New Survey Results from 3,000 Postmenopausal Women Living with Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of more than 3,000 postmenopausal women reveals that women living with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) are either unaware of what causes this progressive and chronic condition, or are simply dissatisfied with the therapies available. The REVIVE survey (REal Women's VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vulvar/Vaginal ChangEs) exposed multiple barriers to the treatment of VVA, including lack of knowledge, reluctance to discuss symptoms and disappointment with current therapies.

Some symptoms of VVA include painful intercourse, vaginal dryness and vaginal irritation. The REVIVE survey findings were published online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Findings from this survey, the largest of its kind, have important implications as women are living longer and will spend up to one-third of their lives post menopause. In fact, an estimated 32 million postmenopausal women in the United States (U.S.) experience symptoms of VVA.

"A women's sexual health post menopause is an important aspect of her overall, general health and is therefore too important to ignore. I would like to see more women talking to their healthcare professionals about this very real medical condition so they can find a treatment option for them," said Sheryl A. Kingsberg, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and REVIVE survey author. "In this survey, many women reported that VVA has an impact on their lives – particularly their intimate relationships. Despite this, almost half of the women admitted to not discussing symptoms with their healthcare professionals because they were embarrassed or felt the topic was too difficult to discuss. This signals a need for increased awareness and communication."

The REVIVE survey also revealed that despite the widespread impact of this condition, 62 percent of women in the survey said they are "not at all familiar" with VVA and only 24 percent attributed VVA symptoms to menopause. More importantly, women who have been diagnosed with VVA report being dissatisfied with current treatment options. These respondents were using over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants/moisturizers or prescription vaginal products. The vaginal route of administration was identified as a limitation by 39 percent of all participants. Those using prescription vaginal treatments reported a dislike of application procedures and disruption of sexual spontaneity.  

The development of educational programs that foster dialogue between postmenopausal women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs) may help raise awareness and improve management of this prevalent condition.

About the REVIVE Survey
The REVIVE survey was conducted using a large cohort of postmenopausal women in the U.S. who reported having VVA and/or other symptoms consistent with VVA. Women aged 45 to 75 years who were members of the KnowledgePanel^®, a nationwide online 56,000-member panel developed and maintained by GfK Knowledge Networks, were invited to participate. Participants completed the survey between May 31, 2012 and June 14, 2012. Panel members were awarded points for their participation redeemable for merchandise, gift cards or cash.

The survey included 3,046 participants, the largest U.S. cohort of menopausal women. Of this cohort, 1,145 women (38 percent) had experienced VVA symptoms in the previous month, and 45 percent and 53 percent, respectively, had experienced VVA symptoms in the previous three and six months. A comprehensive online questionnaire was developed with input and collaboration from a panel of clinicians and researchers in menopause and sexual health, and approved by The Western Institutional Review Board. The REVIVE survey was sponsored/funded by Shionogi Inc., the U.S.-based company of Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

About Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) 
Vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic and progressive condition caused by decreased estrogen levels. Declining estrogen levels during menopause can cause tissues of the vaginal lining to grow thinner and to lose elasticity. Menopause also causes increases in vaginal pH. These physiological signs that characterize aging of the vagina can lead to moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse), a symptom of VVA due to menopause.

About Shionogi
Shionogi Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Shionogi & Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. is a major research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to placing the highest value on patients. Shionogi's research and development currently targets three therapeutic areas: women's health, infectious diseases, pain, and metabolic syndrome. In addition, Shionogi is engaged in new research areas such as allergy and cancer. Contributing to the health of patients around the world through development in these therapeutic areas is Shionogi's primary goal. For more details, please visit www.shionogi.co.jp. For more information on Shionogi Inc., headquartered in Florham Park, NJ, please visit www.shionogi.com.

SOURCE Shionogi Inc.