Vulvovaginal Atrophy Correction Using Neodymium Laser
Russia120 participantsStarted 2021-09-01
Plain-language summary
The aim of this prospective study is characteristic of changes in the vaginal wall and vulva after treatment of neodymium laser radiation with a wavelength of 1064 nm. To assess the condition of the vaginal walls and vulva before and after laser treatment, the following methods will be used: vaginal health index, perineometry, elastography of vulva, cytological methods. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) will be used to collect feedback on changes in the participants life quality. Total up to 120 participants with postmenopausal atrophy will be involved in the study. Participants will be divided into three groups: laser treatment group, topical hormones treatment group, and both laser treatment with topical hormones application group, by 40 participants in each. The time intervals between tests will be the same for all groups. Thus, a direct comparison between conventional treatment (topical hormones), laser treatment and combine laser and topical hormones therapy of the vaginal atrophy will be made. The main hypothesis of the study is improvement in condition of the vaginal walls after laser treatment and laser treatment with hormones application compared with the initial state of not less than thirty percent of participants, and improvement in condition on average compared with the hormones only therapy group.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age of over 50 years old, inclusive;
* Participants diagnosed with genitourinary menopausal syndrome with severe signs of vulvovaginal atrophy;
* Participants were examined according to the proposed protocol;
* Participants who signed informed consent and fully informed about the purpose of the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Tendency to photoallergy including taking photosensitizing drugs (diuretics, antihistamines, antipsychotics);
* Porphyria;
* Active tuberculosis;
* Damage to the vaginal mucosa;
* Urinary tract infections in the acute stage;
* Genital herpes in the acute stage;
* Inflammatory diseases of the vulva and vagina in the acute stage;
* Oncological diseases of the female reproductive system, including history of oncological diseases;
* Precancerous diseases of the cervix, vagina and vulva;
* The use of drugs and other methods of treatment (including laser) that can affect the result, less than 1 month before the start of the study and during the study (Menopausal hormone therapy, the use of topical estriol; Kegel exercises, physiotherapy, the use of pelvic floor muscle trainers).
* Protocol non-compliance of laser exposure sessions;
* Voluntary refusal to participate in the study;
* Violation of recommendations for the management of the period after laser treatment;
* Adverse events that occurred during laser processing and research, and associated with them.
* The occurrence of adverse events or other symptoms that are contraindications t…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Mean Change from Baseline of Vaginal Health Index Score
Timeframe: [Time Frame: 1st visit (before any treatment); 3d visit (4-6 weeks after 2nd visit); 4th visit (4-6 weeks after 3d visit) - the end of laser treatment; 1 month after 4th visit and 6 months after 4th visit]