Carbon dioxide laser therapy shows promise in genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Microablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser provides a favourable alternative in the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), according to a study.

Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating fractional CO2 laser therapy vs sham therapy for GSM management. They searched multiple online databases and identified three studies, which involved a total of 164 women, for inclusion.

The main outcomes examined were total vaginal score assessment using the Vaginal Assessment Scale, sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index, urinary symptoms using the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, and satisfaction.

Pooled data showed that compared with sham therapy, CO2 laser produced a significant reduction in Vaginal Assessment Scale score (mean difference [MD], −0.49, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], −0.75 to −0.22; p=0.004) as well as a substantial improvement in Female Sexual Function Index score (MD, 9.37, 95 percent CI, 6.59–12.14; p<0.001).

There also was a significant reduction in Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score seen with CO2 laser vs sham therapy (MD, −6.95, 95 percent CI, −13.24 to −0.67; p=0.03).

Finally, a lot more women in the CO2 laser group were satisfied with their therapy (risk ratio, 1.98, 95 percent CI, 1.36–2.89; p=0.004).

More randomized trials with larger sample sizes are needed to validate the present data, according to the researchers.