Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a prevalent yet underdiagnosed condition in postmenopausal women, affecting quality of life and sexual health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of GSM symptoms, their impact, and the barriers preventing women from seeking medical consultation in Jordan.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 368 postmenopausal women aged ≥45 who attended outpatient clinics in Al-Salt, Jordan. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire covering genitourinary, urinary, and sexual symptoms, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and perceived barriers.

Vaginal dryness (26.9%), itching (23.6%), and discharge (22.0%) were the most common genital symptoms, with dryness being the most bothersome (37.0%). Stress urinary incontinence (45.1%) and nocturia (40.8%) were frequent urinary complaints, while loss of libido (39.4%) and reduced arousal (32.1%) were the most reported sexual issues. The mean impact scores were 4.3 (genital), 6.1 (urinary), and 3.8 (sexual) on a 0–10 scale. Women reported significantly higher impact from urinary symptoms compared to both genital and sexual symptoms (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the impact of genital and sexual symptoms (p = 0.453). Despite these burdens, 70.9% of participants had no prior awareness of GSM, and only 28.6% sought medical help. The most common motivations for seeking care were symptom severity (63.4%) and desire for treatment (87.1%). Key barriers included perceiving symptoms as mild (58.0%), assuming they were a normal part of aging (55.6%), and believing symptoms were temporary (34.1%).

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms were common among Jordanian postmenopausal women, with urinary complaints, particularly stress incontinence and nocturia, having the most significant impact on daily life. Despite the symptom burden, awareness of GSM was low, and less than one-third of affected women sought medical help. While symptom severity and desire for treatment were the main drivers of consultation, key barriers included normalizing symptoms, belief in their temporariness, and perceiving them as mild. Interestingly, cost concerns were associated with a higher likelihood of help-seeking, suggesting that perceived urgency may outweigh financial hesitation.

GSM is underrecognized and undertreated despite its significant impact, especially from urinary symptoms. Targeted awareness campaigns, routine provider inquiry, and culturally sensitive education are essential to bridge the gap between symptom experience and medical consultation in postmenopausal women.