Effects of topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal microcirculation in women with vulvovaginal atrophy.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

This study aims to assess vaginal wall angioarchitecture and function in women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and determine the effect of topical estrogen on the vaginal microcirculation.

Materials and methods

In this prospective observational study, incident dark field imaging was used to assess the vaginal microcirculation. In patients with VVA, measurements were performed before and after treatment with topical estrogen and compared to measurements performed in women without VVA. Vaginal angioarchitecture was studied by assessing microcirculatory architecture and capillary tortuosity scores at four regions of the vaginal wall. In addition, the capillary density and microvascular flow index (MFI) were obtained.

Results

Seventeen women were included in this stu

SUBMITTER: Diedrich CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6850718 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature