Prevalence and Characteristics of Postpartum Vulvovaginal Atrophy and Lack of Association With Postpartum Dyspareunia

Genitourinary syndrome of lactation: a new perspective on postpartum and lactation-related genitourinary symptoms

BACKGROUND

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a well-documented condition characterized by a range of genitourinary symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. As with GSM, postpartum lactating women experience reduced estrogen and androgen levels. However, there is limited research on the impact of symptoms during the postpartum breastfeeding period.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to review the literature for genitourinary health in the postpartum breastfeeding population and summarize key findings and potential treatments.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature review in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from inception of database to November 2023 using the following keywords individually and in combination: "physiology of postpartum" or "physiology of lactogenesis" or "vulvovaginal health" or "vaginal atrophy" or "vaginal dryness" or "dyspareunia" or "urinary incontinence" or "lactation" or "breastfeeding" or "vaginal estrogen." All identified articles published in English were considered. Relevant studies were extracted, evaluated, and analyzed. The work presented in this article represents a summative review of the identified literature.

RESULTS

During lactation, high levels of prolactin inhibit estrogen and androgen secretion via negative feedback, which leads to an increased prevalence of vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence in lactating postpartum women. Despite these highly prevalent and potentially devastating symptoms, there is a lack of consistent screening at postpartum visits and no treatment guidelines available to health care providers.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum breastfeeding women experience similar physiology and symptoms to the postmenopausal phase, as seen in GSM. We propose the introduction of a novel term to describe the genitourinary changes seen in postpartum breastfeeding individuals: genitourinary syndrome of lactation. The diagnostic use of genitourinary syndrome of lactation will equip health care providers with an all-encompassing term to bring awareness to the symptoms experienced by postpartum breastfeeding individuals and lead to improved screening and treatment for the high numbers of individuals experiencing these genitourinary changes.

Abrupt perturbation and delayed recovery of the vaginal ecosystem following childbirth

The vaginal ecosystem is closely tied to human health and reproductive outcomes, yet its dynamics in the wake of childbirth remain poorly characterized. Here, we profile the vaginal microbiota and cytokine milieu of participants sampled longitudinally throughout pregnancy and for at least one year postpartum. We show that delivery, regardless of mode, is associated with a vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokine response and the loss of Lactobacillus dominance. By contrast, neither the progression of gestation nor the approach of labor strongly altered the vaginal ecosystem. At 9.5-months postpartum-the latest timepoint at which cytokines were assessed-elevated inflammation coincided with vaginal bacterial communities that had remained perturbed (highly diverse) from the time of delivery. Time-to-event analysis indicated a one-year postpartum probability of transitioning to Lactobacillus dominance of 49.4%. As diversity and inflammation declined during the postpartum period, dominance by L. crispatus, the quintessential health-associated commensal, failed to return: its prevalence before, immediately after, and one year after delivery was 41%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. Revisiting our pre-delivery data, we found that a prior live birth was associated with a lower odds of L. crispatus dominance in pregnant participants-an outcome modestly tempered by a longer ( > 18-month) interpregnancy interval. Our results suggest that reproductive history and childbirth in particular remodel the vaginal ecosystem and that the timing and degree of recovery from delivery may help determine the subsequent health of the woman and of future pregnancies.

Postpartum dyspareunia: clinical evaluation, causes, and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

Dyspareunia affects approximately half of postpartum women and is attributed to multiple factors. Despite its high prevalence and resultant negative effects, data are lacking regarding the causes and different pain components, the usefulness of recommended treatments, and the prognosis.

AIM

To evaluate causes of postpartum dyspareunia, targeted treatment modalities, and their effectiveness.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted of women diagnosed with postpartum dyspareunia between September 2008 and January 2017 at a single designated vulvovaginal disorder clinic. The inclusion criterion was complaint of painful intercourse commencing postdelivery. The cohort was divided into 4 groups based on the causes of dyspareunia: muscle hypertonicity, scar tenderness, vestibular tenderness, and atrophy.

OUTCOMES

The following were assessed for each group: patient background demographics, clinical and obstetric data, physical findings, recommended therapy, adherence to the suggested treatment, level of improvement at follow-up visits, and length of time until maximal improvement.

RESULTS

A hundred women met the inclusion criterion; the majority (n = 60) presented with >1 causative factor. The most common finding was vestibular tenderness (n = 78, 78%), which was significantly associated with atrophy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 15.08; 95% CI, 2.45-93.35), contraceptive usage (aOR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.07-21.39), and primiparity (aOR, 4.89; 95% CI, 1.01-23.88). Episiotomy was the only risk factor for scar tenderness (aOR, 5.43; 95% CI, 1.20-24.53), while the existence of a spontaneous perineal tear was not. No specific correlation was found with pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity. Targeted treatment resulted in significant improvement in most patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

A targeted diagnostic and treatment approach for postpartum dyspareunia is effective and can be beneficial for caregivers treating postpartum women.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

A uniform and consistent protocol for patient selection and management is a major strength, which magnifies the clinical implication of our findings. The retrospective nature of the study is the primary limitation.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum dyspareunia is a common problem; however, many women refrain from discussing it with their providers. Therefore, it is important to assess this condition with all women during the postpartum visit as targeted diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Topical estrogens and non-hormonal preparations for postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: An EMAS clinical guide

INTRODUCTION

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic condition caused by estrogen deficiency. It affects around 50% of postmenopausal women, reducing their general and sexual quality of life as well as the quality of their personal relationships.

AIM

The aim of this clinical guide is to set out an individualized approach to the management of VVA with topical estrogens and non-hormonal preparations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS

An individualized approach is required for the management of VVA. Topical low-dose estrogens are effective and also alleviate urinary incontinence and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. Women should not be denied long-term use of topical estrogens as long as they feel that this treatment is of benefit to them, because the safety data are reassuring. Non-hormonal preparations (lubricants and moisturizers) should be the first-line treatment for VVA in women taking adjuvant endocrine therapies for cancers considered to be hormone-dependent. They can be used over the long term.