How Menopause Affects Intimate Health and Sexual Function
Why Does Menopause Cause Intimate Health Problems?
Declining estrogen during menopause causes genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), affecting up to 50% of postmenopausal women. This condition causes vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal tissues, painful intercourse, and urinary symptoms like frequent infections. Unlike hot flashes that may improve over time, GSM typically worsens without treatment.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated consequences of estrogen deficiency. Many women suffer in silence with painful sex, recurrent UTIs, and vaginal discomfort because they’re too embarrassed to discuss these symptoms or don’t realize effective treatments are available. The tragedy is that vaginal estrogen is highly effective and considered safe for almost all women, yet many providers don’t discuss this option.