Spectrum of Gynaecological Disorders in elderly women of Kashmir. (A Hospital Based Study)

Abstract

Background: With the typical age at menopause being between the ages of 50-55 years, the women in the geriatric age group are well into their postmenopausal phase of life. As life expectancy increases postmenopausal years may exceed the duration of the reproductive years for many. It is important that primary care clinicians be aware of common gynaecological concerns and the potential impact of these on the function and quality of life of elderly women.

Objective: To know the spectrum of various gynaecological disorders in elderly women. To emphasize on increasing the different screening programs for early detection and management of different gynaecological disorders in elderly women. To emphasize on the necessity of establishing geriatric units for women to give a better quality of life to elderly women

Study-Design: Prospective study.

Participants: A total of 150 patients with age greater than 60 years.

Material & Methods: A total of 150 patients with age greater than 60 years reporting to the outpatient department of skims medical college, with gynaecological complaints were included in the study, proper history, examination and investigations were done.

 Results and Conclusion: The most common gynaecological disorder in the elderly women was pelvic organ prolapse(43.33%), postmenopausal bleed(30%),urinary problems(20%), benign or malignant disorders of genital tract(16%), atrophic vaginitis(13.3%),lichen sclerosis(11.33%), vaginal wall cyst(2.66%), hematometrium(2%).

 Implication: The type management of gynaecological problems in elderly women can be challenging and differ from those for younger women, thus caring for these women in their reproductive years as well in later life should be an aim for all obstetrician/gynaecologists.