4 ways that laser treatment works to relieve vaginal dryness, itching, pain, and more

As a specialty practice, Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology combines the advanced knowledge and focused expertise of a Board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, with an array of onsite capabilities – state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies and surgical and nonsurgical treatments. MonaLisa Touch^® by Cynosure Lutronic is the perfect “bridge” between pelvic floor exercises or Kegels and invasive surgeries for women who are suffering from the effects of weak or loose vaginal muscles. Our teams in Chicago, Illinois, encourage you to get to know more about the four ways that laser treatment works to relieve vaginal dryness, itching, pain, and more.

No. 1: Treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy

MonaLisa Touch^® may be appropriate for some women with diagnosed vulvovaginal atrophy. Also known as “Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause” (GSM), this condition arises due to changes that occur with aging and as hormones fluctuate. Notably, as estrogen levels decline, the tissues of your vagina may become thin, dry, lax, and delicate. In addition to menopause, other contributors to this condition include some therapies for cancers, as well as hormonal treatments, breastfeeding, and some surgeries and medications. All of these factors can result in a drop in estrogen levels. Side effects and “treatable” symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness, burning, and discharge; genital itching; urge incontinence; painful sex; and recurrent UTIs. 

No. 2: Effective treatment without the risk

Not all women get a satisfactory response from Kegel exercises. Likewise, not all women are good candidates for hormone replacement therapy or invasive and aggressive surgery, nor are these options particularly appealing. This is where laser treatment comes into play. When the MonaLisa Touch^® laser is directed toward the lax or otherwise weakened and vulnerable tissues, its energy triggers the production of firming collagen protein. It gets to the source of your symptoms: the changes within the tissues accompanying aging, menopause, and the loss of estrogen. With the surface and deep tissues renewed, the vaginal area is rejuvenated, and our patients notice improvements in both the severity and frequency of symptoms. And, due to the very targeted nature of laser therapy, only the tissues that need to be treated are affected. This makes it a particularly precise, effective, predictable, and safe treatment that does not involve cutting, sutures, or general anesthesia.

No. 3: A comfortable, hassle-free experience to support your quality of life

Numerous benefits stem from this system’s “light-touch” and non-invasive nature. Since the procedure is nonsurgical, it is largely tolerated very well with a numbing cream. No often lingering and potentially risky anesthesia is necessary. Once you are fully numbed, the laser energy is delivered to the treatment site via a wand-shaped device or probe. Most patients describe the sensation as temporary vibrations and refer to the energy pulses applied to the treatment areas. The actual treatment can be completed in five minutes! And you don’t have to take time off work or away from your favorite sports and activities because the process is not invasive. The only thing we ask is that you refrain from sex for 48 to 72 hours post-treatment.

No. 4: Supporting results without recovery

“After-care” is limited to applying a cold/an ice pack to help with any temporary or mild discomfort. You should also avoid intense heat, such as saunas and baths, for a time specified by Dr. Gandhi. Some patients may also experience mild inflammation, bleeding, cramping, itching, and swelling at the site, which is normal and should only last for a few hours to a few days. Since MonaLisa Touch^® stimulates a positive process of collagen production, results are revealed gradually and get better with time, peaking after two or three treatment sessions spaced six weeks apart.

You deserve to lead your fullest, happiest life. Call (844) 327-1188 to schedule a consultation at one of four Chicago, IL, area Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology locations: Park City, Lake Forest, Woodstock, or the Far North Side.

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