PT Approaches to Urogenital Health Across the Menopausal Transition

This presentation will explore how aging and hormonal shifts during and after the menopause transition impact the anatomy of the vulva, vagina, urethra, bladder, pelvic floor muscles, and pelvic fascia. These anatomical changes, coupled with the age-related decrease in muscle strength, contribute significantly to the increased prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder observed in the 4th and 5th decades of life. Furthermore, hormonal changes lead to significant changes in vulvovaginal anatomy, contributing to pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.

Unfortunately, these symptoms are not only embarrassing for our patients, but also have negative impacts on their mood, ability to participate in exercise, quality of life, and even their risk of falls. This session will explore the genitourinary disorders prevalent during the menopausal transition and beyond. We will discuss evaluation and treatment strategies that not only improve genitourinary health ,but also positively influence our patients’ overall physical and mental well-being.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand and be able to educate patients on how anatomical changes during the 4th and 5th decades of life impact genitourinary health.
2. Be able to describe the broader negative consequences of urinary dysfunction prevalent during menopause, and explain why the treatment of incontinence and overactive bladder is crucial for a patient's overall health and well-being.
3. Understand how the vulvovaginal changes that occur during menopause can contribute to vulvodynia and dyspareunia.
4. Understand the necessary considerations for comfortable examination and treatment of patients experiencing pelvic pain during the menopausal transition and beyond.
5. Learn about evidence-based treatment strategies for urinary and sexual dysfunction that can be used to help patients with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

About the Speaker

Lauren Trosch, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Lauren Trosch, PT, DPT  is a pelvic floor physical therapist and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist practicing in the DC metro area. She has served in a number of leadership positions with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Pelvic Health and has presented with the International Pelvic Pain Society, myPFM, and also speaks locally in her community to help raise education and awareness of pelvic health concerns through the lifespan.

Follow Lauren on Social Media: @laurentroschpt