CHANGES TO THE POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN'S DAY TO DAY LIFE IN CONFRONTING THE SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL AGING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

The aging of the vagina and its associated symptoms after menopause are one of
the most common complications in postmenopausal women. Considering the changes in the life of
postmenopausal women after experiencing the vaginal problems was the main objective of this study.
Due to the lack of studies in this particular area, the researchers conducted a study with the aim of
explaining the changes in the natural course of life in postmenopausal women who face vaginal aging
symptoms.
Materials & Methods: This research is a qualitative study with a content analysis approach that took
place in 2019. The research participants were selected from Ramsar, Tonekabon, Langroud, and Rasht.
Participants in the study were 34 postmenopausal women who have inclusion criteria. Data collection
was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was performed
simultaneously with data collection. Four-dimension criteria (Lincoln & Guba) were used to evaluate
the rigor of the findings.
Results: Data analysis led to the identification of the three themes "changes in the daily activities",
"reduction of psychological well-being", and "facing sexual problems".
Conclusion: The experience of postmenopausal women in this study indicates the widespread role of
vaginal disorders in the various areas of life, which requires specific attention of health system.
Consequently, monitoring and supporting them to adapt to natural changes should be considered during
the planning phase