ĐẶT LỊCH KHÁM

At the 15th Annual Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Society for Sexual Medicine, MSc. Dr. Pham Minh Ngoc presented research on the clinical characteristics and management approaches for sexual dysfunction in perimenopausal and menopausal women. The report contributes practical data to support comprehensive healthcare for this group of women.

On July 26, 2026, in Hanoi, the 15th Annual Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Society for Sexual Medicine took place under the theme “Updating Knowledge, Driving Innovation.” The event brought together more than 500 delegates from Vietnam and abroad, along with nearly 100 scientific presentations spanning multiple specialized fields of andrology and sexual medicine.

The conference was organized with a multidisciplinary focus, grounded in scientific evidence and closely tied to clinical practice. Sessions centered on the latest research, advanced techniques, and emerging trends in global sexual medicine.

A wide range of professional topics were discussed, including personalized treatment, male infertility, sexual dysfunction in both men and women, reproductive endocrinology, regenerative medicine, genetics, and artificial intelligence and digital transformation in medicine. The conference also covered advances in micro-TESE techniques, testicular mapping, artificial penile implants, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and regenerative therapies.

As part of the program, MSc. Dr. Pham Minh Ngoc — Deputy Director of the Center for Sexual Medicine of Hanoi — presented a report titled “Clinical Morphological Characteristics and Management Approaches for Sexual Dysfunction in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women: A Case Series Report.”

The presentation clarified the common manifestations of sexual dysfunction during perimenopause and menopause, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and orgasmic dysfunction, along with their psychological effects and impact on quality of life. Some cases present with multiple overlapping symptoms, reflecting the complexity of the condition.

According to MSc. Dr. Pham Minh Ngoc, the average life expectancy of Vietnamese women is 79 years, meaning nearly one-third of a woman’s life falls within this stage — so overall quality of life depends heavily on how well this period is managed. Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among perimenopausal and menopausal women: over 70% report pain and reduced desire during intercourse, and 55–65% report decreased libido and reduced lubrication. Despite these high rates, awareness and attention to sexual dysfunction in this age group remain disproportionately low relative to its actual prevalence. Dr. Ngoc’s research found that reduced sexual desire is the most common complaint, followed by pain during intercourse. The majority of women in this age group (80%) continue to have sex on a monthly basis, yet only 20% discuss their discomfort with their partner, and up to 52% report dissatisfaction with their current sex life. This raises an important question: do these women genuinely want to continue, or are they simply trying to meet their partner’s needs?

Dr. Ngoc also emphasized the need for a dedicated protocol and approach to this issue. Clinical evaluation should comprehensively assess menopausal symptoms, vaginal mucosal condition, physical health, psychological factors, and relationship dynamics. A multimodal, personalized approach is key to successful treatment. Based on each patient’s individual condition, physicians should provide counseling and lifestyle adjustment as the foundation, combined with tailored pharmacological treatment, and, where needed, pelvic floor therapy and psychosexual counseling. Local hormone therapy is currently considered the most effective treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Following the presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Du, chair of the session, praised the survey data on menopausal health conducted by the Center for Sexual Medicine of Hanoi , calling it valuable practical evidence that reflects the sexual healthcare needs of women during perimenopause and menopause. The findings also point toward new directions for clinical evaluation and treatment approaches.

In addition to Dr. Ngoc’s presentation, physicians from the Center for Sexual Medicine of Hanoi actively took part in various professional activities throughout the conference — an opportunity for the team to exchange clinical experience, stay updated on new advances, and strengthen connections with experts in Vietnam and abroad.

The knowledge and professional recommendations shared at the conference will continue to be studied and selectively applied by the Center in practice. Through this, the Center for Sexual Medicine of Hanoi aims to further develop comprehensive, scientific, and compassionate care solutions to improve sexual health and quality of life for women during perimenopause and menopause.