We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms and vaginal rejuvenation in perimenopausal women.
- Authors
Arroyo, César
- Abstract
Background: This study investigated a novel fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for treatment of symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in perimenopausal women. Methods: The study included 21 perimenopausal women (mean age 45±7 years) treated three times by CO2 laser resurfacing and coagulation of the vaginal canal tissue and mucosal tissue of the introitus. Vaginal health index (VHI) scores were computed by the investigator at baseline and follow-ups. Subjects reported on sexual function, satisfaction, and improvement with treatment. A visual analog scale was used to measure discomfort with treatment. Results: Vaginal health and subject assessment of vaginal symptoms improved with successive treatments. At 12 weeks following the third treatment, 82% of the patients showed a statistically significant improvement in VHI (P<0.05). Additionally, 81% of subjects reported improvement in sexual gratification, 94% reported improvement in vaginal rejuvenation, and 100% reported satisfaction with treatment. VHI improvement remained significant at 6-8 months after treatments (P<0.01). Most patients (97%) reported no to mild discomfort with treatment. Responses were mild and transient following treatment, with itching being the most commonly reported (20%) side effect. Conclusion: In this study, fractional CO2 laser treatment was associated with improvement of vaginal health and amelioration of symptoms of VVA, resulting in improved sexual function in perimenopausal women. Treatment time was quick, and there was minimal discomfort associated with treatment. Investigation of clinical outcome in a larger study population is warranted.
- Subjects
VAGINAL disease treatment; CARBON dioxide lasers; PERIMENOPAUSE; SYMPTOMS; WOMEN'S health; THERAPEUTICS
- Publication
International Journal of Women's Health, 2017, Vol 9, p591
- ISSN
1179-1411
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2147/IJWH.S136857