Efficacy and safety of a non-hormonal intravaginal moisturizer for the treatment of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of a non-hormonal intravaginal moisturizer on reducing the symptoms arising from vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction.

Study Design: A total of 37 postmenopausal women used a non-hormonal intravaginal Moisturizer (polycarbophil, butyl ester of a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether/ copolymer PVM/MA, 50% sodium lactate solution, and Carbopol) twice a week for 12 weeks. The vaginal moisture levels, volume of fluid, elasticity, and epithelium integrity were assessed using the Vaginal Health Index. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. All women were evaluated before starting treatment and at the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks of the study. At the end of the study, the patients analysed the treatment regarding to their satisfaction with the product, and its application system, their sense of well-being after using it as well as their perception bout the discharge of the moisturizer (if it run or was held by the vaginal mucosa).

Results: There was a significant improvement in the vaginal moisture, fluid volume, elasticity and epithelial integrity (p < 0.001). Sexual function improved in the total score and in all six domains (p < 0.001). More than 50% of all patients reported being very satisfied with the treatment and product application. The sense of well-being was considered very good by 51.4% of the participants and most (91.9%) indicated that the product did not leak and did not stick to the vaginal mucosa. No severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that treatment with the non-hormonal intravaginal moisturizer is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for the improvement of vaginal dryness with encouraging benefits for the sexual function of postmenopausal women.