Radiofrequency ablation of vaginal canal relieves GSM symptoms

The use of radiofrequency ablation of the vaginal canal by the MorpheusV applicator helps reduce symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which include burning, dryness, dyspareunia, and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a study.

A team of investigators performed a multicentre prospective case series of women with GSM as confirmed by Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). Participants received three treatments of radiofrequency ablation for about 4 weeks apart, with follow-up at 6 months after treatment.

The study included 71 women from 2021 to 2023 and followed 51 to the 6-month follow-up period. Treatments were low in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, with mean values of 2.13, 2.55, and 2.18 at first, second, and third procedures, respectively.

VHIS score improved from baseline to 3 months after the last treatment (15.00 vs 19.62), and this improvement persisted at 6 months (20.23; p<0.001).

There were also significant improvements seen in both urogenital distress inventory-6 (39.58 vs 22.42; p<0.001) and female sexual function index (18.71 vs 22.81; p<0.001) between baseline and 6 months after treatment.

Adverse events did not occur in any of the participants during the study.

“A therapy that is safe and effective in the treatment of both GSM and lower urinary tract symptoms without the use of hormonal methods is clinically impactful for the many patients who cannot receive or do not desire to receive these medications,” the investigators said.