Narrative literature review evaluates radiofrequency's efficacy and safety in female sexual dysfunction, suggesting significant potential benefits.
Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains a prevalent yet underdiagnosed condition, with multifactorial etiologies including hormonal decline, genital atrophy, and childbirth-related trauma. Traditional therapies such as hormonal, behavioral, or surgical, often provide inconsistent or limited relief. In recent years, radiofrequency (RF) therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive modality for vaginal rejuvenation, pelvic floor toning, and improvement in sexual function, particularly in postmenopausal women and those with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Objective To conduct a comprehensive literature-based overview of the efficacy and safety of RF therapies in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, highlighting current evidence, therapeutic indications, and future clinical implications. Methods A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria involved peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 focusing on RF application in female sexual medicine. Both monopolar and bipolar RF devices were considered. Key outcomes included FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) scores, patient-reported satisfaction, histological regeneration (e.g., collagen synthesis, neovascularization) and incidence of adverse events. Results Over 45 eligible studies were analyzed. Most reported significant improvement in at least one domain of sexual function (e.g., desire, lubrication, orgasm) post RF treatment, with FSFI score increases ranging from 4.5 to 7.2 points, depending on treatment protocol and population studied. RF was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects such as transient erythema or discomfort. Histopathological data demonstrated enhanced collagen remodeling, epithelial thickening, and mucosal restoration. Some studies also suggest potential synergy when RF is combined with hormonal or PRP therapies, although data remain limited. Conclusions RF therapies represent a promising, minimally invasive frontier in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Their regenerative potential combined with a favorable safety profile and patient satisfaction positions RF as a strong candidate for integration into mainstream sexual and menopausal care. While early evidence is encouraging, the field still lacks standardized protocols and robust, long-term randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, RF may soon become a new gold standard in regenerative gynecology, offering both functional and aesthetic vaginal restoration to women seeking effective alternatives beyond pharmacologic or surgical interventions. Future research should focus on establishing standardized treatment parameters, defining optimal patient selection criteria, and conducting long-term, multicenter randomized controlled trials to validate the durability of RF outcomes and its integration into evidence-based sexual medicine. Disclosure No
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Gronowski et al. (2026) studied this question.
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