KTP-nd:YAG laser therapy for the treatment of vestibulodynia: a follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of KTP-Nd:YAG laser therapy for the treatment of vestibulodynia.


METHODS
Retrospective review and follow-up mail survey of women with vestibulodynia who underwent laser treatment. Demographics, number of laser treatments and symptom severity prior to laser treatment (100-mm visual analog scale) were obtained from the medical record. The survey included questions regarding current sexual pain, sexual quality of life and satisfaction with treatment.


RESULTS
Of41 treated women, 37 women were located and agreed to participate. The mean number of laser sessions was 2.81 (range, 1-8). The mean age was 32.9 years and mean follow-up, 2.8. Following laser treatment, most (24 of 37, 68%) subjects reported less pain with sexual intercourse. One subject reported more pain, while 29% (11 of 37) reported no change. Sixty percent (21 of 37) reported their sex lives to be more satisfying/pleasurable following laser treatment. Thirteen women (13 of 37, 35%) underwent vestibulectomy following laser therapy, and 2 subjects were treated with a laser after failed vestibulectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Most women with vestibulodynia treated with a KTP-Nd:YAG laser achieve a reduction in sexual pain and improved sexual satisfaction without excisional therapy.
Leclair
Catherine M
CM
Program in Vulvar Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA. leclairc@ohsu.edu
Goetsch
Martha F
MF
Lee
Ken K
KK
Jensen
Jeffrey T
JT
D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*