55% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms of vaginal dryness.1
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age due to several different causes, but it is mostly associated with a drop in oestrogen levels, a condition frequent in menopausal.2,3 Other oestrogen deficency states may affect cancer survivors, postpartum women and those who have been taking oral contraceptives for long time.2,3
Vaginal dryness is often accompanied by other symptoms like burning, irritation, dyspareunia, post-coital bleeding, vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse3 and increased risk for recurrent vaginal infections and urinary tract infections.2
1 Kingsberg SA,et al. Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women’s VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey. J Sex Med. 2013
2Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal Atrophy. StatPearls 2021
2Nappi R.E. et al., Climateric 2020
The vulva hygiene is the first line of defence to protect from genital infections.1
Contaminants often collect in the vulvar folds. Increasing in moisture, sweating, menses and hormonal fluctuations influence vulvar microbial growth and species balance, potentially resulting in odour and vulvovaginal infection.
Genital skin is unique: it is covered by a thin stratum corneum, non-keratinized thus more permeable for microbial then the rest of body’s skin. Another characteristic of vulvar skin is the slightly more acidic pH compared to the rest of the body. Vulvar pH could be expected to fall between values of the skin and vagina’s pH (respectively, on average 4.7 and 3.5). For these reasons, it is advisable to take care of the vulvar skin by using intimate hygiene products that are specifically formulated and tested for this purpose.1
1Chen Y. et al. (2017) ‘Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage’, Women’s Health
Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after at least 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, either due to challenges in one or both partners’ reproductive systems.
According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.5% of adults globally experience infertility, with similar rates observed across regions.
The causes of infertility are varied and can affect both men and women. In 15–30% of cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Among women, infertility is most often linked to ovarian conditions, including disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and age-related factors. Notably, about 70% of ovarian-related infertility cases are connected to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Petraglia F, Fauser BC. Endocrinology – Female Reproductive Dysfunction, 2020.
Booklet; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Global Burden of Disease 2021: Findings from the GBD 2021 Study. Seattle, WA: IHME, 2024
WHO. Infertility prevalence estimates, 1990–2021. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.
Carson SA, et al. JAMA 2021;326(1):68–78
Endometriosis impacts over 170 million women worldwide, affecting up to 10% of those of reproductive age.
It is especially prevalent among women experiencing painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), difficulties conceiving (subfertility), or chronic pelvic discomfort.
This chronic and often progressive inflammatory condition is characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the endometrium outside the uterus. These tissues can form lesions in various locations, including the ovaries, intestines, bladder, even the lungs or diaphragm.
Symptoms, largely caused by inflammation, vary in severity but often include pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, urination, and bowel movements, as well as persistent pelvic discomfort.
Della Corte, Luigi et al. “The Burden of Endometriosis on Women’s Lifespan: A Narrative Overview on Quality of Life and Psychosocial Wellbeing.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,13 4883. 29 Jun. 2020.
doi:10.3390/ijerph17134883
Many infections of the female reproductive system are transmitted through sexual contact, while others occur due to an overgrowth of normally present bacteria or yeast within the vaginal environment.1
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic organism that primarily targets the squamous cells lining the genital tract. It is considered one of the most widespread nonviral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. It typically affects the lower genital tract in women and the urethra and prostate in men, with sexual transmission being the most common route. When present, the most frequent symptoms include vaginal inflammation, discomfort during intercourse, painful urination, and vaginal discharge—often diffuse, foul-smelling, and yellow-green—along with genital itching.2
1Biggs, W. S., & Williams, R. M. (2009). Common Gynecologic Infections. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 36(1), 33–51. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2008.10.002
2Kissinger, Patricia J. et al. Diagnosis and Management of Trichomonas vaginalis: Summary of Evidence Reviewed for the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 73(Supplement_1), 2021: S121–S127. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab563
Interstitial cystitis is not an infection.1 Interstitial cystitis can affect women but also men with an impaired related Quality of Life.2
Interstitial cystitis is an alteration of the internal mucous layer of the bladder where the epitelial cells are in direct contact with the urea, resulting in a chronic inflammation.1 The prevalence ranges from 0.44% in Europe to 0.87% in US.2,3 It can be confused with an urinary infection carring similar symptoms, thus be diagnosed late.1,4 Patients often describe pain in the bladder region, with an urge to urinate. This sensation is worsened with the filling of the bladder and is often relieved by urinating more often. This may happen during the daytime and/or during the night. Other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort while urinating and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, may be present. This condition report a negative effects on relationships and emplyment, and significant more sleep dysfunction, depression, anxiety and stress.1,4
1EAU-Guidelines-on-Chronic-Pelvic-Pain-2023 https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-Guidelines-on-Chronic-Pelvic-Pain-2023.pdf
2 Anger J.T., National prevalence of IC/BPS in women and men utilizing veterans health administration data, Frontiers in Pain Research, 2022
3Hakimi Z., et al., The Burden of Baldder Pain in 5 European Countries: a cross sectional study Urology 2016
4MacDiarmid S.A.Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome in Patients With Overactive Bladder Symptoms,2007 MedReviews
Neurological disorders affect up to one billion people worldwide.1
Neuroendocrine disorders are related to a variety of behavioural symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, depressed mood, lack of motivation, decreased performance at work and in sport, decreased vitality, increased anxiety and irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and impaired memory.2
Metabolic alteration of neurons and neurotrasmitters contribute to develop depression and stress related disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked depression the 4th leading cause of disability worldwide and projects that by 2030, it will be the first leading cause.3 Modern technologies highlighted both the crucial role played by membrane phospholipids in ensuring optimal neuronal function in the adult brain and the relative loss of their efficacy during the ageing process.2
1https://www.who.int/news/item/27-02-2007-neurological-disorders-affect-millions-globally-who-report#:~:text=Neurological%20disorders%20also%20include%20brain,from%20Alzheimer%20and%20other%20dementias
2Biggio 2020
3Biggio 2018
About 2.4 percent of the population is affected by peripheral neuropathy and the prevalence increases to 8 % in older population.1
Peripheral neuropathies encompass disorders of peripheral nerve cells and fibers, which manifest secondary to a wide range of pathologies. The most frequently encountered symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness and paresthesias; pain, weakness, and loss of deep tendon reflexes may accompany these symptoms. Peripheral neuropathies usually develop over months to years, while some may develop more rapidly and be progressive in nature. Peripheral neuropathies have a broad range of severity and clinical manifestations, as they can affect motor, sensory, and autonomic fibers.
1Neuropathy, C Hammi, Yeung. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
Sleep problems are a global epidemic affecting up to 45% of the world’s population.
We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Sleep is a fundamental human need, vitally important for overall health and well-being. Environmental, physiological and psychological factors can cause sleep disorders at any stage of life, from childhood to old age. Sleep disorders negatively affect physical and mental health, as well as family life, social relationships and work performance. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality entirely affect the next day, making sleep disorders a 24-hour problem. The long-term effects range from obesity to cardiovascular problems, from a weakened immune system to even certain types of cancer. Sleep has also been shown to be linked to various mental health conditions, making it an important component in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Improving sleep has a significant beneficial impact on mental and physical health and quality of life.
worldsleepday.org and Sleep Foundation
Chronic inflammatory disaeses are the most significant cause of death in the world.1
Inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism by which the immune system recognizes and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process. Inflammation can be either acute or chronic. Tissue damage due to trauma, microbial invasion, or noxious compounds can induce acute inflammation. It starts rapidly, becomes severe in a short time and symptoms may last for a few days.
Chronic inflammation is also referred to as slow, long-term inflammation lasting for prolonged periods of several months to years. Generally, the extent and effects of chronic inflammation vary with the cause of the injury and the ability of the body to repair and overcome the damage.1
1Pahwa R, Goyal A, Jialal I. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
They are usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots. The organs most affected are the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, and upper and lower limbs. The most serious complications of cardiovascular diseases are heart attacks and strokes, mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or brain. Most cardiovascular disease can be prevented by correcting behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet and obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to diagnose cardiovascular diseases as early as possible so that it can be managed immediately through lifestyle changes and appropriate drug therapies.
Source: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), Fact Sheets, WHO, 2021
One-third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol1
Lipids, such as cholesterol or triglycerides, are absorbed by the intestine and transported throughout the body via lipoproteins for energy storage or the production of other substances such as hormones. The main agents responsible for these processes are cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An imbalance in any of these factors can lead to dyslipidaemia. This is a condition that can result from diet, exposure to tobacco or genetics and lead to cardiovascular disease with serious complications such as sudden cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Numerous studies have shown that appropriate treatment of dyslipidaemia significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality.2
1Global Health Observatory, WHO
2Pappan N, Rehman A. Dyslipidemia. StatPearls. 2021
