Prevalence and Determinants of Genitourinary Syndrome among Postmenopausal Women of Eastern UP: A Cross Sectional Study

Objective: This study was centered to explore the prevalence and determinants of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in postmenopausal women of Eastern, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed, over a period of 6 months (September 2018 to February 2019), on 162 women, who had attained menopause one or more years back, visiting to Gynecology OPD of B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and had given consent for participation. Using a pre structured questionnaire, the participating women were questioned about genitourinary complains, and the relationship between these symptoms and other factors were determined. Results: The prevalence of genitourinary syndrome was found to be 38.6%. The most prevalent genital symptom was vaginal irritation/burning (69.35%), followed by vaginal dryness (61.29%). Increased frequency of micturition (54.83%) and dysuria (51.6%) were the most prevalent urological symptoms. However, dyspareunia, in sexually active females, was the most common (14.52%) symptom. Most prevalent signs were loss of vaginal rugae (88.71%) and vaginal pallor (69.35%). The prevalence of genitourinary symptoms was higher in women already having urogynecological pathologies, like stress incontinence (OR 3.6), vaginal prolapse (OR 4.43), urinary tract infections (OR 2.77). BMI >30 kg/m2 was found to be an important determinant for genitourinary syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of GSM is very high in Eastern UP. There is an urgent need that all Government and non-Government health sectors should have a menopausal clinic, with the aim of timely diagnosis and treatment and to improve the quality of life of menopausal women. Key words: genitourinary syndrome; menopause; dyspareunia; vaginal dryness.