Work

Iatrogenic Menopause and Severe Sexual Health Disruption Following Chemoradiotherapy: The Role of Natural-Origin Polynucleotides

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising among adults under 50. Similarly, the incidence of rare anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is also steadily increasing, especially among women. The consequences of chemoradiotherapy on sexual health vary but are very common. For example, sexual dysfunction affects up to 85% of ASCC survivors, according to a recent systematic review. Because of its impact on quality of life, addressing sexual issues-especially in women who had active sexual lives before cancer-should not be underappreciated in managing CRC and ASCC survivors. A potential strategy may involve combining the benefits of hyaluronic acid for vulvovaginal hydration with an ingredient that supports long-term regeneration of the dermal and submucosal extracellular matrix, including collagen, elastin fibrils, and glycosaminoglycans. This report describes the case and evolution over time of the iatrogenic menopause symptoms, with special attention to dyspareunia and sexual well-being, of a 42-year-old woman with severe iatrogenic sexual dysfunction following chemoradiotherapy for ASCC. The woman successfully underwent six sessions of infiltrative treatment via intradermal vulvar and submucosal vaginal injections with a combination of hyaluronic acid and Polynucleotides High Purification Technology (PN HPT) using a CE-marked Class III medical device, for dermal and submucosal regeneration over approximately four months.

Source: International Journal of Women s Health

DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s558423

Authors: Isabella Palmieri, Mauro Raichi

Institutions: University of Padua, University of Naples Federico II

Language: English

Topic: Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836