Non-hormonal vaginal gel improves vaginal and sexual health in menopausal women: results from a 6-month prospective study.

INTRODUCTION

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent, progressive condition affecting more than half of postmenopausal women, often compromising vaginal and sexual health. While local estrogen therapy remains the mainstay of treatment, non-hormonal alternatives are increasingly required, particularly for women with contraindications to hormonal therapy.

STUDY

DESIGN

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a non-hormonal, Aloe-vera-based vaginal gel enriched with cellulose derivatives and plant extract and sugar complex in improving vaginal health and sexual function in postmenopausal women, as assessed by changes in vaginal pH, Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) over a six-month period. In this prospective observational study, 52 postmenopausal women were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Vaginal pH was measured clinically, while the VHI and FSFI were assessed using instruments with established evidence of validity and reliability. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied for within-subject comparisons, and linear mixed-effects models were fitted to evaluate the impact of time, age, and BMI.

RESULTS

All parameters significantly improved over time (p < 0.0001). Mean vaginal pH decreased from 5.51 ± 0.39 at baseline to 4.75 ± 0.33 at 6 months, indicating partial restoration of vaginal acidity. VHI increased by + 5.89 ± 2.34 points, and FSFI improved by + 6.80 ± 3.15. At 6 months, 40.4 % of participants achieved FSFI scores ≥ 26.55. Linear mixed models confirmed time as a significant predictor, while age and BMI had no significant effect. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Aloe-vera-based non-hormonal vaginal gel therapy significantly improved vaginal health and sexual function in postmenopausal women, independently of age and BMI. The formulation's moisturizing, soothing, and protective properties likely underlie these benefits, offering a safe and effective non-hormonal option for the management of GSM.