vaginal atrophy, menopause symptoms, moralisa touch

What is Vaginal Atrophy?

23 Jan 2019 General Urology, Lifestyle, Women's Health , ,

Vaginal Atrophy, or Vaginal Vaginitis, is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. Vaginal Atrophy is caused by a women’s body having a low amount of estrogen and is most prevalent in post-menopausal women. In fact, approximately fifty to sixty percent of all post-menopausal women suffer from the condition. Not only can Vaginal Atrophy cause painful intercourse, its most common symptom, but it may also lead to urinary discomfort. Vaginal Atrophy is considered both a chronic and progressive medical condition. This condition can eventually lead to the shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal.

Vaginal Atrophy Symptoms

There are several symptoms associated with Vaginal Atrophy. Some of the most common include:

  • Vaginal dryness and itching
  • Vaginal inflammation
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Urgency with urination
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Decreased lubrication during intercourse

Vaginal Atrophy Causes

As discussed previously, the condition is caused by a decrease in levels of estrogen. A drop in estrogen may occur:

  • After menopause (post-menopause)
  • During the years before or leading up to menopause (perimenopause)
  • After surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause)
  • After pelvic radiation to treat cancer
  • After chemotherapy to treat cancer
  • As a side effect of hormonal treatment to treat breast cancer

MonaLisa Touch: A Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Option

Thankfully, there is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for women suffering from Vaginal Atrophy, called MonaLisa Touch. MonaLisa Touch is a Fractional CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser treatment that works to rejuvenate the vagina and may eliminate the symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy.

How MonaLisa Touch Works

MonaLisa Touch stimulates the vaginal tissue by using controlled energy pulses to increase collagen production, creating healthy vaginal cells.

First, the laser probe is inserted into the vaginal canal. Next, at the point of contact, the laser dot or “light beam,” removes a small amount of tissue around the area, creating hair-like pinholes. Then, as the body repairs these holes, it stimulates the cells to create healthy tissue at the site of the dots and the immediate surrounding area. This promotes the rejuvenation of the collagen fibers, while restoring vaginal hydration and elasticity.

MonaLisa Touch Benefits

Women may expect several benefits with utilizing MonaLisa Touch to lessen and treat their Vaginal Atrophy. The four largest benefits include:

  • Convenience: Treatments are quick and virtually painless. Treatments only last 10 minutes each and only 3 treatments are needed over a 12-week period, in addition to an annual maintenance treatment.
  • Healthier Treatment Option: MonaLisa Touch may substitute the need for other potentially unhealthy, hormonal treatment options typically prescribed for vaginal atrophy.
  • Improved Vaginal Appearance: Treatments work to reshape, tone, and tighten the vagina.
  • Improved Sex Life: Less pain or discomfort due to vaginal dryness and inflammation may lead to an improved sex life.

 

If you’re suffering from Vaginal Atrophy and are considering MonaLisa Touch as a treatment option, please consider Howard Tay, MD, board certified urologist, as your provider. Dr, Tay’s nurse practitioner Kristi Ford, FNP-C is also skilled in providing the MonaList Touch therapy and specializes in women’s urology. While the MonaLisa Touch is not covered by insurance, our practice offers among the most competitive rates for this treatment in the Valley.  Call today to schedule a consultation at (602) 337-8500 (Contact Us).

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