Effect of the Fractional CO۲ Laser on the Quality of Life, General Health, and Genitourinary Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women With Vaginal Atrophy: A Prospective Cohort

Abstract Introduction: After menopause women experience vaginal atrophy related to hormonal changes and estrogen deficiency. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the fractional CO۲ laser on the quality of life, vaginal atrophy symptoms, and urine incontinency in menopause women.Methods: This prospective study was conducted among ۱۴۰ women from ۲۰۱۷ to ۲۰۱۸ in Yas hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. They encountered the fractional microablative CO۲ laser system three times at four-week intervals. The short form of the Health Questionnaire (SF-۱۲) and the Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI) questionnaire were utilized to assess the participants’ quality of life. Also, the standard measuring tools including the vaginal health index (VHI) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Form were used to evaluate the vaginal atrophy symptoms.Results: The quality of life improved significantly in somatic, social function, and mental health. In the sexual context, arousal and satisfaction status improved significantly. Also, the frequency of urinary incontinence, enuresis, urgency, and the leak improved significantly (P < ۰.۰۵). Among the scale variables for urinary function, it was seen that the urgency impact had no improvement. All vaginal indices improved (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: The fractional CO۲ laser can be effective in treating vaginal atrophy and urinary symptoms. Besides, it improved the quality of life and the sexual function of Keywords: vulvovaginal atrophy Quality of life laser therapy Postmenopause