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1 . 2022

The first Russian experience of using ND:YAG laser (neodymium laser) for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms

Abstract

One of the most significant menopausal problems is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), symptoms of which occur in more than 50% of women. However, adherence to estrogen therapy remains to be low, and this method is contraindicated in patients with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer. Thus, there is a need for selection of other methods of therapy that can provide a long-term symptomatic effect. Previous studies on laser technologies usage for the GMS symptoms treatment have shown promising results for groups of patients with contraindications to estrogen therapy and refractory to topical estrogen therapy.

Currently, neodymium laser is used to treat: vulvovaginal atrophy associated with estrogen deficiency; pelvic prolapse of I–II degree; vaginal relaxation syndrome; as well as stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

The article presents a clinical case of using an Nd:YAG laser for treatment of a patient with GSM, dyspareunia, and grade I colpoptosis. The patient underwent treatment sessions with a neodymium laser with an interval of 1 month. After that, lubrication and vulva tissue elasticity improved, and the patient noted a significant decrease in sexual dysfunction symptoms and an improvement in quality of sexual life.

It can be assumed that treatment of GSM with a neodymium laser can become an alternative to local estrogen therapy for patients who are contraindicated in hormonal therapy or who refuse to use even topical estrogens due to obsessive stereotypes and fears.

The neodymium laser treatment is a new promising method of treatment in gynecological practice, and although further randomized controlled trials are required, it can already be used in gynecology.

Keywords:genitourinary syndrome of menopause; vulvovaginal atrophy; neodymium laser; ND:YAG laser; colpoptosis; sexual dysfunction; dyspareunia

Funding. The author received no financial support.

Conflict of interest. The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Apolikhina I.A., Ramazanova M.O. The first Russian experience of using ND:YAG laser (neodymium laser) for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms. Akusherstvo i ginekologiya: novosti, mneniya, obuchenie [Obstetrics and Gynecology: News, Opinions, Training]. 2022; 10 (1): 6–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/2303-9698-2022-10-1-6-10 (in Russian)

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CHIEF EDITORS
CHIEF EDITOR
Sukhikh Gennadii Tikhonovich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, V.I. Kulakov Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology National Medical Research Center of Ministry of Healthсаre of the Russian Federation, Moscow
CHIEF EDITOR
Kurtser Mark Arkadievich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Subdepartment of the Pediatric Department, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Scientific Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
CHIEF EDITOR
Radzinsky Viktor Evseevich
Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Subdepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Course of Perinatology of the Medical Department in the Russian People?s Friendship University

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