Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Prevalence and quality of life in Spanish postmenopausal women. The GENISSE study

AbstractObjective: To determine the prevalence of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and urogynecological conditions associated with menopause, and to evaluate the impact of GSM on quality of life in a cohort of Spanish postmenopausal women.Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study involving 430 women.Results: The prevalence of GSM was 70%. GSM was diagnosed in 60.2% of women with no known diagnosis of vulvovaginal atrophy or GSM. Most prevalent symptoms were vaginal dryness (93.3%) and reduced lubrication with sexual activity (90.0%). Most prevalent signs were decreased moisture (93.7%) and loss of vaginal rugae (78.4%). GSM was significantly associated with stress or mixed urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and vaginal prolapse. Symptoms showed a low-moderate impact on quality of life, mainly in sexual functioning and self-concept and body image.Conclusions: The GSM is very prevalent in Spanish postmenopausal women, affecting up to 70% of those consulting the gynecolog...