Urogenital symptoms more common in postmenopausal Hispanic, obese, and diabetic women

Postmenopausal women who are Hispanic, obese, and/or diabetic appear to be at higher risk for urogenital symptoms, according to findings from a large study.

Researchers analyzed 98,705 women enrolled in the U.S.-based Women's Health Initiative. The women filled out questionnaires at enrollment in the study.

Overall symptom prevalence rates were: dryness (27%), irritation or itching (18.6%), discharge (11.1%), and dysuria (5.2%).

Four factors were correlated with two or more symptoms: Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, treated diabetes, and use of vaginal cream. Factors not associated with urogenital symptoms included sexual activity, age, years since menopause, current smoking, marital status, gravidity, and natural versus surgical menopause.

The study appears in the Dec. 10 issue of Maturitas (2004; 49:292-303).