Other Titles

Women's Sexual Health

Abstract

Session presented on Saturday, July 25, 2015: Purpose: A pilot study was conducted for the inquiry of vaginal probiotics for menopausal women with self-reported dyspareunia. Methods: Initial menopausal survey tool for assessment of urinary incontinence, dyspareunia and general vasomotor complaints allowed for women with self-reported dyspareunia to be further evaluated. potential candidates where then contacted and offered the opportunity to participate in an open lable study using a vaginal probiotic once per week for 6 weeks. After full disclosure and IRB approved consent was signed, the subjects examined and vaginal ph measurement obtained. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI, 2002) was administered. After 6 weeks of intervention, the women returned, repeated the FSFI and were examined with vaginal ph reassesed. A diary of dates and times probiotic was used and sexual intercourse took place was kept during the study and turned in to the PI. Results: 107 menopausal women were screened, 37 fit the criteria of self-reported dyspareunia. 10 entered the enrollment process, only 7 completed. 2 discontinued the study due to out of state travel and 1 due to partners sudden illness. FSFI scores showed improvements in all 6 domains, including a decrease in pain and vaginal dryness. Conclusion: The initial data suggests larger enrollment and data collection will be necessary. Further research into the vaginal microbiome and its role in vaginal function is needed.

Authors

Ellen L. Neu

Author Details

Ellen L. Neu, ARN AANP, ACCN

Sigma Membership

Rho Epsilon

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Menopause, Dyspareunia, Probiotics

Conference Name

26th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Conference Year

2015

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Menopausal Dyspareunia and Probiotics: A Future Approach?

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Session presented on Saturday, July 25, 2015: Purpose: A pilot study was conducted for the inquiry of vaginal probiotics for menopausal women with self-reported dyspareunia. Methods: Initial menopausal survey tool for assessment of urinary incontinence, dyspareunia and general vasomotor complaints allowed for women with self-reported dyspareunia to be further evaluated. potential candidates where then contacted and offered the opportunity to participate in an open lable study using a vaginal probiotic once per week for 6 weeks. After full disclosure and IRB approved consent was signed, the subjects examined and vaginal ph measurement obtained. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI, 2002) was administered. After 6 weeks of intervention, the women returned, repeated the FSFI and were examined with vaginal ph reassesed. A diary of dates and times probiotic was used and sexual intercourse took place was kept during the study and turned in to the PI. Results: 107 menopausal women were screened, 37 fit the criteria of self-reported dyspareunia. 10 entered the enrollment process, only 7 completed. 2 discontinued the study due to out of state travel and 1 due to partners sudden illness. FSFI scores showed improvements in all 6 domains, including a decrease in pain and vaginal dryness. Conclusion: The initial data suggests larger enrollment and data collection will be necessary. Further research into the vaginal microbiome and its role in vaginal function is needed.