Keywords
fractional CO₂ laser
vaginal microbiota
recurrence
quality of life
polymerase chain reaction
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser combined with conventional pharmacological therapy versus pharmacological treatment alone in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental study was conducted in 74 women diagnosed with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Group 1 (n=43) received fractional CO₂ laser therapy combined with conventional antifungal treatment, whereas Group 2 (n=31) received pharmacological treatment alone. Outcomes assessed included recurrence rate, vaginal pH, cervical cytology, fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR), body mass index, HOMA index, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. Results: Restoration of physiological acidic vaginal pH and absence of molecular evidence of fungal infection were observed in 83.72% of patients treated with fractional CO₂ laser. Recurrence occurred in 16.3% of patients in the laser group compared with 100% of those receiving pharmacological treatment alone. Significant improvements in quality of life and higher satisfaction levels were also observed among patients receiving laser therapy. Conclusions: The findings suggest that fractional CO₂ laser may represent a promising adjunctive therapeutic option for reducing recurrence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and improving patients’ quality of life.
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