Effect of topical oxytocin gel on vaginal mucosa in postmenopausal Egyptian women: a clinical randomized trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundVaginal atrophy is common after menopause and is often linked to sexual dysfunction, particularly dyspareunia.AimThe study aimed to investigate the effect of intravaginally applied oxytocin on expressions of vaginal atrophy.MethodsFifty postmenopausal women aged 47 to 66 years with vaginal atrophy participated in this double-blinded placebo-controlled study. The women were randomized to intravaginal treatment with either gel with 600 IU/mL of oxytocin (oxytocin group) or gel alone (control group) once daily for 2 weeks. The gel consisted of hypromellose, pH 3.8 (Vagovital).OutcomesThe color of the vaginal mucosa, the vaginal pH, and the cytology of vaginal epithelial cells were investigated before and after treatment.ResultsThe color of the vaginal mucosa shifted from pale to red in all 25 patients treated with oxytocin but only in 4 patients in the control group (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in intravaginal pH in the oxytocin group and the control group, with the delta value being significantly greater in the oxytocin group than in the control group (P < .001). The vaginal maturation index increased significantly (P < .001) in the oxytocin group but not in the control group.Clinical ImplicationsTopical oxytocin gel offers an effective solution to the sexual dysfunction that is related to vaginal atrophy after menopause.Strengths and LimitationsStrengths include studying different outcomes of applying the oxytocin gel for vaginal atrophy. Limitations include the small-scale population with a relatively short duration of treatment (2 weeks).ConclusionIntravaginal treatment with a gel containing 600 IU/mL of oxytocin effectively counteracts physical expressions of vaginal atrophy.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05275270; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05275270).