Pd24-12 Barriers to Peri- And Post-Menopausal Women Using Vaginal Estrogen Therapy Include Cost and Fear of Side Effects

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Reconstructive Surgery (Including Non-trauma Related Fistula and Urethral Diverticulum) (PD24)1 May 2024PD24-12 BARRIERS TO PERI- AND POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN USING VAGINAL ESTROGEN THERAPY INCLUDE COST AND FEAR OF SIDE EFFECTS Sabrina L. Stair, Jennifer Chyu, Shazia Rangwala, Cristina Palmer, and Una Lee Sabrina L. StairSabrina L. Stair , Jennifer ChyuJennifer Chyu , Shazia RangwalaShazia Rangwala , Cristina PalmerCristina Palmer , and Una LeeUna Lee View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008840.07763.8d.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vaginal estrogen therapy (VE) is the first line treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and it has been shown to be safe and effective. However, VE is underutilized by patients and providers. While there is an effort to increase awareness and education among providers, a deeper understanding of patient barriers to usage is also needed. The objective of this study is to examine patients' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding VE and GSM. METHODS: A survey on GSM and VE was posted on ResearchMatch. Eligible participants were women≥40 years of age. Demographic information, menopausal status, current knowledge, prior experiences and barriers associated with VE and GSM were queried. Satisfaction with their care on a 5 point Likert scale (3 coded to the neutral value and 5 coded to high) was assessed. RESULTS: Respondents (n=367) had a mean age of 57±10 years. 316 (86%) were White. 77 (21 %) were premenopausal, 46 (12.5%) perimenopausal, and 213 (58%) post-menopausal. The vast majority (324/367; 88.3%) reported at least one symptom of GSM. While 230 (62.3%) had heard of VE therapy, 89 (24%) had been given a prescription and only 96 (26%) had used it. Cost (19%) and fear of side effects (67%) were the most common reasons women did not use their VE prescription. 16 (73%) reported prior breast cancer diagnosis influenced their willingness to try VE. 96 (26%) women reported their symptoms were not adequately addressed by their healthcare provider, and 11 (3%) had been refused a prescription for VE when they asked. On a scale of 1 to 5, median satisfaction with menopausal symptom treatment was 3 (IQR 3-4). In the subset of women (87/367) who used VE therapy, the majority (69%) were very much improved (15/87; 17%) or somewhat improved (45/87; 52%). 8 (9%) reported side effects, including vaginal irritation (3.7%), burning (3.7%), and hot flashes (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of survey respondents reported at least 1 symptom of GSM. VET usage was lower than reported GSM symptoms. Patient barriers to using VET include cost and fear of side effects. A quarter of women reported their symptoms were not adequately addressed by their provider. The majority of women using VET reported symptomatic improvement and few side effects. Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e535 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Sabrina L. Stair More articles by this author Jennifer Chyu More articles by this author Shazia Rangwala More articles by this author Cristina Palmer More articles by this author Una Lee More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...