Feasibility of developing a new tool for assessing vaginal health in women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause;The VAN study

Abstract

Objectives

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common condition, yet there is no accessible, objective clinical method with which to make a diagnosis of vaginal changes associated with GSM. We undertook a feasibility study to assess suitability of different objective diagnostic methods and obtained quantitative scores using a new GSM Assessment Tool (NGAT) and vaginal maturation vlue (VMV). These scores were correlated with patient reported symptoms obtained via a questionnaire.

Study Design

VAginal Health – What’s Normal (VAN) Study is a prospective, observational, feasibility study, evaluating NGAT and VMV. Sixty women (12 healthy controls and 48 symptomatic) were recruited and had a baseline assessment. The symptomatic women were offered treatment and had a second assessment 16 weeks later.

Results

Compared with control group, symptomatic women had higher NGAT and VMV scores at baseline. After treatment, in symptomatic women, symptoms improved and NGAT scores reduced, while the median value for VMV was unexpectedly reduced.

Conclusions

This data suggests that clinical assessment and accurate recording of GSM can be supported by an objective scoring system, particularly in primary care and warrants adequately powered future studies to assess the utility of these methods in clinical and research setting.