067 - Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause - Professor James Simon & Dr Louise Newson

In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson is talking with Professor James Simon about Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause which affects the majority of women after the menopause and can include symptoms such as vaginal discomfort, irritation, dryness and pain during sexual intercourse. However, only the minority of women currently receive treatment and this needs to change. Treatment with localised oestrogen can be very effective for the majority of women and is very low risk. Other symptoms related to this condition include urinary symptoms and Prof Simon talks with Dr Newson about how common urinary infections and consequent sepsis can be and how this can be avoided by using vaginal oestrogen.  Professor James Simon's Three Take Home Tips: Bring it up with your health professional and be direct. Speak to them about about when you are experiencing pain. If one treatment doesn't work for you - make sure you don't give up. Speak to your doctor about an alternative and remember that women often need more than the standard dose. Remember that urinary tract infections and urinary symptoms are part of the whole syndrome. You can treat those symptoms and infections by taking care of the vagina and vulva as a whole. Find out more about Professor Simon by visiting his website here. Find Professor Simon on Facebook: @IntimMedicine Twitter: @IntimMedicine Instagram: @menopause.whisperer