During menopause, most women expect to experience hot flashes and mood swings, many are surprised by two lesser-known menopause symptoms: vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (painful sex). These symptoms are the result of changes in the bladder, vulva and vagina due to falling estrogen levels during menopause. Known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), these changes can have a significant impact on a woman’s health and well-being. Unfortunately, women are often reluctant to discuss such intimate symptoms with their doctors and therefore do not receive the safe and effective treatment they deserve.

That is why Duchesnay USA and FabOverFifty partnered to produce this informative video. Available at both Osphena.com and FabOverFifty.com, the 18-minute video features Dr. James Simon, director, IntimMedicine Specialists, and Dr. Barb DePree, gynecologist, menopause care specialist and paid spokesperson for Duchesnay USA, and aims to provide women with important information about moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, what causes these symptoms and their treatment options, all in the privacy of their own homes.

According to Dr. Simon, “Unlike hot flashes and mood swings, women often do not recognize dyspareunia and vaginal dryness as real medical conditions that require treatment. They may believe that these symptoms will go away over time or get better on their own. In fact, these symptoms are chronic, meaning that without treatment, they won’t go away and may even get worse.”

The video also features two brave women who were willing to share their experiences with painful sex. The two candidly explain the impact their symptoms had on both their self-esteem and their intimate relationships. They also describe why, after talking to their doctor, they chose Osphena (ospemifene) to treat their symptoms. Osphena  is a prescription oral pill that treats moderate to severe painful intercourse and/or moderate to severe vaginal dryness, both symptoms of changes in and around the vagina due to menopause.

Please see the websites below for important safety information, including Boxed Warning regarding endometrial cancer and cardiovascular disorders, and full Prescribing Information. Possible side effects include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, muscle spasms, headache, excessive sweating, heavy vaginal bleeding and night sweats.

Dr. DePree adds, “This video is especially important because even women who find the courage to discuss their symptoms with their doctor often don’t get relief — either because they find topical products messy and inconvenient or because they have concerns about the safety of hormone-based options. We want women to know that a non-hormonal, once-daily oral treatment option is available.”

“Through projects like this video and collaborations with organizations like FabOverFifty, who share our commitment to women’s health, Duchesnay USA maintains its commitment to making a difference in women’s lives by providing both education and safe and effective treatment options for the health concerns they may face at every stage of their lives”, affirmed Duchesnay USA’s general manager, Dean Hopkins.

Duchesnay USA recently made it possible for women visiting the Osphena website to request a virtual appointment with an independent healthcare provider. As vaginal symptoms related to menopause can be a sensitive topic, providing women with the possibility of having this conversation with a healthcare provider in the comfort and privacy of their own home could help reduce the barrier.

For important safety information, visit Osphena.com and Duchesnay USA.com