Vaginal Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Recommended therapies for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) include vaginal moisturizers and lubricants and, if these measures are ineffective, vaginal estrogen. Several small studies have suggested that fractionated CO₂ laser therapy is safe and effective; accordingly, investigators conducted a multicenter randomized trial comparing fractionated CO₂ laser (3 intravaginal treatments at least 6 weeks apart) with vaginal estrogen (conjugated estrogen cream, 0.5 g intravaginally daily for 14 days followed by 0.5 g twice weekly for 24 weeks). Sixty-nine women (mean age, 61) were enrolled before the trial was closed when the FDA required an Investigational Device Exemption; thus, the study was underpowered.

Subjective improvement of vagin…