The impact of Urtica dioica vaginal cream on the sexual quality of life of postmenopausal women: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of Urtica dioica vaginal cream on sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 84 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years with vaginal atrophy, attending at comprehensive health service centers in Aliabad Katul, Golestan Province, Iran, during 2021-2022, were randomly allocated to 5% nettle vaginal cream (n = 42) or matched placebo (n = 42). Participants applied approximately 1 g of cream nightly for two weeks and twice weekly for six weeks, a total of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the total score on the Sexual Quality of Life-Female questionnaire, analyzed by analysis of covariance. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20210216050382N1).

RESULTS

Eighty women (40 per group) completed the trial. The mean total score rose from 73.7 ± 9.5 to 84.9 ± 9.6 in the nettle group and from 78.5 ± 8.1 to 81.7 ± 8.1 in the placebo group. After adjustment for baseline scores, the difference between the groups was 3.4 points at four weeks and 7.7 points at eight weeks, in favor of nettle (P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Eight weeks of nettle vaginal cream improved sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women and may offer a non-hormonal option for women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy. Longer trials are needed to determine whether the effect persists after treatment ends.