It’s common for women to develop vaginal dryness and painful intercourse after menopause, but many don’t realize these symptoms usually don’t resolve themselves without treatment. The team at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples offers safe and gentle laser treatment with the MonaLisa Touch® to effectively restore vaginal health. Call their offices in Naples, Florida, to learn more about laser treatments or to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn about MonaLisa Touch therapy.
Vaginal atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause, refers to a cluster of symptoms that develop when estrogen levels decline. While vaginal atrophy is common during and after menopause, it also develops when estrogen drops for any health reason.
Estrogen helps maintain the vagina’s health by keeping tissues elastic and supporting lubrication and blood flow. When your ovaries stop producing estrogen at menopause, vaginal walls become thin, dry, and less elastic.
At least half of all women develop vaginal atrophy after menopause. Their symptoms include:
The MonaLisa Touch is an advanced fractional CO2 laser that warms tissues in the vagina. Its gentle heat stimulates collagen synthesis and restores normal blood circulation and hydration in atrophied tissues.
Treatment with MonaLisa Touch improves the tone and texture of the vaginal lining, tightens tissues, and stimulates tissue regeneration. You regain vaginal health and relief from vaginal atrophy symptoms.
Your doctor at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples thoroughly explains the procedure and answers all your questions before treatment begins.
The MonaLisa Touch consists of a narrow device that’s inserted into the vagina where it emits laser energy. You won’t need anesthesia because the treatment is painless and only lasts about five minutes.
You won’t need to plan recovery time because you can return to your daily routine after treatment. Most women don’t experience side effects; however, you may have slight redness and swelling for a short time. You’ll also need to avoid sexual intercourse for a few days.
Most women get three MonaLisa Touch treatments administered over 18 weeks to achieve optimal results. The results are long-lasting, but one treatment every year helps maintain vaginal improvements.
Treatment with MonaLisa Touch may relieve urinary incontinence symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy. Fractional CO2 lasers can also treat lichen sclerosus, a condition that affects the skin around the genitalia and causes itching and thin skin.