Lasertherapy in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome:

an integrative review

Abstract

Non-hormonal therapies, such as laser therapy, have become a viable option for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome due to their good clinical outcomes and the number of contraindications to drug treatment. Objective: This study synthesised the scientific evidence on the use of laser therapy as a treatment for genitourinary syndrome. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. The descriptors ‘laser therapy’ and ‘genitourinary syndrome’ were used in English. Ten articles were selected, with a time frame from 2018 to 2024. Results: The intravaginal application of carbon dioxide and Erbium lasers was able to improve symptoms in the majority of cases. In patients in general, there was no difference with vaginal oestrogen therapy alone. In women with menopause induced by breast cancer treatment, laser therapy was beneficial. However, compared to simulated application, this treatment did not prove effective for gynaecological cancer survivors. Conclusion: Laser therapy is comparable to the treatments most commonly used to treat genitourinary syndrome, although it sometimes has no benefit over placebo. In the light of new studies, this intervention has become a possibility for doctor-patient choice in the treatment of urogenital atrophy symptoms.