The Effect of the CO<sub>2</sub>Fractional Laser or Premarin Vaginal Cream on Improving Sexual Function in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Tahereh Eftekhar, Tahereh Forooghifar, Tahereh Khalili, Mamak Shariat, Fedyeh Haghollahi
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a complex problem in postmenopausal women with a prevalence rate of 68%-86%. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a fractional CO 2 laser or vaginal cream on the improvement of sexual function in menopausal women. Methods: This is a two-group clinical trial study. Postmenopausal women with the inclusion criterion were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups of intervention (n=25) and control group (n=25). In the intervention group, CO 2 laser therapy was performed every month for three months, and in the control group, Premarin vaginal cream was applied (0.625 mg, 3 nights a week for 3 months. Vaginal health index (VHI) scoring and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires were completed before and three months after the treatment. Results: The effects of the laser treatment were greater than the Premarin group with respect to improvement in sexual desire, orgasms, sexual satisfaction, less pain during sexual relations, and overall sexual function ( P <0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the fractional CO 2 laser may be more effective than hormonal therapy in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.