Prospective study of safety and objective improvement in sysmptoms of GSM (Genitourinary syndrome of menopause) withEr:YAG vaginal /urethral laser treatment

Abstract

: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is the condition which combines the conditions of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and urinary tract dysfunction which are associated with oestrogen deficiency. GSM is treated using vaginal laser therapy by using non-ablative Er: YAG laser therapy to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this therapy. The present study was planned to evaluate the safety and objective improvement in symptoms of GSM with Er:yag vaginal / urethral laser treatment in sextual and urinary symptoms of post / peri menopausal women on long term basis. A prospective study was conducted at V care laser centre from 2020 on words to till date. Total sample population enrolled was 74 among them 53 completed 1 follow up and 29 had completed 2 follow up. Data were collected before and subsequent 2 follow ups over next 12 months on parameters like dryness, dyspareunia, itching/ burning and lower urinary tract symptoms, data were collected using VLQ (vaginal laxity questionnaire), VHIS (vaginal health index score), FSDS-R (The female sexual distress scale – revised)and Satisfaction questionnaire (0-3) assessed on FSFI. : The study showed symptomatic improvement among patients with GSM like no pain or mild pain among 79.31% and 20.39% respectively, no itching (72.41%) at the end of 2 follow up. There was an improvement in vaginal condition (normal – 93.10%) at the end of 2 follow up. Majority of patients reported no sexual distress (82.7%). : The non-ablative Er: YAG laser therapy is efficacious and safe modality for treatment of symptoms in cases of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It also offers a promising, minimally invasive safe treatment for SUI.