A Comparison of Vaginal Artery Vascularization in Postmenopausal Women with and without Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Cross-sectional Analytic Study
Keywords:
Vaginal Artery Vascularization, Postmenopausal women, Genitourinary Syndrome of MenopauseAbstract
This study aims to compare vaginal blood flow (PI,RI), Vaginal Health Index (VHI) between postmenopausal women with and without Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). A Cross-Sectional Analytic study was conducted among 44 postmenopausal women at Menopausal clinic, Chaophrayayommarat Hospital from January to June 2024. The Pulsatile index (PI), Resistance index (RI), Vaginal Health Index (VHI) were measured. Pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were measured using a Voluson™ P6 ultrasound system. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were assessed to ensure measurement reliability. Group differences were analyzed using the Mann – Whitney U test, and associations were evaluated using the Chi - square test.
The results revealed that the characteristics between two groups were similar in age, body mass index, menopause period and para. The Pulsatile index (PI) in postmenopausal women with GSM was significant higher than without GSM (6.34 + 2.21 and 3.31 + 1.19; p = 0.002). Similarly, RIs in GSM group and non-GSM group were 5.66 + 2.23 and 2.31 + 0.98 (p = 0.001), respectively. In addition, all parameters of VHI based on vaginal physical findings in GSM group were significant lower than non-GSM group (p < 0.001).
In conclusion, the postmenopausal women with GSM appeared to lower in vaginal artery circulation and vaginal physical changes compared to non-GSM group.
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