Sexual Medicine Research Team
Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL)
Postpartum women during their lactation can experience a spectrum of genitourinary symptoms which often go overlooked. We propose the new term “Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation” (GSL) to bring recognition to this multifaceted collection of genitourinary symptoms experienced by lactating women. This syndrome manifests through a variety of symptoms, including vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms, and even alterations in sexual function, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. We have published a literature review and are currently undertaking a systematic review and survey project to further assess GSL, its impact on the postpartum population, and barriers to treatment.
GSL Physiology
The hormone estrogen helps maintain the health of the vulva, vagina, and urethral tract. In postpartum women breastfeeding can cause a low estrogen state. This hormonal change can lead to vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary issues, and sexual dysfunction.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness has been consistently reported by breastfeeding individuals. Lactation-induced vaginal dryness can cause discomfort, irritation, and pain, affecting the quality of life for breastfeeding individuals.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia, defined as pain or difficulty with intercourse, has frequently been observed in breastfeeding women. Despite this, current evidence is still unclear about the relationship between breastfeeding and dyspareunia. Other potential causes of dyspareunia during the postpartum period may be trauma or lacerations from delivery.
Wound Healing
Lacerations or trauma from delivery can take longer to heal due to the low estrogen state in breastfeeding postpartum women. As estrogen maintains the health of the vulva and vagina, a low estrogen state can prolong wound healing, further contributing to sexual dysfunction and vaginal irritation.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (involuntary urinary loss) is a frequently underreported aspect of the postpartum period. There is little evidence examining the relationship between low estrogen and urinary incontinence; however, evidence exists suggesting that estrogen supplementation can improve urinary incontinence.
Interested in reading the evidence?
Literature Review About Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation
GSL Physiology
Vaginal Dryness
Help us learn more!
If you have delivered within the last 24 months and are currently breastfeeding, please consider taking the survey below in order to help us learn more about the genitourinary syndrome of lactation! We thank you for your time and consideration!