Painful Sex, Dryness, “UTIs,” and Perimenopause: It Might Be GSM

Summary:In this episode of the Burn the Rulebook podcast, Rachel Boyle discusses the often-overlooked topic of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which can lead to painful sex, dryness, and urinary issues during perimenopause and menopause. She emphasizes the importance of understanding GSM, its impact on intimate relationships, and the need for proper treatment and communication between partners. Rachel provides insights into treatment options, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, and encourages women to seek help rather than suffer in silence.Chapters:00:00 Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)09:33 Navigating Relationships and Intimacy During GSMTakeaways:● GSM is often misunderstood and can affect relationships.● Pain during sex is not normal and should be addressed.● Women often withdraw from intimacy due to pain, leading to relationship issues.● Communication with partners about discomfort is crucial.● There are effective treatments for GSM that many women are unaware of.● Localized estrogen therapy can help rebuild vaginal tissue.● Pelvic floor therapy can address underlying issues causing pain.● Women should not feel embarrassed to discuss sexual health concerns.● The recent removal of the black box warning on estrogen is significant.● Seeking professional help is essential for improving sexual health.Keywords:genitourinary syndrome, menopause, painful sex, relationship, treatment, intimacy, pelvic floor therapy, estrogen therapy, communication, women's health