Injection of hyaluronic acid versus platelet rich plasma for treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in post-menopausal females

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among postmenopausal females approaching 50%, with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) being a cardinal sign. For decades, hormone replacement therapy was the only solution to relieve symptoms associated with this atrophy. However, it was limited by its serious side effects, raising the need for new treatment strategies. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) versus platelet rich plasma (PRP) in post-menopausal females presented with VVA to improve female sexual dysfunction. Twenty post-menopausal females presented with VVA were randomly divided into two groups, 10 patients in each group. Both groups received three sessions of injections into the vulva and vagina, one month apart. Group I was injected with non cross linked HA while Group II received PRP injection. Subjective assessment was carried out through female sexual function index questionnaire and global aesthetic improvement scale.While objective assessment was carried out by measuring the labia majora length and reviewing the histopathological changes occurring in the vulva through skin biopsies before and after treatment. The change in vaginal thickness was estimated by transvaginal ultrasound. Results showed that both HA as well as PRP were effective in the treatment of post-menopausal vulvovaginal atrophy. However, HA showed more significant improvement in female sexual dysfunction. There were also higher values in vaginal wall thickness as measured by transvaginal ultrasound in favor of HA injected group. Histopathological assessment showed more collagen deposition in papillary dermis in HA treated group. No complications were reported in both groups.