Delving into the Benefits of Vaginal Radiofrequency for Menopausal Genitourinary Symptoms and Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Background and Aim: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) includes symptoms such as genital dryness, burning, irritation, sexual discomfort, and dysfunction. This condition, previously known as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), may also involve urinary symptoms like incontinence, frequent urinary infections, and discomfort. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the benefits of radiofrequency for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vulvovaginal atrophy. Methods: This clinical trial study was performed in 2022-2023 on 52 patients with symptoms of menopausal urogenital syndrome and vulvovaginal atrophy. The women's sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The data was analyzed using SPSS (version 23) and paired t-test.Result: The findings revealed that RF had a positive impact on sexual desire (P=0.003) and orgasm attainment (P=0.001). Additionally, RF could decrease dryness during intercourse (P=0.023) and reduce the need for lubricant (P=0.001). Moreover, 15.4% of patients experienced leakage once a week. Urinary leakage did not affect quality of life in 2% of patients (0.4% of patients had no leakage at all), and 23.1% of patients had only small amounts of urine leakage. Conclusion: While the use of RF was effective in increasing the feeling of sexual need, reaching orgasm, reducing dryness during intercourse and decreasing the use of lubricant gel in patients, more research should be done to determine which specific pathologies can be treated with the use of RF.