2 out of 5 postmenopausal women suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, burning, painful urination and painful intercourse….but they don’t have to!

What's the issue with menopause......

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause* (GSM) is the thinning, drying and inflammation of the of the vaginal walls due to your body having decreased levels of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy most often occurs at menopause when estrogen levels have declined rapidly. A drop in estrogen levels can also occur during the years leading up to menopause (the perimenopausal years), after surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause), after pelvic radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, and as a side effect of hormonal therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Download the North American Menopause Society Statement on GSM here.

* Also known as Vulvovaginal Atrophy.

What physical changes occur with menopause....

When estrogen levels decline with menopause, many changes occur. Vaginal atrophy occurs which leads to a multitude of symptoms. Millions of women experience vaginal dryness, vaginal burning and itching. With the vaginal dryness comes a decrease in vaginal lubrication, all leading to very painful intercourse. Urinary symptoms may also occur, including painful or burning with urination, a sense of urinary urgency, an increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTI) and mild incontinence (uncontrolled loss of urine).  Many women suffer silently, and those who seek treatment find their options limited, namely messy estrogen creams and/or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which are not for everyone. Now there is a better option!

How the MonaLisa Touch™ procedure works.....

MonaLisa Touch™ treats vaginal atrophy by promoting the recovery of the genital mucosa balance in a safe, painless way, through methods similar to those used to slow down face skin aging. The MonaLisa Touch™ laser from Cynosure/DEKA, implements CO₂ laser energy that is delivered via a side-firing probe inserted into the vaginal canal. A two-part pulse targets surface (epithelial) tissue and deep (lamina propria) tissue to promote vaginal mucosal revitalization. The treatment activates fibroblasts of the vaginal mucosa which then promotes collagen synthesis. The permeability of the tissues and the transfer of water and nutrients from the capillaries are also improved allowing normal water content of the vaginal mucosa which restores the vaginal wall strength and blood supply. In as little as 30 days after the treatment the regeneration of new tissue in the vaginal walls builds a naturally stronger structure and the protective mucosa recovers volume, hydration and elasticity. A significant amount of improvement is noted even after the initial treatment!  

Watch this video to see a fabulous animation of the MonaLisa Touch™ procedure and it's effects.