Efficacy of nonablative radiofrequency on sexual function in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of nonablative capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency on sexual function and vaginal health in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

METHODS This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly assigned to receive six weekly sessions of capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency (n=32) or sham treatment (n=30). Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and vaginal health was assessed using the Vaginal Health Index (VHI). The estrogenic status was determined by vaginal cytology, which involves calculating the proportions of basal, intermediate, and superficial cells. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-week follow-up.

RESULTS Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in the Female Sexual Function Index and Vaginal Health Index at post-treatment and at the 12-week follow-up. FSFI mean changes were 5.86 versus 1.33 at posttreatment (P<0.001) and 4.41 versus -0.41 at 12-week follow-up (P=0.011). VHI mean changes were 4.75 versus -0.03 at post-treatment (P<0.001) and 6.90 versus -0.66 at follow-up (P<0.001). The effect sizes were moderate to large for the FSFI (Cohen's d >0.77, 95% CI, 0.25-1.29) and large for the VHI (d >3.49, 95% CI, 2.68-4.28). No significant changes were observed in estrogenic status, and no adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION Capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency significantly improved sexual function and vaginal health in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, thereby supporting its use as a safe, nonhormone treatment option.