Cervicovaginal lavage fluid zinc level as a marker of vaginal atrophy

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between cervicovaginal fluid zinc levels and participants' menopausal status and the presence of vulvovaginal symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Methods: Women included in the study underwent a pelvic examination, collection of vaginal cytology, and cervicovaginal lavage was performed in a standardized fashion. The cervicovaginal lavage zinc content was determined. The vaginal health index was calculated, and the visual analog scale was obtained based on the participant's burning, itching, vaginal pain, dyspareunia, dryness, and dysuria. Results: One hundred twenty women participated in the study. Eighty-two participants were menopausal. The mean vaginal health index was 15 +/- 6, while the total visual analog scale score was 14 +/- 14. We found significant differences between cervicovaginal lavage zinc level and age group, menopausal status, presence of vaginal dryness, and vaginal atrophy. We also found a moderate positive correlation between Vaginal Maturation Value and cervicovaginal lavage zinc levels (r = 0.495,Pvalue < 0.01) in the correlation analysis. However, in the multivariate regression model, including all significant factors, only vaginal atrophy remained significant. Conclusions: We found a significant association between vaginal atrophy (vaginal maturation value < 50) and cervicovaginal lavage zinc levels. Zinc levels of cervicovaginal lavage could be used as a new marker of vaginal atrophy.