The efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of decreased sexual sensation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Issued Date
2022-02-01
Resource Type
ISSN
02688921
eISSN
1435604X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85103368278
Pubmed ID
33791888
Journal Title
Lasers in Medical Science
Volume
37
Issue
1
Start Page
581
End Page
588
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Lasers in Medical Science Vol.37 No.1 (2022) , 581-588
Suggested Citation
Sathaworawong A. The efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of decreased sexual sensation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science Vol.37 No.1 (2022) , 581-588. 588. doi:10.1007/s10103-021-03305-1 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/86192
Title
The efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of decreased sexual sensation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Vaginal laxity, a common cause of decreased sexual sensation, is a common problem affecting the quality of life of women worldwide. Recently, lasers and energy-based devices (EBDs) have been applied in the treatment of this condition. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Er:YAG laser and placebo in treating decreased sexual sensation in Asians. Forty-two patients with decreased sexual sensation were randomized into 2 groups: intervention (laser treatment) and control (placebo treatment). Both groups received two treatments, at 1-month interval. Subjective and objective evaluations were done at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Pain score and adverse effects were also recorded. In the laser group, there was significant improvement in the patients’ vaginal tightness satisfaction at 1- and 3-month follow-ups (P = 0.002 and 0.004) and also in the patients’ overall satisfaction at 1- and 3-month follow-ups (P = 0.003 and 0.001). Pelvic floor muscle contraction was significantly better in the laser group after the first treatment (P = 0.043). No serious adverse effects were noted. Er:YAG laser provides improvement of sexual sensation for an average of 3 months following treatment. Mild and transient adverse effects such as leukorrhea, dryness, dysuria, vaginal itching, and spot bleeding were noted in the laser group, and these were not significantly different from the control group.
