Vaginal gel shows promise in vulvovaginal atrophy

A novel vaginal gel appears beneficial in the treatment of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), relieving symptoms and improving sexual function with good overall compliance, according to a study.

Known as Alfasigma Meclon Idra, the gel is composed of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) oil, aloe vera, 18β-glycyrrhetic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycogen. The study assessed whether this gel could produce positive changes in symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, burning sensation, and sexual function in postmenopausal VVA patients over 12 weeks.

A total of 60 women were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive the gel or placebo. Treatment was applied for 14 days and then twice a week for 90 consecutive days. The Vaginal Health Index (VHI), including vaginal pH, was used to assess changes in objective signs, whereas the self-reported Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function.

Compared with placebo, use of the active gel led to reductions in vaginal pain, dyspareunia, and vaginal pH, with the VHI showing notable improvement at day 90 (p<0.0001). Active treatment also alleviated each VVA symptom (vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, burning sensation) at weeks 2 and 4, and the end of the study (p<0.0001).

Based on the end-of-treatment FSFI scores, the gel was associated with an improvement in sexual function, with a statistically significant increase in all domains scores and total score (p<0.001).

The findings suggest that the gel is a viable choice as a single, local agent in the treatment of postmenopausal women experiencing VVA symptoms and sexual impairment.