(156) IMPROVEMENT OF SEXUAL FUNCTION AFTER VAGINAL ERBIUM-YAG LASER THERAPY AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH GENITOURINARY SYNDROME OF MENOPAUSE

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Abstract Introduction Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is one of the common problems in postmenopausal women, which can severely impact their sexual function and quality of life. It can cause vulvovaginal dryness, soreness, itchiness/irritation, and pain during intercourse, leading to impaired various aspects of sexual function and satisfaction. Erbium-YAG (Er-YAG) laser has emerged as a promising alternative in GSM treatment. However, effects of this therapy on sexual function are still lacking. Objective This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of Er-YAG laser therapy among postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction and GSM using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Additionally, subjective measurement on GSM, including the vaginal health index(VHI), visual analog scale (VAS) of GSM symptoms, and treatment satisfaction were assessed. Methods This prospective study was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Postmenopausal women with at least one symptom of GSM and had sexual dysfunction defined by total FSFI score < 26.5. were recruited. All participants received Er-YAG laser therapy every 4-weeks apart for 3 times. The FSFI, VHI, and VAS of GSM symptoms were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after initial treatment. Overall treatment satisfaction was assessed at the end of treatment. Results Twenty-three women were recruited. Mean total FSFI scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks compared to baseline, 16.3 + 5.1 versus 21.8 + 6.1, (p < 0.001). All sub-domains of FSFI at 12 weeks also showed significant improvements. However, only seven women (7/23, 30.4%) reported no sexual dysfunction (total FSFI score > 26.5) after 12 weeks of treatment. VHI, VAS of GSM symptoms showed significant improvements at 12 weeks after treatment (p < 0.001). Overall satisfaction at the end of treatment by VAS was 7.8 + 0.7 out of 10. Conclusions Er-YAG laser therapy showed significant improvement on both sexual function and GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, majority of participants (16/23, 69.6%) are still having sexual dysfunction defined by total FSFI <26.5. Treatment of sexual dysfunction should always be based-on biopsychosocial approach. Further well-controlled studies on this topic are still needed to be evaluated. Disclosure No.

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