Clinical evaluation of autologous platelet rich plasma injection in postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: A pilot study

Background There is a lack of published data investigating injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (A-PRP) alone in the treatment of postmenopausal VVA. Objectives In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of injection of A-PRP alone in postmenopausal VVA in women without the history of cancer breast to explore its utility as a hormone free therapy for postmenopausal VVA and for vulvovaginal rejuvenation. Methods In this pilot study, 47 women with postmenopausal VVA were included. Vulvovaginal condition was evaluated at the baseline by vaginal health index (VHI). Impact of VVA on quality of life and sexual life was evaluated at the baseline by vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ). Treatment protocol was 2 sessions of A-PRP injection with 1 month interval. Response was evaluated 1 month after the last session by VHI and VSQ. Side effects were also evaluated. Results Postmenopausal VVA was significantly improved by A-PRP injection as indicated by significant improvement of total VHI score and its items at 1 month post-treatment (p value <0.001). Moreover, there was significant improvement of burning, hurting, being irritated, being dry, discharge, desire to be intimate, sexual relationships, pain during sexual activity, and dryness during sexual activity at 1 month post-treatment as indicated by VSQ (p value =0.045 for being dry and <0.001 for other items). Conclusions Autologous platelet rich plasma injection is safe and effective as minimally invasive monotherapy for postmenopausal VVA without history of cancer breast and hence for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.