Gold Thread Implantation for Female Sexual Dysfunction and Vaginal Laxity: A Preliminary Investigation.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the efficacy of gold thread implantation (GTI) in the vulva and vagina to improve female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and vaginal laxity.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 46 women who underwent GTI between 2017 and 2018 at our institution. Physicians interviewed patients using questionnaires at baseline and 1-3 months post-treatment. The questionnaires consisted of eight questions: vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, sexual satisfaction during intercourse, sexual arousal confidence, sexual satisfaction of partner, frequency, and maintaining lubrication.

RESULTS

Overall, participants experienced significant improvement after GTI treatment (P < 0.0001). The median score of vaginal laxity was 3 (slightly loose) at baseline and 5 (slightly tight) at post-treatment. Vaginal dryness also improved from 4 (moderate) at baseline to 2 (little) at post-treatment. The degree of pain during intercourse decreased from 3 to 1. The sexual satisfaction score was 3 (moderately dissatisfied) at baseline and 4 (about equally satisfied and dissatisfied) at post-treatment. Sexual confidence of arousal increased from a score of 3 (low confidence) at baseline to 4 (moderate confidence) at post-treatment. They perceived greater partner sexual satisfaction, moving from a score of 2 to 4. Participants reported lubrication was more frequent during sexual activity, which was maintained until completion of sexual activity. Both scores regarding lubrication increased from 3.5 at baseline to 5 at post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

GTI may be an option for FSD and vaginal laxity.