The claims of laser treatments to restore vaginal tissue or alleviate symptoms of menopause in women are nonsense. A clinical trial that involved nearly 80 Australian women found this out.
"The treatment of postmenopausal vaginal symptoms with laser was not effective," Jason Abbott, a gynecologist at the University of New South Wales, says. He is the senior author of the study that found no benefit.
"Based on our study we hope that women won't opt for commercial laser treatments for postmenopausal symptoms."
About half of women suffer from unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause, when estrogen levels fall in middle age. These symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, mood swings, low libido, and vaginal dryness. Some women feel irritable, or are looking for relief.
Women's health, including menopause, has been woefully neglected in medical research. This leaves women with very few options for common conditions.
A few observational data suggests that laser treatments that are approved for treating skin conditions like acne, scarring or genital warts might also have an effect on painful vaginal symptoms associated with menopause.
However, the studies were brief, subject to bias, did not include an imitation treatment, and only a small number of women. Experts advised to be cautious when considering expensive laser treatments.
Medical devices, like cosmetics, are not subject to the same rigorous testing as drugs and medications. This means that they can be sold to consumers and clinicians alike with no solid evidence.
After finding numerous cases in which women had suffered vaginal burns and scarring from laser treatments, the US Food and Drug Administration decided to take action against "vaginal rejuvenation" laser devices.
Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner, stated at the time that "we are deeply concerned about women being harmed."
Gottlieb stated that these products pose serious risks and lack sufficient evidence to support their use. He also said that deceptive marketing of unproven treatments could cause injury, as well as prevent some patients from accessing the appropriate, approved therapies for severe medical conditions.
These statements are based on the latest, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.
The trial involved nearly 80 women. The trial involved nearly 80 women who had sought medical attention for troublesome symptoms such as vaginal burning, itching or dryness. 50 percent had received hormone treatment for breast cancer. This can lead to early menopause.
Half of the women had three sessions of laser therapy, while 42 other women received a sham treatment in which the device was turned down to nearly zero.
After 12 months, women in both groups had the same symptoms and most severe symptoms. They had the same quality of life, no significant differences in their vaginal health were noted in clinical assessments and tissue analysis showed little to no change after either treatment.
Abbott says that there was no difference in the treatment, regardless of how you view it.
Although it might be disappointing for those who have tried vaginal pain relievers or tropical lubricants, this study shows that laser therapy is not a viable option.
Abbott says, "It's important for women that they are made aware that even though it's a costly treatment, it is not different from having no treatment at all."
The study showed that some women saw improvements in their symptoms by as much as 20%. However, both women who received laser therapy as well as those who did not, reported some relief. Abbott and his colleagues believe that the placebo effect is responsible for the improvements. They plan to continue investigating this possibility.
He says that the placebo effect can have a profound effect on how someone perceives their symptoms.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study.
