especially in women with contraindications to estrogen therapy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ayane C. A. Sarmento, Juliana F. Lirio, Kleyton S. Medeiros, Camila Marconi, Ana P. F. Costa, Janaina C. Crispim, Ana K. Goncalves
Summary: The study suggests that laser and radiofrequency therapy may be promising and safe therapeutic options for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and urinary incontinence. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the strength of the evidence before generalizing the findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
P. Cox, N. Panay
Summary: The demand for non-hormonal therapies for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is increasing due to an increasing number of long-term cancer survivors and increased public awareness of menopause symptoms. This review provides a summary of the characteristics and current evidence for the main forms of non-hormonal therapies for VVA. Further research is needed, including long-term data and larger randomized controlled trials for alternative treatments when vaginal estrogen cannot be used. It is important to educate healthcare providers and patients on VVA and the importance of non-hormonal therapies for quality of life.
Article
Oncology
Antonia Pearson, Haryana M. Dhillon, Belinda E. Kiely
Summary: Despite most healthcare professionals having some understanding of genitourinary symptoms in women with early breast cancer, only a small percentage feel confident in managing these symptoms. More education and training are needed to help healthcare professionals better address this common problem.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Olivia Engholt Mortensen, Sarah Emilie Christensen, Ellen Lokkegaard
Summary: This study reviewed the literature on the use of LASER for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, and lichen sclerosus, and discussed the controversies surrounding its efficacy and safety. The review found that the effect of vaginal and vulvar LASER decreases with higher study quality, and emphasized the need for further high-quality evidence to support the use of LASER as a treatment for these conditions.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Wenhui Qi, Huiyang Li, Chen Wang, Huanrong Li, Aiping Fan, Cha Han, Fengxia Xue
Summary: This study provides an overview of the latest literature on genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), emphasizing the importance of the vaginal milieu in producing symptoms, especially the impact of hormone states on the vaginal microbiome and mucosal immunity. It highlights the pathophysiological basis of GSM symptoms and the need for further research on the role of microbiome and mucosal immunity in vulvovaginal health.
MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alyssa N. Gardner, Sarit O. Aschkenazi
Summary: A retrospective chart review of 139 women found that vulvovaginal fractional microablative CO2 laser therapy is effective and safe for treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, improving sexual function and reducing pain.
MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nur Hilwani Ismail, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Mohd Helmy Mokhtar, Azyani Yahaya, Aini Farzana Zulkefli, Sheril June Ankasha, Khairul Osman
Summary: This study evaluated Malaysian Gelam honey as an alternative to estrogen hormone replacement therapy (ERT) in alleviating vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Results indicated that Gelam honey administration increased the localization of Aqp1, Aqp5, CFTR and Muc1 proteins in vaginal tissue. Additionally, Gelam honey upregulated Muc1 expression, promoting mucus production and reducing the occurrence of vaginal atrophy in the surgically-induced menopause models.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Eduard Mension, Inmaculada Alonso, Marta Tortajada, Isabel Matas, Silvia Gomez, Laura Ribera, Sonia Angles, Camil Castelo-Branco
Summary: The use of vaginal laser therapy for GSM has increased globally despite lacking endorsement from international societies. Studies suggest that it may improve VAS, FSFI, and VHI scores in the short term, but safety outcomes are underreported. Well-designed clinical trials with sham-laser control groups are necessary to provide better evidence on efficacy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ye Zhu, Junxiu Wei, Xin Yang, Wei Zhu, Weiting Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in middle-aged and older women in Beijing, China. The results showed that GSM is prevalent in old age Chinese women and is related to urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Older age, menopause, and faecal inconsistency (FI) were identified as independent risk factors for VVA.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrzej Wozniak, Slawomir Wozniak, Ewa Poleszak, Tomasz Kluz, Lukasz Zapala, Aleksander Wozniak, Tomasz Rechberger, Andrzej Wrobel
Summary: The postmenopausal state affects a large percentage of women's lives and many experience GSM symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, inflammations, lack of elasticity, or dyspareunia. This study found that fractional CO2 laser treatment effectively improved these symptoms and increased the quality of life for women. The treatment restored the correct structure and composition of the vaginal epithelium, leading to positive results in both objective and subjective evaluations.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juan Pedro Matzumura Kasano, Hugo F. Gutierrez Crespo, Raul Alberto Ruiz Arias, Isabel Alamo
Summary: The study aimed to describe the impact of genitourinary syndrome symptoms on daily activities and well-being in peri-and postmenopausal women living in an urban area. The results showed that there were varying degrees of symptoms affecting daily activities, emotional well-being, sexual function, and self-concept and body image. These symptoms had a negative impact on social life and quality of life.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Faustino R. R. Perez-Lopez, Junhua Yuan, Manuel Sanchez-Prieto, Maria T. Lopez-Baena, Gonzalo R. R. Perez-Roncero, Seshadri Reddy Varikasuvu
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the levels of maternal and cord blood betatrophin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normoglycemic controls. The results showed that women with GDM had higher levels of betatrophin in the second half of pregnancy compared to the normoglycemic controls. Additionally, women with GDM also had increased levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA-IR, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and body mass index.
DIABETES-METABOLISM RESEARCH AND REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gilbert Donders, Helena Kopp Kallner, Brian Hauck, Anja Bauerfeind, Ann-Kathrin Frenz, Michal Zvolanek, Dale W. Stovall
Summary: This study investigated bleeding profile satisfaction, pain, and ease of placement with the levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD. The results showed that most participants rated the pain of IUD placement as 'none' or 'mild', and most clinicians rated placement as 'easy'. Regardless of age or parity, most participants were satisfied with the bleeding profile, and IUD placement was associated with little to no pain for most women.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roni Kraut, Fabiola Diaz Carvallo, Richard Golonka, Sandra M. Campbell, Anoush Rehmani, Oksana Babenko, Mao-Cheng Lee, Pedro Vieira-Baptista
Summary: Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a little-known and controversial condition that is often overlooked in women with vulvovaginitis symptoms. This scoping review identified 64 studies on CV from around the world, with most studies published since 2007. There are knowledge gaps in various aspects of CV research, and further studies are needed to validate CV and ensure effective diagnosis and treatment for women.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
F. R. Perez-Lopez, A. M. Fernandez-Alonso, E. Mezones-Holguin, P. Vieira-Baptista
Summary: This review examines the clinical associations between specific low genitourinary tract clinical conditions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women living with HIV. Despite appropriate antiretroviral therapy, these women may experience menstrual dysfunction, vaginal microbiome alterations, vaginal dryness, low sexual function, and increased risks of certain cancers and infections. Furthermore, menstrual dysfunction and early menopause could contribute to a higher risk of vascular atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. It is important to manage these risks and complications related to hormone dysfunction and early menopause in WLHIV.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gilbert G. G. Donders, Francesca H. W. V. Donders
Summary: Proper recognition and personalized therapy are crucial for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The assessment of VVA should include questionnaires, wet mount microscopy, and the determination of Vaginal Cell Maturation Index (VCMI) and infections. Low dose vaginal estriol is safe and efficient, making it the first choice hormonal treatment for women with contraindications for steroid hormones. New estrogens, androgens, and SERMs are being developed and tested, and alternative therapies such as intravaginal Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or Vit D may be suitable for women who cannot or do not want to use hormones. Proper diagnosis, including microscopy of vaginal fluid, is essential for effective treatment. Low dose vaginal estrogen treatment, especially with estriol, is preferred for most women. Oral ospemifene and vaginal dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are considered safe and efficient alternative therapies. More safety data are awaited for several SERMs and a newly introduced estrogen: estetrol (E4). The indications for laser treatments are questionable.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Vesna Kesic, Xavier Carcopino, Mario Preti, Pedro Vieira-Baptista, Federica Bevilacqua, Jacob Bornstein, Cyrus Chargari, Maggie Cruickshank, Emre Erzeneoglu, Niccolo Gallio, Murat Gultekin, Debra Heller, Elmar Joura, Maria Kyrgiou, Tatjana Madic, Francois Planchamp, Sigrid Regauer, Olaf Reich, Bilal Esat Temiz, Linn Woelber, Jana Zodzika, Colleen Stockdale
Summary: The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) have developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions to improve the care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN depends on the grade of the lesion, with different treatment options available. Surgical excision is the mainstay treatment, but laser methods and topical agents can also be used. Close follow-up and adherence to treatment are crucial for VaIN patients. HPV vaccination is expected to help prevent VaIN and vaginal cancer. The effects of treatment on quality of life and psychosexual issues should be addressed, and patients need up-to-date information on treatment options and follow-up.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Jackie Sherrard, Janet Wilson, Gilbert Donders, Werner Mendling, Jorgen Skov Jensen
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STD & AIDS
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Ardashel Latsuzbaia, Davy Vanden Broeck, Severien Van Keer, Steven Weyers, Gilbert Donders, Jean Doyen, Wiebren Tjalma, Philippe De Sutter, Alex Vorsters, Marc Arbyn
Summary: The accuracy of Xpert HPV testing on vaginal self-samples was compared with clinician-collected samples. The study found that the sensitivity of Xpert HPV assay for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ⠂2 was similar between self-samples and clinician-collected samples, but the specificity was slightly lower when using Qvintip for self-sampling.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sandra C. Sanchez-Zarza, Anastasia K. Armeni, Peter Chedraui, Faustino R. Perez-Lopez, Antonio W. D. Gavilanes
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and factors related to severity in mid-aged women. The results showed that menopausal symptoms were related to hormonal, sexual and other female aspects.
GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eline Cauwenberghs, Eline Oerlemans, Stijn Wittouck, Camille Nina Allonsius, Thies Gehrmann, Sarah Ahannach, Ilke De Boeck, Irina Spacova, Peter A. Bron, Gilbert Donders, Veronique Verhoeven, Sarah Lebeer
Summary: This study examined the salivary microbiome of 255 healthy women of reproductive age and identified a preserved bacterial community of 12 genera. Contrary to expectations, the number of intimate partners or specific contraceptive use did not have a major impact on these bacterial communities. However, recent use of oral antibiotics was associated with decreased richness and increased relative abundances of certain taxa. Associations between host-related and lifestyle variables and the salivary microbiome appeared to be subtle, suggesting that the buccal environment and individual health status are the main driving factors.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christophe Depuydt, Eugene Bosmans, Jef Jonckheere, Francesca Donders, Willem Ombelet, Astrid Coppens, Gilbert Donders
Summary: This longitudinal observational cohort study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection has differential effects on sperm quality and fertility, including parameters such as motility, morphology, DNA damage, and anti-sperm antibodies. These effects may vary among individuals. However, most sperm parameters return to normal after infection.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rafaela Rodrigues, Pedro Vieira-Baptista, Carlos Catalao, Maria Jose Borrego, Carlos Sousa, Nuno Vale
Summary: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a leading global health concern, causing significant burden in terms of disease, mortality, healthcare costs, and social stigma. Chlamydial and gonococcal infections, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) respectively, are the most common bacterial STIs. These infections are often asymptomatic, but can lead to severe long-term complications and increased risk of other STIs. Dual-testing for both pathogens is recommended due to similar symptoms and frequent co-occurrence. This review provides insights into the clinical aspects, diagnostic tests, treatment, and strategies for controlling CT and NG infections worldwide. Antibiotics are the primary treatment, but the increasing incidence and antibiotic resistance pose challenges, particularly for NG infections. The potential association between CT infections and tumorigenesis is also discussed, along with the molecular basis that may aid in developing effective drugs and vaccines.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Angelina Farias Maia, Aldejane Gurgel Rodrigues, Ayane Cristine Alves Sarmento, Daniela Mayumi Takano, Pedro Vieira Baptista, Ana Katherine Goncalves
Summary: Hypertrophic herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, also known as vegetative or tumoral herpes, is a rare manifestation of HSV type 2 that predominantly occurs in immunocompromised individuals. Since 1991, fewer than 20 cases of genital hypertrophic HSV have been reported in women. The mechanism for the development of hypertrophic herpes remains unclear, but prolonged cutaneous inflammation and cytokine secretion may contribute to epithelial hypertrophy.
JOURNAL OF LOWER GENITAL TRACT DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Joana Xavier, Rita Figueiredo, Pedro Vieira-Baptista
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics associated with recurrence and progression of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women with vHSIL followed in one center between 2009 and 2021. The results showed that multifocality of the lesions was the only variable associated with progression to vulvar cancer, while other variables were not associated with progression.
JOURNAL OF LOWER GENITAL TRACT DISEASE
(2023)