Female Sexual Health: Compassionate Care for your Menopausal Patient

October 16, 2020 from 12:00pm EDT to 12:50pm EDT

Dianna Wachtel, DHSc, PA-C, CCPA

Historically there has been much confusion and concern surrounding the administration of replacement hormones for peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Research shows that approximate 50% of post-menopausal women are affected by decreased sex drive, pain with intercourse, vulvo-vaginal atrophy, and urinary problems. Other articles point out that many women “suffer in silence” because they are uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss these problems with their providers. It’s time for primary care providers to educate themselves on how best to approach these topics with their female patients before these life-altering changes occur. The timing and scope of the problem will be outlined: timeline, physical symptoms, and physiologic changes; Best communication techniques will be discussed, latest research on symptomatic and systemic treatment will be considered.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the sexual health concerns of peri and post-menopausal women;
2. Determine the best way to open this topic with patients;
3. Outline available treatment options – oral, topical, etc. and contrast risks/benefits;
4. Discover sources of current literature on women’s sexual health topics.