3D-printed implants targeting gynaecological disease
Fundamentals and Future Trends of 3D Printing in Drug Delivery 227–251 · 2025 · cited by 1
Abstract
Women's health continues to be challenged by gynaecological diseases recurring post standard treatments. These challenges are compounded by lack of clinical adherence and individual patient conditions such as irregular vaginal flora or comorbidities. Alternative treatments including localized delivery through 3D-printed implants such as intravaginal rings and suppositories have shown promise to address some of these challenges. From sexually transmitted infections to vaginal prolapse, 3D-printing enables customized fabrication with functionality to locally tackle a variety of gynaecological diseases. This chapter discusses the role of 3D-printing in advancing alternative treatments in women's health. Physiological challenges in the vaginal microbiome along with gynaecological diseases and current treatments are evaluated first. The types of 3D-printing for gynaecological applications are reviewed, followed by a description of intra-vaginal drug delivery via 3D-printed implants. Key 3D-printing design parameters are identified. Biomaterials utilized in the vaginal tract and engineering considerations as they pertain to mechanical properties of 3D-printed implants and are discussed. Lastly, the potential of 3D-printed implants to deliver alternative treatments including biologics and probiotics is presented. Longer term, it is envisioned that 3D-printing will enable local customization of therapeutic implants to efficiently treat gynaecological diseases.