Cervical cancer and human papillomavirus in indigenous Guyanese women.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of cervical disease, human papillomavirus infection, and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in indigenous villages of Guyana.

Study Design: This is a retrospective analysis of a clinical cervical cancer screening and treatment program: 2250 women underwent cytologic screening; 1423 women were concomitantly screened for HPV. HPV genotyping was performed in 45 women with high-grade dysplasia and in 9 women with cervical carcinoma.

Advances in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy are both common menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy is currently the only FDA-approved treatment for hot flashes. Current recommendations are to use the lowest dose of hormone therapy for the shortest period that will allow treatment goals to be met.

Vaginal symptoms and urinary incontinence in the elderly women.

Urogenital symptoms of vaginal dryness, urogenital irritation and itching, vaginal discharge, and urinary incontinence are common among postmenopausal women. Several studies have documented a lower rate of treatment-seeking behavior with increasing age in patients with urinary symptoms, and our clinical experience indicates a need for physician-initiated queries on vaginal/urinary symptoms. These urogenital conditions are amenable to treatment with pharmacotherapy and behavioral and/or surgical treatment.