The prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms in Japanese women of reproductive and perimenopausal ages: A cross‐sectional study across generations

Aim This cross‐sectional study evaluated vaginal health and hygiene practices among reproductive and perimenopausal women in Japan using an online‐based questionnaire. Methods The questionnaire included 11 well‐structured questions concerning vulvovaginal symptoms and hygiene care practices. Participants' responses were anonymized and analyzed descriptively. The relationships of age, family income, occupation, and childbearing with women's concerns regarding vaginal or vulvar problems were analyzed by chi‐square tests. Results About 80% of women in their 20s to 50s in Japan reported experiencing vulvovaginal symptoms. Women in their 40s had significantly fewer symptoms than women in their 20s (p = 0.04), and women in their 50s had significantly fewer symptoms than all other age groups (20s, 30s, and 40s) (p