Estrogen is an incredibly important hormone in the female body. During reproductive years, it has many functions including the maintenance of vaginal and urinary tissues. However, as menopause approaches, the ovaries produce less and less estrogen. Less estrogen means less tissue maintenance, resulting in a cluster of symptoms collectively termed Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). While every woman’s symptoms will be unique, the most common vulvovaginal symptoms (i.e., affecting the vulva and the vagina) are dryness, burning, irritation, and pain with intercourse. Fortunately, Italian scientists invented a unique solution for this problem: the MonaLisa Touch Laser (MLTL).
New research in 2021 has proven this Italian laser to be extremely safe and effective at treating GSM. Tissue remodeling is initiated by infrared light which travels through CO2 into the vulvovaginal tissues. On the vulva and within the vaginal canal, collagen growth is stimulated, tissue is rehydrated, and normal blood flow is recreated. Clinical trials have reported improved sexual function as measured by increased desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction as well as decreased pain. In addition, MonaLisa laser treatment improved vulvar and vaginal itching, burning, and dryness. The in-office procedure has minimal discomfort, and while some women experience mild swelling and redness after treatment, this resolves within a couple days and no severe side-effects have been reported.
At Women’s Health Wise, we have been using the MonaLisa Touch Laser for over six years and have performed more than 1,000 procedures with excellent results, so we are excited to see this new research confirming its benefits. We look forward to helping you improve your vulvovaginal symptoms and quality of life. Call our office and see if it is right for you!
Katie Jewell, M.S.
References
Gardner, A. N., & Aschkenazi, S. O. (2021) The Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Vulvovaginal Symptoms in Menopause, Breast Cancer, and Lichen Sclerosus. Menopause, 28(5), 511–516. doi:10.1097/gme.0000000000001727
Phillips, N. A., & Bachmann, G. A. (2021) The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.
Menopause, 28(5), 579–588. doi:10.1097/gme.0000000000001728.