Patient-reported improvements seen at four weeks and 12 months among survivors with genitourinary syndrome of menopause
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Fractional CO2 laser therapy helps improve sexual function among breast cancer survivors with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Menopause.
Allison M. Quick, M.D., from The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, and colleagues evaluated change in sexual function following treatment with fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors with GSM. The analysis included 59 survivors who completed treatments and four-week follow-up, with 39 participants continuing to the 12-month follow-up.
The researchers found that the overall Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score improved from baseline to four-week follow-up. Improvements were seen in all FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. There were also improvements in the Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised from baseline to four-week follow-up. Score improvements persisted at the 12-month follow-up.
“This study highlights the issue of sexual dysfunction affecting most survivors of breast cancer and the potential role for CO2 laser therapy in the treatment of GSM and related sexual problems,” a coauthor said in a statement. “Additional study is needed to better understand the long-term safety and efficacy of this therapy.”
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