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Vaginal Atrophy
There you were, having amazing sex with your partner well into your forties or even fifties and then along came menopause and sex has become so painful you can’t stand it! It’s understandable if you’re annoyed, frustrated and resentful, but this is a symptom that can be treated. There are solutions.
Vaginal atrophy or vaginal thinning is the main culprit behind painful sex. While it can affect women at any stage of life it is more common in postmenopausal women whose lower levels of the hormone estrogen and also testosterone leads to a decrease in lubricating mucus produced by the vaginal walls and a decrease in their elasticity.
But painful sex or dyspareunia may not be the only symptom of vaginal atrophy. Ladies may also experience itchiness, soreness, irritation and urge incontinence. Less estrogen also means a higher pH in the vagina which tends to cause recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Your Vagina
The vagina is an incredible organ, a purpose-built passage for the reproductive functions it performs. It is an accordion-like corridor from the lower opening of the uterus (cervix) to the external vaginal opening with folds called rugae and smooth muscle tissue that expand to allow childbirth. In addition to its lubricant mucus lining, arousal fluid pushed through its walls by increased blood flow makes penis penetration during sex easier. During pregnancy its tissues progressively relax to make room for delivery and from menarche (the first period) to the last one in a woman’s life it facilitates the menstrual flow.
But like any other organ in the body, it changes with age. With less estrogen, the production of the proteins collagen and elastin which lend support and elasticity respectively to the vaginal walls, decreases.
So what can be done to treat vaginal atrophy?
There are several effective solutions to treatment:
- Applying estrogen topically: this can be done via a cream, tablet or ring applied directly to the vagina.
- Vaginal lubricants or moisturisers: over-the-counter moisturisers can be applied to make intercourse more comfortable.
- Vaginal probiotics: taking probiotics that restore the natural bacteria and pH in the vagina can be useful to prevent infections.
- A new laser technology to promote healing of the vaginal walls: Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser treatment.
“a minimally invasive procedure in which precisely directed laser beams target and stimulate vaginal tissues that produce collagen.”
–Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser treatment
Mona Lisa Co2 Fractional Laser Treatment
Mona Lisa CO2 fractional laser treatment is approved by the FDA. It involves a minimally invasive procedure in which precisely directed laser beams target and stimulate vaginal tissues that produce collagen. Reinvigorating these tissues and increasing collagen production restores elasticity and increases moisture again.
You can regain a nourished, hydrated, toned, and elastic vagina. When sex hurts and you are getting recurring UTI infections, this non-hormonal treatment may be the solution you seek.
Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser treatment FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-surgical technology that uses precise carbon dioxide (Co2) laser pulses to remove the outer layers of damaged tissue and stimulate the natural production of new tissue. This technology was specifically adapted for the vaginal building Co2 fractional laser technology used to rejuvenate the face.
Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser uses infrared light waves in small pulses to make small punctures in the upper layers of the vaginal wall comprising the proteins collagen and elastin. Collagen forms fibrous and supportive connective tissue throughout the body and elastin helps tissue to keep its shape even after being stretched. The concentrated thermal heat of the laser pulses causes the collagen and elastin to initially shrink and then undergo a regeneration.
The regeneration of collagen and elastin in the mucous membrane walls of the vagina caused by the concentrated thermal heat laser pulses produces tighter, more hydrated and elastic vaginal tissues. This promotes painless sex.
- Post-menopausal or women at other stages with dry, atrophic vaginal tissues who are experiencing painful intercourse.
- Women with mild urinary incontinence.
- Women who have become overstretched (have laxity) after childbirth and would like to have more children.
- Cancer survivors who cannot use hormone treatment or other patients who prefer not to use hormone treatments.
Your Physician will review your medical history with you but treatment is not recommended given the following conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Under three months postpartum
- Vaginal or vulval infections
- Menstruation
A history of keloid formation, impaired healing, anticoagulant or thromboembolic condition
You will be required to remove clothing from your lower half and lie in the same position as you would for a pelvic examination. A cream may be used to numb the vagina the laser is used inside and outside the vagina directing split laser beams to the vaginal and vulval tissue.
Each treatment takes about 5 minutes.
After the treatment you may feel soreness and discomfort but you will be able to move around on your own. You should be able to resume normal activities within 2 days but should avoid any sexual activity for 5-7 days.
Results can be experienced after the first treatment with many women reporting a reduction in their symptoms 4 weeks post-treatment.
The recommended course is 3 sessions, each separated by a six-week break. Subsequent maintenance sessions after 12 months are recommended.
Yes. Patients suffering from overactive bladders have reported that they can hold their urine for longer and feel the need to urinate less frequently.
Yes. Patients who suffer with prolapse have reported improved symptoms of urge incontinence as the Emsella treatment plan can strengthen the muscles around the bladder. This will not treat or cure prolapse, but it can help.
Your treatment with MonaLisa Touch occurs in our office and requires no general anaesthesia. 20-30 minutes before your treatment, Dr. Corona will apply a numbing cream in the vagina and/or vulva, she will then inserts a small probe into your vagina or apply the applicator in the vulvar area to be treated. The probe delivers gentle laser energy to your vaginal tissues. The treatment lasts only about five- ten minutes.
The laser energy delivered by MonaLisa Touch stimulates your vagina to form new blood vessels and increase the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that contribute to strength and elasticity of the vaginal tissues.
There is usually no downtime and most women can return to their normal routine immediately after treatment, although Dr. Corona may recommend that you refrain from sexual intercourse for a week and may recommend to apply a topical cream to help the healing process.
Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser treatment is FDA approved and is supported by numerous clinical trials proving results. It has over 90% patient satisfaction. If you have problems related to vaginal atrophy, you may find relief from vaginal moisturizers, vaginal lubricants, or vaginal or systemic estrogens. Many women find these products inserted into the vagina “messy” and inconvenient and other women prefer not to take or cannot use estrogen.Treatment with MonaLisa Touch provides you with an alternative to lubricants and estrogen.
At BioConnect we have a team of compassionate, experienced women’s care experts that can help you decide whether treatment with MonaLisa Touch is right for you. If you are tired of coping with vaginal health concerns, this option should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
For the best results, you will need 3 treatments, each 6 weeks apart. At your first appointment, you will meet with your Physician to review your individual case and can start treatment that day once clearance is given.
The cost per Mona Lisa Treatment is BDS$1000.00
Click here to learn more about Mona Lisa Co2 fractional laser treatment.
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Learning Centre, Mona Lisa, touch, Treatment, vaginal atrophy
