Nonablative radiofrequency beneficial in genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency improves sexual function and vaginal health outcomes in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), as shown in a study.

The study included 62 women between 40 and 65 years of age who had ≥1 year of amenorrhea, at least one GSM-related symptom (vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, or urinary symptoms), and dyspareunia with sexual intercourse ≥1/month.

The participants were randomly assigned to receive six weekly sessions of capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency (n=32) or sham treatment (n=30).

Sexual function and vaginal health were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), respectively. Vaginal cytology was performed to determine estrogenic status. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-week follow-up.

Compared with sham, capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency yielded significantly greater improvements in the FSFI score both at post-treatment (mean change, 5.86 vs 1.33; p<0.001) and at the 12-week follow-up (4.41 vs −0.41; p=0.011).

Similarly, substantially greater improvements in VHI score were observed with capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency vs sham at post-treatment (mean, 4.75 vs −0.03; p<0.001) and at follow-up (6.9 vs −0.66; p<0.001).

Estrogenic status was generally unchanged, and there were no adverse events documented throughout the study period.

The findings support the use of capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency as a safe, nonhormone treatment option for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.