Eficacia del tratamiento de fisioterapia en el síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia: revisión sistemática

Background and objective

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a progressive and prevalent condition in postmenopausal women. This study aims to describe the efficacy and safety of physiotherapy in managing GSM symptoms, including urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pain.

Materials and methods

A peer-reviewed systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases. The search terms included «menopause», «genitourinary syndrome of menopause», «physiotherapy», and «pelvic floor». Randomized controlled trials were selected, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, while levels of evidence and recommendation grades were determined according to the SIGN scale.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included, most of which demonstrated high methodological quality and a recommendation grade of 1+. Three main treatment strategies were identified: education, therapeutic exercise—particularly pelvic floor muscle training—and radiofrequency. Improvements were observed in quality of life, reduction of urinary symptoms, enhancement of sexual function, overall satisfaction, and pelvic floor muscle strength, with no reported adverse effects.

Conclusions

Physiotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for managing GSM, potentially improving urinary and vulvovaginal symptoms, as well as the quality of life and sexual function of postmenopausal women. Further studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to define specific treatment strategies and optimal dosing.