Kelly J. Casperson, MD, presented “’Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause” during the 1st International Functional and Reconstructive Urology Update on August 28, 2024, in Denver, Colorado.
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How to cite: Casperson, Kelly J. “Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.” August 28, 2024. Accessed Oct 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause/
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause – Summary
Kelly J. Casperson, MD, emphasizes the essential role of vaginal estrogen in treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). In this 9-minute talk, she explains that many women are misdiagnosed or undertreated because physicians often lack education about menopause. Vaginal estrogen, an inexpensive and effective treatment, can address multiple symptoms, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), overactive bladder, and pain during intercourse, often misinterpreted as separate issues.
Casperson highlights how GSM affects not only sexual health but also urological function, with estrogen deficiency leading to significant anatomical changes such as urethral dysfunction and vaginal atrophy. She critiques outdated misconceptions and stresses the importance of proper hormone replacement therapy over antibiotics or invasive interventions for recurrent UTIs in postmenopausal women.
Furthermore, Casperson advocates for revisiting FDA guidelines on vaginal estrogen, noting the misleading and harmful warning labels that deter its use. She encourages physicians to integrate vaginal estrogen as a first-line treatment for many menopausal symptoms.
About The 1st International Functional and Reconstructive Urology Update (IFRUU)
The International Functional and Reconstructive Urology Update is a multi-day meeting focused on functional and reconstructive urology (FRU). FRU is a rapidly expanding subspecialty with the vision to improve the lives of all patients with urinary disorders. The IFRUU conference aims to equip practitioners with the tools to manage patients with functional urologic disorders effectively. The inaugural IFRUU conference took place from August 28-30, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.