Non-hormonal treatment of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause

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Abstract

Background: Vulvar and vaginal dryness accompanied by discomfort is a common problem among women. This problem occurs at various stages of life, including premenopausal, postpartum and postoperative periods. Although hormone therapy is the conventional approach, there is a need for effective and safe non-hormonal alternatives.

Objective: To evaluate the vaginal microbiome, as well as efficacy and safety of Xylalgin vaginal suppositories in women with symptoms of vaginal dryness and related discomfort.

Materials and methods: This was an observational study including 80 female patients who applied Xylalgin once daily in the vagina for 7–10 days. Microbiome was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results: The suppositories demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in vulvar and vaginal itching and dryness, and an increase in the Vaginal Health Index. The FISH data showed a tendency to normalization of the vaginal microbiome, which was expressed in a decrease in the number of opportunistic microorganisms and an increase in the proportion of lactobacilli that are characteristic of normocenosis. No adverse events associated with the use of suppositories were observed. The effect of the suppositories was rated as completely satisfactory by 84% of the patients.

Conclusion: Xylalgin is a promising non-hormonal treatment for relieving symptoms of vulvar and vaginal dryness and discomfort, helping to improve women’s quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of finding safe and effective solutions for this common problem.

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About the authors

Aina S. Saidova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: a_saidova@oparina4.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3473-3109

PhD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Russian Federation, Moscow

Inna A. Apolikhina

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)

Email: i_apolikhina@oparina4.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4581-6295
SPIN-code: 6282-7435

Dr. Med. Sci., Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

Liana A. Tarnaeva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: li.tarnaeva@ya.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-7500-7516

PhD student

Russian Federation, Moscow

Nadezhda V. Svidzinskaya

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)

Email: svidzinskaya_n_v@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-8157-2216

student

Russian Federation, Moscow

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2. Fig. 1. Data of microscopic examination of RiGiNam before treatment

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3. Fig. 2. RiGkiHaM microscopy data after treatment

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