Láser erbium vaginal como tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia: Resultados preliminares

Abstract

Background: The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects up to 50[%] of postmenopausal women. Symptoms are chronic and likely worsen over time. This complains may interfere with sexual function and quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness and acceptability of Erbium in yttrium aluminum-garnet crystal Laser (Er:YAG) as a non-invasive, non-ablative photothermal therapy for the treatment of GSM. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study performed in 28 postmenopausal women suffering from GSM. All participants were treated intravaginally with Er:YAG laser in 3 applications performed every 30 days. Symptoms (vaginal dryness and dyspareunia) were evaluated by a visual-analogic scale (VAS) and the vaginal health index score (VHIS). After therapy, the women were asked to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention. Results: Er:YAG laser treatment was effective to improve symptoms (vaginal dryness and dyspareunia; p<0.01) at all the study period, as well the VHIS (8.2 ± 1.3 at baseline vs. 19.2 ± 0.4 after treatment; p<0.01). Satisfaction with the procedure was reported as excellent or good by 93.4[%] of women. Conclusion: Our pilot study shows that the Er:YAG treatment in postmenopausal women with GSM is effective, feasible, and safe. Further larger, long-term and controlled studies are required to confirm this data.