Publication
Title
Pharmacotherapy for the treatment of vaginal atrophy
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Despite its frequency, recognition and therapy of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) remain suboptimal. Wet mount microscopy, or vaginal pH as a proxy, allows VVA diagnosis in menopause, but also in young contraception users, after breast cancer, or postpartum. Intravaginal low dose estrogen product is the main therapy. Ultra-low-dose vaginal estriol is safe and sufficient in most cases, even in breast cancer patients, while hyaluronic acid can help women who cannot or do not want to use hormones. Areas covered: The authors provide an overview of the current pharmaceutical treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy and provide their expert opinions on its future treatment. Expert opinion: The basis of good treatment is a correct and complete diagnosis, using a microscope to study the maturity index of the vaginal fluid. Minimal dose of estriol intravaginally with or without lactobacilli is elegant, cheap and can safely be used after breast cancer and history of thromboembolic disease. Laser therapy requires validation and safety data, as is can potentially cause vaginal fibrosis and stenosis, and safer and cheaper alternatives are available.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. - London
Publication
Abingdon : Taylor & francis ltd , 2019
ISSN
1465-6566
DOI
10.1080/14656566.2019.1574752
Volume/pages
20 :7 (2019) , p. 821-835
ISI
000464565800007
Pubmed ID
30897020
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 02.05.2019
Last edited 02.10.2024
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