How Nurse Practitioners Approach Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Abstract This online survey from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners examined how nurse practitioners (NPs) identify, discuss, and treat the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in postmenopausal women. Most NPs were either extremely (49%) or somewhat (30%) comfortable discussing vulvar and vaginal health with their patients but were not familiar with the term GSM. NPs (72%) frequently prescribed vaginal estrogen products for dyspareunia/vulvar and vaginal atrophy, but patients refusing this treatment primarily stated their concerns about safety. An opportunity exists to improve NP and patient knowledge about GSM symptoms and the safety and efficacy of associated treatment options.