"Microablative fractional CO lasers are energybased devices designed to help manage troublesome menopause symptoms such as painful sex dryness itchingburning urinary frequency and incontinence. Although there is ongoing debate regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaginal laser surgery a new study suggests that it may be effective especially after multiple treatments. Study results are published online in Menopause the journal of The North American Menopause Society NAMS. Collectively known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause GSM the various genital and urinary problems associated with menopause have created a market for new therapies and treatments to help women regain sexual function and bladder control. Vaginal laser surgery represents one of the newer and more hotly contested approaches. In the case of microablative fractional CO laser surgery a series of microscopic laser beams using fractionated energy penetrate the skin to remove old and damaged skin cells intended to rebuild the vaginal pathway. In this new study GSM symptoms were evaluated up to months after the last laser surgery and compared based on the number of total therapies applied up to a total of five. The results of this small retrospective nonshamcontrolled study demonstrated that this type of laser surgery was particularly effective in reducing the intensity of dyspareunia painful sex and dryness. It further demonstrated that four or five laser therapies may be superior in lowering the intensity of GSM symptoms compared with three laser therapies in both short and longterm followup. Study results are published in the article Microablative fractional CO laser for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause up to month results. This study adds to the literature on vaginal laser therapy for GSM. However more robust randomized shamcontrolled data are needed with larger numbers of women to evaluate longterm safety benefits and risks says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton NAMS executive director. Until more data are available all treatment options including lubricants vaginal moisturizers and FDAapproved vaginal and systemic hormone therapies should be discussed with women who suffer from GSM to determine the best treatment option for them.  For more information about menopause and healthy aging visit http Founded in  The North American Menopause Society NAMS is North Americas leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. Its multidisciplinary membership of  leaders in the fieldincluding clinical and basic science experts from medicine nursing sociology psychology nutrition anthropology epidemiology pharmacy and educationmakes NAMS uniquely qualified to serve as the definitive resource for health professionals and the public for accurate unbiased information about menopause and healthy aging. To learn more about NAMS visit http"