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Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser to manage vulvar and vaginal symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) in postmenopausal women. Methods: All postmenopausal women with symptoms of GSM undergoing fractional CO2 laser treatment in our centers were asked to fill out a validated quality of life questionnaire (Global Quality of Life Questionnaire), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for symptoms, a questionnaire on overall discomfort related to pelvic floor symptoms, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at several points: before each session (three sessions at monthly intervals) and one 3 months after treatment completion. Statistical analysis compared pre-therapy data and data at 3 months of treatment. Results: Forty-six women were included with a mean age of 57.3 years (± 11.1 years). A significant improvement was demonstrated in vaginal dryness (p = 6.34 10–6) and for symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (p = 0.043). Among sexually active patients, there was a significant improvement in the degree of symptom discomfort affecting their satisfaction (p = 0.007), dyspareunia (p = 0.001) and sensitivity during sexual intercourse (p = 0.001). Significantly, more women were able to achieve (p = 0.026) and maintain (p = 0.018) lubrication during intercourse. Conclusion: CO2 laser treatment seems to improve the quality of life and sexual health of patients as well as GSM symptoms at 3 months of treatment; long-term reevaluation is necessary to demonstrate that improvement persists over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients characteristic and previous therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]