Effective and Safe: Polycarbophil Vaginal Gel Extends Relief for Vaginal Atrophy in Menopausal Women, study reveals

In peri- and post-menopausal women, polycarbophil vaginal gel (PCV) administration rapidly improves vaginal atrophy (VA) symptoms, and its efficacy is further increased by prolongation up to 6 months. The findings were published online in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology on June 27, 2024.

Vaginal atrophy is a significant concern for many women during and after menopause that results from declining estrogen levels that lead to thinning, dryness, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. These symptoms can cause discomfort, pain during intercourse, and even urinary symptoms, significantly impacting quality of life.

Angelo Cagnacci from the Genetic and Sciences of the Mother and the Infant in Genoa, Italy, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the efficacy of polycarbophil vaginal gel in treating symptoms of vaginal atrophy of peri- and post-menopausal women.

For this purpose, the researchers progressively enrolled and treated sexually active women in peri- (n = 29) and post-menopause (n = 54) suffering from VA for 30 days with PCV. Those wishing to continue (n = 73) were given an additional 180 days of treatment. PCV was administered as one application twice a week.

The study assessed the vaginal health index (VHI, ranging from 5 to 25) and visual analog scores (VAS, ranging from 0 to 100 mm) for symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pain, and irritation during intercourse. Additionally, it evaluated the global symptom score (GSS, ranging from 1 to 15) and treatment safety at the beginning and after 30 days. Participants who continued treatment underwent a follow-up evaluation after an additional 180 days.

The following were the key findings of the study:

· Women in peri and post-menopause were of 48.7 ± 3.3 years and 57.5 ± 5.7 years old., respectively.

· At baseline, all outcomes were significantly worse in the postmenopausal group, except the VHI.

· After 30 days, VHI increased by 4.1 ± 0.5 (mean ± SE), and 5.1 ± 0.4 in peri- and post-menopausal women respectively.

· VAS of vaginal dryness decreased by −24.4 ± 3.6, and −52.7 ± 2.6, VAS of irritation decreased by −18.6 ± 4.4 and −47.8 ± 3.2, VAS of pain decreased by −26.2 ± 4.3 and −55.6 ± 3.1, and the GSS decreased of −3.9 ± 0.3, and −4.9 ± 0.2, in peri and post-menopausal women, respectively.

· All the modifications were significantly greater in postmenopausal women, and after 30 days, all outcomes were similar in the two groups of women.

· In comparison to baseline, after 210 days of treatment, VHI increased by 7.7 ± 0.3, VAS of vaginal dryness decreased by –53.6 ± 1.9 VAS of irritation by −42.6 ± 1.4 VAS of the pain of −46.7 ± 2.3 and the GSS of −6.5 ± 0.2 ± 0.2.

· All outcomes improved over the values observed after 30 days of treatment. No side effect was reported.

In conclusion, the 30-day administration of PCV in treating symptoms of VA was effective in postmenopausal women, as previously published in perimenopausal women-.

Treatment prolongation up to 210 days was safe and further led to vaginal atrophy improvement and its symptoms in both peri- and postmenopausal women.

Reference:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.06.033