Understanding the postmenopausal vulva and vagina can be difficult. These separate tissues are often confused by patients and undertreated by the entire medical profession. This lecture will define the anatomy and focus on two specific clinical entities: 1) vulvar vestibulodynia, and 2) genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), formerly vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). After a brief introduction to these separate disorders, approaches to evidence-based management will be thoroughly reviewed.
Upon completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:
Dr. James A. Simon is Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at George Washington University in Washington DC. A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counsellor, Dr. Simon’s private medical practice, IntimMedicine Specialists® (www.IntimMedicine.com), focuses on complicated gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, menopause, and sexual health. His pioneering experience utilizing both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies for menopausal and sexual problems has resulted in numerous awards including: “Top Washington Physicians,” “America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” “Super Doctors of Washington DC-Baltimore-Northern Virginia,” and “The Best Doctors in America.” Dr. Simon is the only physician to serve as President of both The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Nicknamed “The Menopause Whisperer” by Washingtonian Magazine, Dr. Simon received both the NAMS-Leon Speroff Outstanding Educator Award and the ISSWSH-Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Simon is an established clinical investigator--completing more than 400 clinical research trials, and he’s also a prolific author—with more than 800 published articles, abstracts, chapters, proceedings, and the paperback book: Restore Yourself: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Sexual Desire and Passion for Life.