Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age, is associated with considerable reproductive and gynaecological sequelae and increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections including HIV. Although we understand the burden of BV in women of reproductive age, much less is known about the burden of BV in postmenopausal women. We undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of BV in postmenopausal women. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched for English-language papers reporting on the prevalence of BV in postmenopausal women and published up until the end of July 2020. Search terms included: (prevalence OR survey OR proportion) AND ‘bacterial vaginosis’. Meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled estimates of prevalence. We identified 2461 unique references and assessed 328 full-text articles for eligibility, with 13 studies included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of BV ranged from 2.0 to 57.1%, with a summary estimate of 16.93% (95% CI: 8.5–27.4; I2 = 97.9). There was considerable heterogeneity between studies and quality varied considerably. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the condition in postmenopausal women and understand its effect on their lives.

On-Line Temperature Monitoring System of Electrical Equipment Based on Passive Wireless Sensor

“…(2) e packaging shell adopts AMC design and improves the reading speed of the label; second, since the metal layer is located at the bottom of the layer, it has good thermal conductivity at the temperature of the thermistor. (3) e button returns to the simplicity of setting [20].…”

Understanding and Preventing Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis: Important Considerations for Clinicians

“… 1 Among post-menopausal women, BV prevalence ranges between 2% and 57% with an overall prevalence of 16.9%, per a recent systematic review and meta-analysis including 13 English-language studies. 23 …”

The Postmenopausal Vaginal Microbiome and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

“…A recent meta-analysis found that the prevalence of BV among postmenopausal women ranged from 2.0% to 57%, with a summary estimate of 16.9%. 44 The standard diagnostic criteria for BV are typically valid only for premenopausal individuals. 10 Amsel's criteria, commonly used in clinical practice, requires at least 3 of the 4 criteria: presence of noninflammatory vaginal discharge (typically thin, homogeneous, and non-adherent), amine odor after addition of 10% potassium hydroxide to a sample of vaginal discharge, clue cells on saline microscopy, and vaginal pH > 4.5.…”

“…BV, although highly prevalent among premenopausal individuals reporting abnormal vaginal discharge, can be particularly challenging to diagnose among postmenopausal individuals. A recent meta-analysis found that the prevalence of BV among postmenopausal women ranged from 2.0% to 57%, with a summary estimate of 16.9% 44 . The standard diagnostic criteria for BV are typically valid only for premenopausal individuals 10 .…”