Gold Thread Implantation for Female Sexual Dysfunction and Vaginal Laxity: A Preliminary Investigation

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of gold thread implantation (GTI) in the vulva and vagina to improve female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and vaginal laxity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 46 women who underwent GTI between 2017 and 2018 at our institution. Physicians interviewed patients using questionnaires at baseline and 1–3 months post-treatment. The questionnaires consisted of eight questions: vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, sexual satisfaction during intercourse, sexual arousal confidence, sexual satisfaction of partner, frequency, and maintaining lubrication. RESULTS: Overall, participants experienced significant improvement after GTI treatment (P < 0.0001). The median score of vaginal laxity was 3 (slightly loose) at baseline and 5 (slightly tight) at post-treatment. Vaginal dryness also improved from 4 (moderate) at baseline to 2 (little) at post-treatment. The degree of pain during intercourse decreased from 3 to 1. The sexual satisfaction score was 3 (moderately dissatisfied) at baseline and 4 (about equally satisfied and dissatisfied) at post-treatment. Sexual confidence of arousal increased from a score of 3 (low confidence) at baseline to 4 (moderate confidence) at post-treatment. They perceived greater partner sexual satisfaction, moving from a score of 2 to 4. Participants reported lubrication was more frequent during sexual activity, which was maintained until completion of sexual activity. Both scores regarding lubrication increased from 3.5 at baseline to 5 at post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: GTI may be an option for FSD and vaginal laxity.