Section 1: What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause?
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a comprehensive term encompassing a range of symptoms affecting the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract due to menopausal changes.
GSM symptoms arise from changes in the genitourinary tract, including the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary system, primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels during menopause. You may have also heard GSM referred to as “vaginal atrophy” or “atrophic vaginitis”, however, these terms do not adequately cover all symptoms of GSM. GSM manifests in various ways, such as vaginal dryness and irritation, and pain during intercourse, and may include urinary discomforts like increased urgency and recurrent infections.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
Urinary Symptoms
- Burning with urination (peeing)
- Urgency with urination
- Frequent urination
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Stress and urge urinary incontinence
- Urinating more than usual
- Painful urination
Floor Symptoms
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
- Pelvic floor muscle increased tightness/tension
- Decreased elasticity of pelvic floor muscles/tissues/fascia
Vaginal Symptoms
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced lubrication
- Vaginal irritation/burning/itching
- Thinning/graying pubic hair
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal and pelvic pain/pressure
- Vaginal prolapse (a downward shift of pelvic organs into the vagina)
- Genital itching
Sexual Symptoms
- Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Decreased lubrication during intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual activity
- Decreased arousal
- Decreased orgasm and desire
- Inability to orgasm
When it comes to urinary symptoms, you may experience:
- Burning with urination
- Frequent urination or Urgency with urination
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
You may experience pelvic floor issues like:
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
- Pelvic floor muscle increased tightness/tension
- Decreased elasticity of pelvic floor muscles/tissues/fascia
Vaginal symptoms include but may not be limited to:
- Vaginal dryness and decreased lubrication
- Vaginal irritation/burning/itching
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal prolapse (a downward shift of pelvic organs into the vagina)
- Genital itching
Sexual symptoms may include:
- Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Decreased lubrication during intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual activity
- Decreased arousal