Understanding the Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Postmenopausal vaginal discomfort is often attributed to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Women with VVA experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, and dyspareunia. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted to assess the effects of a micro-ablative fractional CO₂ laser on the clinical symptoms of VVA, as well as concordant sexual function. The severity of VVA symptoms was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), while the condition of the vaginal mucosa was evaluated using the Vaginal Health Index Score (VHSI). Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire. Results: Our cohort included 84 sexually active postmenopausal women with bothersome VVA, leading to sexual health complaints. The mean age of the participants in our study was 55.2 ± 5.4 years, with an average postmenopausal period of 6 ± 4.8 years. The age of our patients and the length of their postmenopausal period exhibited a significant negative correlation with VHSI scores, while a longer postmenopausal period was associated with increased severity of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Baseline VHSI values showed that 65% of patients had atrophic vaginitis with pronounced VVA symptoms (70.2% experienced vaginal itching, 73.8% reported vaginal burning, 95.3% had vaginal dryness, and 86.1% suffered from dyspareunia). Lower VHSI values significantly correlated with lower FSFI scores, while more severe VVA symptoms scores correlated with lower FSFI scores. VVA symptoms were significantly less severe after treatment. VHIS regained high non-atrophic values in 98.8% of patients post-treatment (p < 0.001). FSFI total and domain scores were significantly higher after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that fractional CO₂ laser is a useful treatment option to alleviate VVA symptoms and improve vaginal health and sexual functioning in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: female sexual health; fractional CO2 laser; menopause; vulvovaginal atrophy.

Figure 1

Diagram showing the baseline FSFI Total scores with a follow-up Total score after fractional CO₂ laser treatment. Note the high peaks (values of 27 and above) after the aforementioned intervention.