Innovative Approaches to Postpartum Urogenital Health: A Pilot Study on the Therapeutic Effects of Topical Oxygen and Hyaluronic Acid

Authors

  • Flavio Garoia Polo Scientifico di Ricerca ed Alta Formazione, Bologna, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7849-0036
  • Elena Bertozzi Healthy Center Sirio, Fidenza, Urbino, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2901-4890
  • Silvia Mori University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Leone Condemi Gynaecologic and Obstetrics Section, Hospital of Urbino, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2025.11987

Keywords:

postpartum, oxygen, hyaluronic acid, urogenital health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period challenges women with a variety of urogenital disorders, which significantly impact their physical and psychological well-being. Traditional treatments often fall short in addressing the complexities of these conditions, which include urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

AIM: This study explores the effectiveness of a novel treatment—high-concentration oxygen combined with hyaluronic acid—aimed at improving postpartum urogenital health.

METHODS: This clinical study enrolled 41 postpartum women aged 18 to 42, undergoing a four-week treatment regimen with high-concentration oxygen combined with hyaluronic acid. This device delivers high-concentration oxygen and hyaluronic acid directly to the vaginal area. The severity of symptoms such as vulvar laxity, urogenital triangle lowering, and urethral orifice laxity was assessed at baseline and post-treatment using a four-point scale.

RESULTS: Treatment resulted in significant improvements in all targeted symptoms, with the most notable reductions observed in muco-epithelial inflammation scar (60% reduction) and vulvar laxity (54% reduction). These improvements were statistically significant (p<0.0001), indicating a robust response to the therapy. The study also noted enhancements in general well-being, although these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with high-concentration oxygen and hyaluronic acid offers a promising new approach to postpartum rehabilitation. By significantly reducing key symptoms of urogenital dysfunction, this treatment has the potential to enhance the quality of life for postpartum women. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes and the integration of this therapy into broader postpartum care practices.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Plum Analytics Artifact Widget Block

References

Jawed-Wessel S, Sevick E. The Impact of Pregnancy and Childbirth on Sexual Behaviors: A Systematic Review. J Sex Res 2017;54(4-5):411-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1274715 PMid:28166416 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1274715

Fallowfield L. The Quality of Life: The Missing Measurement in Health Care. London, England: Souvenir Press, 1990:1-234.

Thom DH, Rortveit G. Prevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence: a systematic review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2010 Dec;89(12):1511-22. https://doi.org/10.3109/00016349.2010.526188 PMid:21050146 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/00016349.2010.526188

Badreddine J, Pope R, Sheyn D. Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Postpartum Sexual Function. Urogynecology (Phila). 2022 Nov 1;28(11):753-762. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000001247 PMid:36288114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000001247

Diz-Teixeira P, Alonso-Calvete A, Justo-Cousiño LA, González-González Y, Cuña-Carrera ID. Update on Physiotherapy in Postpartum Urinary Incontinence. A Systematic Review. Arch Esp Urol. 2023 Feb;76(1):29-39. https://doi.org/10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20237601.2 PMid:36914417 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20237601.2

Condemi L, Di Giuseppe J, Delli Carpini G, Garoia F, Frega A, Ciavattini A. Vaginal natural oxygenation device (VNOD) for concomitant administration of hyaluronic acid and topical hyperbaric oxygen to treat vulvo-vaginal atrophy: a pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018 Dec;22(23):8480-8486.

Massarotti C, Asinaro G, Schiaffino MG, Ronzini C, Vacca I, Lambertini M, Anserini P, Del Mastro L, Cagnacci A. Vaginal oxygen plus hyaluronic acid on genito-urinary symptoms of breast cancer survivors. Climacteric. 2023 Apr;26(2):129-134. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2167596 PMid:36697389 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2167596

Barbero M, Villasco A, Villa M, Badellino E, Marello E, Botta G. Conjugate treatment with high concentration normobaric oxygen and hyaluronic acid for vaginal atrophy: a prospective study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Mar;27(5):2011-2017.

Ram-Weiner M, Hayman-Mendelson A, Allouche-Kam H, Lev-Sagie A. Postpartum dyspareunia: clinical evaluation, causes, and treatment outcomes. J Sex Med. 2023 Feb 27;20(3):324-331. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac040 PMid:36763952 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac040

Dionisi B, Senatori R. Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the postpartum dyspareunia treatment. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2011 Jul;37(7):750-3. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01425.x PMid:21395897 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01425.x

Sénat MV, Sentilhes L, Battut A, Benhamou D, Bydlowski S, Chantry A, Deffieux X, Diers F, Doret M, Ducroux-Schouwey C, Fuchs F, Gascoin G, Lebot C, Marcellin L, Plu-Bureau G, Raccah-Tebeka B, Simon E, Bréart G, Marpeau L. Post-partum: recommandations pour la pratique Clinique--Texte court [Post-partum: Guidelines for clinical practice--Short text]. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2015 Dec;44(10):1157-66. French. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2015.09.017 PMid:26527017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2015.09.017

Leeman LM, Rogers RG. Sex after childbirth: postpartum sexual function. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Mar;119(3):647-55. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182479611 PMid:22353966 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182479611

Yeniel AO, Petri E. Pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual function: perceptions and facts. Int Urogynecol J. 2014 Jan;25(1):5-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2118-7 PMid:23812577 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2118-7

Haylen BT, de Ridder D, Freeman RM, Swift SE, Berghmans B, Lee J, Monga A, Petri E, Rizk DE, Sand PK, Schaer GN; International Urogynecological Association; International Continence Society. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2010;29(1):4-20. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.20798 PMid:19941278 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.20798

Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay-Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Oct 4;10(10):CD005654. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4 PMid:30288727 PMCid:PMC6516955 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4

Downloads

Published

2025-03-15

How to Cite

1.
Garoia F, Bertozzi E, Mori S, Condemi L. Innovative Approaches to Postpartum Urogenital Health: A Pilot Study on the Therapeutic Effects of Topical Oxygen and Hyaluronic Acid. Open Access Maced J Med Sci [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 15 [cited 2026 Apr. 22];13(1):1-6. Available from: https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/11987

Issue

Section

Gynecology and Obstetrics

Categories