Microablative fractional CO2-laser therapy and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: An observational study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of the Microablative Fractional CO₂ Laser (CO₂-laser) therapy on vaginal pathophysiology and the symptoms of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Methods: Postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms of GSM underwent three sessions of CO₂-laser therapy at monthly intervals. Participants were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after the last treatment.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes were Vaginal Maturation Value (VMV) and Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). Secondary outcomes included symptoms of GSM, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire of Female Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

Results: Fifty-three postmenopausal women completed this study. VMV, VHIS and FSFI increased significantly. Dyspareunia, dryness, burning, itching, dysuria, frequency, urgency, urgency incontinence, stress incontinence and scores on the ICIQ-FLUTS, ICIQ-UI SF, UDI-6 and KHQ decreased significantly. Factors predicting for which women the CO₂-laser therapy was more effective were not identified.

Conclusion: This study suggests that intravaginal CO₂-laser therapy for postmenopausal women with clinical signs and symptoms of GSM may be effective in improving both vaginal pathophysiology and reported symptoms.

Keywords: Dyspareunia; Menopause; Sexual function; Urgency; Urinary incontinence; Vulvovaginal atrophy.