Efficacy and Safety of CO₂ Laser Therapy Combined With Collagen Cream in Managing Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy: A Randomized, Controlled Study on Symptom Relief and Microbiome Modulation

Efficacy and Safety of CO₂ Laser Therapy Combined With Collagen Cream in Managing Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy: A Randomized, Controlled Study on Symptom Relief and Microbiome Modulation

This study evaluated a new treatment for postmenopausal women suffering from vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA), a condition that causes dryness, burning, and pain. Researchers tested whether combining CO₂ laser therapy with a collagen-based cream could improve symptoms more effectively than laser treatment alone.

Sixty women participated in the study. Results showed that the combination treatment provided greater relief from discomfort and helped restore vaginal health, with fewer side effects. This approach may offer a safe and effective alternative for women who cannot use hormone-based therapies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Postmenopausal women with absence of menstrual cycle for at least 12 months, diagnosed with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and presenting with related symptoms such as dryness, introital and deep dyspareunia, bleeding during intercourse, itching, or burning related to the severity of VVA, whether spontaneous or drug-induced (radio- or chemotherapy), either with a single symptom or a combination thereof.
• Age between 35 and 75 years;
• Patients unresponsive or dissatisfied with previous topical estrogen therapy, or presenting contraindications to the use of local and/or systemic estrogens.
• Previous negative Pap test performed within 3 years prior to study enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding;

  • Presence of preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions of the cervix, vagina, or vulva;
  • Presence of active genital and/or urinary tract infection;
  • Relative or absolute dermatological contraindications to laser use;
  • Ongoing hormonal therapy (systemic or local);
  • Neurological and/or psychiatric disorders;
  • Chronic systemic autoimmune or metabolic diseases;
  • Refusal to provide informed consent.