A pilot randomized controlled trial of vaginal estrogen on postpartum atrophy, perineal pain, and sexual function.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and hypothesis

Vulvovaginal symptoms following perineal laceration may be worsened by atrophy related to decreased estrogen. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of local estrogen therapy in this setting.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of local estradiol in primiparous women with a second-degree or greater perineal laceration following a term vaginal delivery. Participants were randomized to twice weekly estradiol or placebo cream from delivery through 3 months postpartum. The primary outcome was a validated measure of vulvovaginal symptoms at 12 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included measures of perineal pain, quality of life, sexual function, ease of use, likelihood of continued use, and adverse eve

SUBMITTER: Smith PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9020152 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature