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Chapter 30 - Gynecologic Issues

from Section III - Care of the Elderly by Organ System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2022

By
Rebecca Jackson  and
Ashley R. Tran
Edited by
Jan Busby-Whitehead ,
Samuel C. Durso ,
Christine Arenson ,
Rebecca Elon ,
Mary H. Palmer  and
William Reichel
Jan Busby-Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Samuel C. Durso
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
Christine Arenson
Affiliation:
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Rebecca Elon
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Mary H. Palmer
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
William Reichel
Affiliation:
Georgetown University Medical Center
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Summary

Gynecologic issues continue throughout a woman’s lifespan. Elderly patients are less likely to report symptoms than younger patients, especially when pertaining to gynecologic concerns and sexual dysfunction. Sensitive history taking with careful attention to risk factors and sexual history is an important part of caring for older women. If a pelvic exam is going to be performed, adjustments may need to be made. This chapter focuses on the most common gynecologic issues of the elderly: vulvovaginitis and other vulvar conditions, menopausal symptoms, pelvic floor prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and gynecologic malignancies.

Keywords

menopausal symptomsgynecologic malignanciespelvic organ prolapsesexual dysfunctiongenitourinary syndrome of menopausevulvovaginal symptoms
Type
Chapter
Information
Reichel's Care of the Elderly
Clinical Aspects of Aging
 , pp. 373 - 382
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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