Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to review the available data regarding the application and therapeutic outcomes of laser therapy for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
Recent findings: There have been several studies regarding the use of laser therapy for the treatment of GSM. Most of these studies show a trend toward safe and effective treatment in the short term (less than or equal to 12 weeks). However, these studies are lacking in randomization, blinding, placebo, and comparison groups. Although laser therapy for the treatment of the symptoms of GSM appears promising, there is currently a lack of high-level and long-term evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. There is also a lack of professional guidelines in the USA regarding this modality of treatment, specifically for GSM. Opportunities exist for future research in this area, specifically to determine safety and long-term outcomes of therapy.
Keywords: Erbium:YAG laser; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; Laser therapy; Microablative fractional CO2 laser; Postmenopausal urinary incontinence; Vulvovaginal atrophy.