The aim of the project is to analyze 44 samples from vaginal sampling of 22 women who had symptoms of vulvo-vaginal atrophy (Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy, VVA) before and after laser treatment (Monalisa Touch). Laser therapy is a new, non-hormonal intervention for the management of VVA. Studies have shown that thermal energy deposited on the vaginal wall stimulates neovascularization, thus improving natural lubrication and collagen synthesis with a significant improvement in vaginal health.
Histopathological, microbiological, cytological and macroscopic results indicate the possible effect of laser therapy on the vaginal mucosa and on the microenvironment. However, "NGS" sequencing studies that identify the Lactobacillus species and the entire vaginal microbiota before and after laser therapy are required. The vaginal microbiota will be analyzed by Illumina's Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, targeting 16S ribosomal RNA (region V3-V4) as a target on the genomic DNA. At the end of the project the following information will be obtained: