The Effect of the CO۲ Fractional Laser or Premarin Vaginal Cream on Improving Sexual Function in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction:Sexual dysfunction is a complex problem in postmenopausal women with a prevalence rate of ۶۸ - ۸۶ %. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a fractional CO۲ 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 two groups of intervention (n=۲۵) and control group (n=۲۵). In the intervention group, the CO۲ laser therapy was performed every month for three months, and in the control group, Premarin vaginal cream was applied (۰.۶۲۵ mg )، ۱ gr, three nights a week for ۳ months. Vaginal Health Index scoring( VHI) and Female Sexual Function Index( FSFI) questionnaires were completed before and after three months of treatment.Results:The effects of the laser treatment was 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<۰.۰۵)Conclusion:It seems that the fractional CO۲ laser may be more effective than hormonal therapy in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women. Keywords: CO۲ laser Premarin Sexual function index Menopause