Impact of postmenopausal vaginal discomfort on sex and relationships in Brazil: the CLOSER survey

• Published in: Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society Vol. 24; no. 6; pp. 593 - 599
• Main Authors: Pompei, L. M., Wender, M. C. O., Kulak, J., Pires, I., Suvarna, Y., Nappi, R. E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02-11-2021
• Subjects: Aged; Atrophy; Brazil; discomfort; Female; genitourinary syndrome; Humans; local estrogen therapy; male partner; Middle Aged; postmenopausal; Postmenopause; Sexual Behavior; Vagina; vaginal atrophy; Vaginal dryness; Brazil; local estrogen therapy; discomfort; genitourinary syndrome; Vaginal dryness; vaginal atrophy; male partner; postmenopausal
• ISSN: 1369-7137; 1473-0804
• DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1908988

The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On SEx and Relationships) survey investigated how postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (VA) affects relationships between Brazilian women and male partners.
Postmenopausal women (age 55-65 years) with VA, and male partners of women with the condition, completed an online survey on the impact of VA and local estrogen treatment on intimacy and relationships.
A total of 360 women and 352 men from Brazil were included. Women (83%) and men (91%) reported that they were comfortable discussing VA with their partners. Women's key source of information on VA was health-care providers (HCPs), but 44% felt that not enough information is available. VA caused 70% of women to avoid sexual intimacy and resulted in less satisfying sex. VA had a negative impact on women's feelings and self-esteem. Women (76%) and men (70%) both reported that treatment with vaginal estrogen improved their sexual relationship, primarily by alleviating women's pain during sex. Women (56%) and men (59%) felt closer to each other after treatment.
VA had a negative impact on sexual relationships for both women and men in Brazil, and reduced women's self-confidence. Vaginal hormone therapy improved couples' sexual relationships. A proactive attitude of HCPs is essential to educate women on VA and the potential benefits of treatment.