Gynecology

Your vulvovaginal dryness checklist

Women health
Gynecology

How many women do you see who may experience vulvovaginal dryness, discomfort, irritation, pain during sex or urinary symptoms? How often is the topic spontaneously discussed during consultation or at the pharmacy counter?

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Created 01 September 2026
Updated 01 September 2026

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Created 01 September 2026
Updated 01 September 2026

Vulvovaginal dryness is common (1 in 5 women affected)1, 2, but often under-recognized and rarely discussed. It can occur across life stages, not only after menopause, and may affect comfort, intimacy and quality of life. It may be linked to low-estrogen states, but also to postpartum and breastfeeding, hormonal contraception, some medications, cancer therapies, dermatologic, neurologic or autoimmune conditions, and other situations.

≥1 in 5 women Vulvovaginal dryness can occur across life stages, not only after menopause.

In the context of menopause-related symptoms, the communication gap is striking: in the European REVIVE Survey, 65% of symptomatic women expected their healthcare professional to initiate the conversation, yet healthcare professionals initiated the discussion about vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms in only 10% of cases where the topic was discussed.3

65% vs 10% a communication gap

This gap is precisely why the Vulvovaginal Dryness Checklist was developed:

to help healthcare professionals ask, recognize, explain and guide care with confidence.

Dr Clarence de Belilovsky, Dr Isabelle Dehaene, Dr Brigitte Letombe, Prof. Rossella E. Nappi and the Biocodex Microbiota Institute have created a practical checklist dedicated to vulvovaginal dryness.

This tool supports healthcare professionals in:
  • identifying vulvovaginal dryness and associated symptoms; 
  • distinguishing vulvar and vaginal symptoms; 
  • exploring sexual comfort and intimacy with sensitive wording; 
  • recognizing warning signs and differential diagnoses; 
  • understanding the role of estrogens, tissue changes and vaginal microbiota; 
  • guiding general management and follow-up; 
  • helping pharmacists open the conversation and refer when needed.

Download the vulvovaginal dryness checklist

Sources

1. Waetjen LE, Crawford SL, Chang PY, et al. Study of Womenʼs Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study. Menopause. 2018 Oct;25(10):1094-1104.

2. Wilhite M. Vaginal dryness. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Approach to Disease. Elsevier; 2018:592-599.

3. Nappi RE, Palacios S, Panay N, et al. Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in four European countries: evidence from the European REVIVE Survey. Climacteric. 2016 Apr;19(2):188-97. 

Tags
Microbiome Flora Vaginal microbiota Vagina Menopause Vulva Vulvovaginal dryness Vaginal dryness Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) Sexual health Vulvar health Diagnosis
    Gynecology

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