Genitourinary Symptoms
Genital symptoms, sexual symptoms and urinary symptoms, collectively called genitourinary symptoms or GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) are common for many women in their menopause journey. While the research and available evidence is mainly from high-income countries, with limited research in South Africa, there are an increasing number of studies in low and middle-income countries (like Nigeria, Ethiopia, China) that confirm that genitourinary symptoms are widely experienced by women.
Vaginal dryness, burning/itching/irritation of the vulva or vagina, having repeated urinary tract infections, the need to urinate urgently and/or often (called urinary urgency and/or frequency), a lack of lubrication and discomfort during sex, a loss of sex drive, are some of the genitourinary symptoms experienced by women.
Adapted from Lim et al, 2023
My Menopause SA
Evidence-based menopause information for South African women.
Page last reviewed: 1 March 2026
Next review due: 1 March 2027