Dr. Ekene Enemchukwu, MD, MPH, FACS, highlighted a critical gap in healthcare: the lack of awareness surrounding the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and the positive effects of vaginal estrogen. In a recent conversation with Urology Times®, she emphasized the necessity for enhanced education on these issues for both healthcare providers and patients.

Breaking the Silence on GSM

According to Dr. Enemchukwu, there’s an urgent need to integrate knowledge about GSM into medical curriculums and improve teamwork among urologists, gynecologists, and primary care physicians. She stated, "We still have some work to do in improving awareness, incorporating it into our curriculums, and promoting collaborative work among different specialties that frequently encounter these women."

Shocking Statistics Reveal the Need for Action

Dr. Enemchukwu's insights are backed by alarming study findings. Research presented at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, & Urogenital Reconstruction 2025 Winter Meeting revealed that only 9.1% of the 1.9 million patients with GSM-related conditions filled prescriptions for vaginal estrogen during the study period. These numbers underscore the dire need for targeted interventions.

Towards a Multidisciplinary Approach

As an associate professor of urology and obstetrics/gynecology at Stanford Medicine, Dr. Enemchukwu believes that each healthcare system must determine what model works best for them in diagnosing and treating GSM. She noted, "Each institution needs to identify who is responsible for this aspect of diagnosis and treatment, and when to refer patients, simplifying the entire process."

Streamlining Care for Women’s Health

To tackle these issues, Dr. Enemchukwu proposes research initiatives that focus on identifying "low-hanging fruit"—simple solutions that can make healthcare systems more efficient in diagnosing and treating conditions like GSM. This approach could significantly improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare effectiveness.