Genitourinary syndrome and vulvovaginal atrophy: an innovative non-ablative laser treatment with promising results

Menopause, physiological or iatrogenic, in a wide variety of expressions from the peri- to postmenopausal period, marks a significant transition in women’s life, due to remarkable hormonal changes. The most common and impactful symptoms affect the vaginal and urogenital area, often referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The onset of the condition is due to systemic and local estrogen deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as irritation, itching, burning sensation, dryness, and dyspareunia. These symptoms can significantly affect both intimate health and psychological well-being. Despite their prevalence, vaginal symptoms are often under-reported and under-treated. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes and tolerability of a novel non-ablative 1470 nm laser treatment (LadyLift^®, Eufoton, Trieste, Italy) in women with GSM and VVA. Thirty-four women with GSM and VVA were treated with the non-ablative 1470 nm LadyLift^® laser procedure for three sessions, performed at 15-day intervals. A 6-month follow-up was performed and an adjunctive Ladylift® session was assessed as maintenance. A 7-point questionnaire was submitted before the first session and after 6 months, leading to an objective measurement of individual perception of symptoms. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The self-perception questionnaire revealed an approximately 33% reduction in vaginal dryness, 32% reduction in lacerations, 33% reduction in itching and/or burning sensation, 40% reduction in genitourinary infections, 30% reduction in incontinence, 26% reduction in dyspareunia, and 35% reduction in post-coital pain after three sessions. In this retrospective pilot study, non-ablative 1470 nm laser treatment (LadyLift^®) was associated with significant improvement in several GSM- and VVA-related symptoms in perimenopausal, natural postmenopausal, and iatrogenic menopausal women. The treatment proved to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated therapeutic option, leading to early and clinically meaningful improvements in vaginal health and pain symptoms, with no reported side effects or downtime following the procedure. Although the findings are encouraging, the progressive reduction in symptom relief over time suggests that maintenance or periodic treatment sessions may be required to sustain the clinical benefits. Further prospective controlled studies with larger cohorts, longer follow-up periods, validated outcome measures, and subgroup statistical analyses are warranted to better define efficacy, durability of response, optimal patient selection, and treatment protocols.