Transcutaneous Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment: Improvement in Female Genital Appearance, Sexual Dysfunction, and Stress Urinary Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) treatment is an emerging modality for vulvovaginal rejuvenation. However, clinical experience with this modality is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of TTCRF treatment in improving female genital appearance, sexual function, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Forty-eight patients complaining of sexual dysfunction (SD; n = 41) and/or SUI (n = 37) were included. Most patients had ≤3 TTCRF sessions. To evaluate the aesthetic results, photographs of the genital area taken before treatment were compared to those taken 6 weeks posttreatment in a blinded manner. Prior to treatment and 6 weeks after the final session, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to participants complaining of SD and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) to those with complaints/symptoms of SUI. Preprocedure scores were compared with postprocedure scores by paired t test. RESULTS: Aesthetic improvement was noted in all patients. Preprocedure mean total FSFI score was 21.77 vs the respective postprocedure score of 25.79 (P < 0.00001). Most FSFI domains improved (pre- vs post-TTCRF mean score): sexual desire (from 2.99 to 3.54), arousal (from 3.14 to 3.83), orgasm (from 3.14 to 4.39), pain (from 4.41 to 5.04) (P < 0.00001 for all) and satisfaction (from 3.75 to 4.42; P = 0.001). Mean preprocedure ICIQ-UI-SF score was 10.10 and decreased to 4.81 (P < 0.00001) postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial improvement in genital appearance was observed. Assessment based on validated instruments demonstrated significant improvements in sexual function and SUI. TTCRF is a safe and effective treatment for these conditions.