For many postmenopausal women, vaginal dryness and bladder incontinence have a direct, negative effect on their day-to-day lives. Vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable, while incontinence can leave pants feeling wet after a simple sneeze. Although women in the past have used topical estrogen cream to help with these unfortunate problems, a new treatment has hit the market – laser therapy. While this type of treatment has been used effectively for years in dermatology, vaginal laser therapy is a relatively new procedure.
What is Vaginal Laser Therapy?
The MonaLisa Touch is a non-invasive procedure that involves tiny lasers ready to penetrate the tissue inside the vagina, encouraging new tissue to grow. This new tissue has more elasticity and can produce more lubrication, which effectively helps relieve symptoms of menopause.
The first type of laser used for this type of therapy was a C02 laser. Although it was effective, it was unable to penetrate deeply, and so it was replaced with a hybrid laser that can stimulate multiple layers of tissue at a time. Hybrid vaginal laser therapy can be used to stimulate both internal and external tissue to relieve pain, vaginal dryness, and incontinence caused by childbirth and menopause.
What are the Benefits of the MonaLisa Touch?
Although the thought of such a procedure may seem uncomfortable, most women report only quick or mild discomfort. With no recovery time needed, the procedure is an effective help for menopausal symptoms and the benefits far outweigh the discomfort of the procedure. Studies show that most women report an increase of up to 80% in vaginal lubrication after several treatments. Similarly, women who struggle with incontinence report improvements of up to 70%.
How Many Treatments are Required?
Because every woman is different, laser therapy needs to be modified slightly for each individual. In general, a series of three procedures are scheduled throughout the year, with each treatment penetrating tissue more deeply. Once the first treatments are done, a woman usually needs yearly maintenance treatments to preserve the elasticity and lubrication improved by the initial treatment.
Who Does Vaginal Laser Treatment Benefit?
Although most women who suffer from incontinence or vaginal dryness have already gone through menopause, laser treatment therapy can benefit those who experience these symptoms after childbirth or due to an injury. The non-invasive nature of the MonaLisa makes it a favorable option to women of all ages.
Have Questions? Ask a Doctor
If you are struggling with postmenopausal symptoms such as incontinence or vaginal dryness, contact Dr. Catherine Vanderloos today to discuss treatment options. We can help you take your life back and offer relief from the symptoms plaguing you.
