New Survey Shows Seven Out of Ten Women Were too Embarrassed to Discuss Vaginal Dryness and Pain With Their Physician

LONDON - The majority of post-menopausal women are uncomfortable talking about vaginal dryness and pain and are reluctant to seek medical help, according to results from a new international survey presented today at the European Congress on Menopause in London. Results from the survey show that over a third (39 percent) of post-menopausal women experience these symptoms of vaginal atrophy and 40 percent of women who have recently experienced vaginal dryness and pain said it interferes with their sex life, yet seven out of ten would not discuss the problem with their physician (only 30 percent of women would consider talking to a gynaecologist, and only 29 percent would consider talking to a GP).

This reluctance to discuss the problem means a quarter would wait for over a year before finally contacting their physician. Additionally, more than a third of those surveyed did not know there are local treatments available.

“The results of this survey really highlight my experiences of treating menopausal women and in my practice in Italy it is even worse. I see many women who have vaginal dryness and pain post-menopause, and the most alarming aspect is that they wait for so long, with only 17 percent of surveyed women taking a treatment to counteract these symptoms.” said Dr. Rossella Nappi, Director of the Gynecological Endocrinology & Menopause Unit at the Maugeri Foundation, University of Pavia, Italy. “In addition to the physical pain that affects the women, there is an emotional impact on them and their partner as well, and it is difficult for physicians to break the ice on such a sensitive issue. There is definitely a taboo factor involved as the survey shows that, of those who have experienced vaginal dryness and pain, 47 percent would rather speak to a female physician than a male physician about the problem.”

Local symptoms such as painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and soreness are caused, like other menopausal symptoms, by the gradual decline of oestrogen production in ovaries.

Despite the survey highlighting that so many women delay seeking treatment, it does show that 67 percent of those who have had or are currently taking treatment experience improvements, including an improved quality of life, a return to normal sexual activity, and an improvement in the relationship with their partner.

“The survey results highlight the need for doctors to be pro-active in addressing this taboo head-on by discussing vaginal health with their patients. In addition, I also strongly urge women experiencing vaginal dryness and pain to discuss the issue, as ignoring these symptoms may also lead to more serious long-term urogenital problems. Vaginal dryness and pain don’t need to be considered as a natural part of growing older and effective treatment options, such as vaginal oestrogen tablets, pessaries, creams or rings are available and can easily be prescribed by their healthcare professional.” said Professor Henry Burger, Consultant Endocrinologist, Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health, Melbourne, Australia.

Notes to editors:

About the survey

The survey was commissioned by Novo Nordisk and conducted by You Gov Zapera. The survey was conducted online between March and April 2009, with results received from 4246 female respondents in Canada, Finland, Sweden, United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

For background information, including factsheets on the menopause and survey results, please contact: novonordisk@cohnwolfe.com

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 26,550 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘NVO’. For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.

Novo Nordisk(R) is a registered trade mark owned by Novo Nordisk A/S.

Source: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Further information: Global media please contact: Julian Butler, Tel: +41-43-222-4300, jbut at novonordisk.com