The objective was to evaluate sexual function in women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), whose symptoms include dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, and burning sensation, undergoing Radiofrequency (RF) treatment [1].

This is a randomized, blinded clinical trial. A total of 60 postmenopausal patients up to 65 years old were included (at least one year since their last menstrual period or bilateral oophorectomy) with ≥1 GSM symptom and vaginal pH ≥5. Exclusion criteria included the use of a pacemaker, hormone replacement therapy within six months prior to the study, cognitive impairment, metal implants in the pelvic region, and a diagnosis of vaginal infections.  Patients completed a medical history assessment and self-administered questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) [2]. Women were randomized into two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) and the Control Group (CG). In the IG, RF was applied using the DGM Energy Compact device at a temperature of 40°C. Once the target temperature was reached, the electrode was maintained for 2 minutes on both the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, totaling 4 minutes [1]. After RF application, pelvic floor muscle training was performed, along with guidance for home exercises [3]. In the CG, the treatment protocol was identical, but the RF device was turned off, and a warmed gel was used instead. The treatment consisted of five weekly RF sessions. The entire protocol was applied before and after the therapy [1].

Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 for MAC. The paired Student's t-test was used for paired analyses, while the independent Student's t-test was used to compare independent data. The significance level was set at 5% [3],

A total of 60 women were treated, 30 in each group. In the intergroup analysis, no significant differences were observed between the groups. However, the intragroup analysis revealed a significant difference in the IG for FSFI (p<0.01) [2].

Although there was no statistically significant difference between the IG and CG, RF showed improvements in sexual function, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia within the IG, suggesting that it may be a beneficial adjunctive therapeutic option for GSM, alleviating symptoms and improving sexual function [3].

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Sarmento ACA, Costa AP, Lírio J, Eleutério J, Jr Baptista P V, Gonçalves AK. Efficacy of Hormonal and Nonhormonal Approaches to Vaginal Atrophy and Sexual Dysfunctions in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022;44(10), 986–994.
Yaralizadeh M, Abedi P, Najar S, Namjoyan F, Saki A. Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophyin postmenopausal women: A double-blind Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Maturitas. 2016;84:75-80.

Continence 15S (2025) 102171
DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2025.102171