Laser tx aids genitourinary symptoms of menopause

(HealthDay)—Use of a fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is a safe and effective treatment for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), according to a study published online Sept. 7 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Patrick Lang, M.D., from The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, and colleagues assessed patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes and out-of-pocket expense for the fractional CO₂ laser (SmartXide) in the treatment of GSM (122 patients).

The researchers found that patient-reported vaginal dryness significantly improved following treatment (P < 0.05). There was an increase in the frequency of intercourse from "once a month" to "few times a month" (P < 0.001). The majority of patients (86 percent) reported satisfaction with their treatment results and with the cost of treatment (78 percent).

"This treatment is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction with both treatment results and out-of-pocket expense," the authors write.