Objective: To investigate awareness in Latin America, knowledge of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy was evaluated in a sample of women from this region.
Methods: A total of 2509 postmenopausal women aged 55-65 years, resident in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, completed a structured online questionnaire.
Results: Over half the surveyed population (57%) reported experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Only 6% of the overall cohort attributed symptoms of vaginal atrophy directly to the condition, and 71% did not consider the condition to be chronic, resulting in many women not accessing effective therapy. Half the women (49%) affected by vaginal atrophy had used lubricating gels and creams; 36% had used some form of local hormone treatment. To understand symptoms and/or treatment options for vaginal discomfort, the majority of survey participants (92%) were willing to seek advice from health-care professionals; most (61%) felt/would feel comfortable talking to their doctor about this.
Conclusion: Many women in Latin America lack knowledge of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, not appreciating the chronic nature of the condition, and may benefit from dialog initiated by health-care professionals to facilitate greater understanding and increased awareness of the availability of effective treatment.
Keywords: Attitude; Latin American women; genitourinary syndrome of menopause; local estrogen therapy; menopause; survey; vaginal atrophy; vaginal health.