The study evaluates the use of multi-polar radiofrequency (RF) and pulsed electro-magnetic fields (PEMF) energies for the treatment of symptoms related to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)/vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). All subjects will receive a total of three internal treatments at four week intervals. Subjects will be followed up at one and four months after treatment is complete.
Largely observed in the post-menopausal population, a significant subset of pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal women are also affected by symptoms associated with GSM, the etiology being similar in that there is an interruption in normal estrogen production resulting in a hypoestrogenic state. Symptoms related to GSM include vaginal dryness, decreased lubrication, decreased vaginal elasticity, irritation and discomfort of the vaginal and vulvar tissues in general that can affect sexual health. Traditional treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are often the treatment of choice however come with potential risks and many women are not suitable candidates, or have contraindications to its use. Development of new technologies to address these concerns is warranted. RF energy-based treatment for symptoms of GSM has been used with success to promote elasticity restoration and improve moisture of the vaginal mucosa, and is well established in literature for the treatment of facial and neck laxity, stress urinary incontinence and skin tightening of tissue. Several studies show favorable results with improvement of vaginal laxity and sexual function with RF treatment. The addition of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy to multi-polar RF therapy has also been shown to enhance the results of the RF therapy. RF therapy has already been reported to be successful in treatment of symptoms related to elasticity restoration and improve moisture of the vaginal mucosa. This study will investigate whether adding PEMF to RF therapy is safe and efficacious for the treatment of symptoms related to GSM and sexual health.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Radiofrequency and pulsed electro-magnetic fields treatment of the vaginal canal to maintain an internal temperature of approximately 42 C for the proximal thermometer and 45 C for the mid and distal thermometers for 15 minutes.
Cogerent Laser Clinics Group
Kyiv, Ukraine
Vaginal Health Index
Clinician assessed improvement in five vaginal parameters; (1) vaginal fluid volume, (2) moisture, (3) vaginal epithelial integrity, (4) elasticity and (5) vaginal pH. Assessed by the clinician at each visit with baseline comparison made at the one-month and four-month post-treatment assessments.
Time frame: Six months
pH
Clinician assessed improvement (reduction) in vaginal pH with baseline comparison made at the one-month and four-month post-treatment assessments.
Time frame: Six months
Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
Sexual dysfunction criteria (FSFI score ≤26.55) improvement as defined as increased FSFI \> 26.55 with treatment; baseline comparison made at the one-month and four-month post-treatment assessments.
Time frame: Six months
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