Abstract
Objective
Intended Users
Target Population
Options
Outcomes
Evidence
Validation Methods
Benefits, Harms, and/or Costs
Sponsors
Summary Statements
- 1.Histologic evaluation has shown a similar short-term improvement in vaginal epithelial maturation in post-procedural vaginal wall biopsies with the use of intravaginal laser as that seen with local estrogen (Moderate).
- 2.Short-term observational studies of small patient number with the use of intravaginal laser have demonstrated reductions in symptoms (including dryness, burning, itching, dysuria, and dyspareunia) and improvements in sexual satisfaction indices (Low).
- 3.Short-term observational studies of small patient number with the use of intravaginal laser have demonstrated improvements in symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (Low).
Recommendations
- 1.In patients declining or with apparent contraindication to local estrogen, intravaginal laser therapy may be considered for short-term relief of symptoms associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (Conditional, Low).
- 2.There is insufficient evidence to offer intravaginal laser therapy as an equivalent modality to local estrogen for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (including vulvovaginal atrophy, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sexual dysfunction) (Strong, Very Low).
- 3.There is insufficient evidence to offer intravaginal laser therapy as an effective modality for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence over alternate managements such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, incontinence pessaries, or surgery (strong, very low).
- 4.Long-term use of intravaginal laser therapy for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause or stress urinary incontinence remains experimental and should remain within the protocols of well-executed clinical trials in attempts to establish its safety and efficacy (Strong, Very Low).
- 5.Intravaginal laser therapy should not be offered to patients to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections as no literature exists to support such use (Strong, Very Low).
Key Words
Abbreviations:
GUSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause), ICIQ (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire), MUI (mixed urinary incontinence), RCT (randomized controlled trial), SUI (stress urinary incontinence), UTI (urinary tract infection), VVA (vulvovaginal atrophy)Purchase one-time access:
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Article info
Publication history
Footnotes
This document reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances on the date issued and is subject to change. The information should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. Local institutions can dictate amendments to these opinions. They should be well-documented if modified at the local level. None of these contents may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.
Patients have the right and responsibility to make informed decisions about their care in partnership with their health care providers. To facilitate informed choice, women should be provided with information and support that is evidence based, culturally appropriate, and tailored to their needs. The values, beliefs, and individual needs of each patient and their family should be sought, and the final decision about the care and treatment options chosen by the patient should be respected.