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Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes (VIVA-LATAM): results from a survey in Latin America

Abstract:

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.