Some things about adulting are not fun. We talk about a lot of those things: taxes, laundry, having to make dinner every.single.night…did we say laundry? But there are some things we never talk about. Like the vaginal dryness that can occur in perimenopausal and menopausal women, women who have undergone treatment for cancer, women who are on certain medications, or women who have had their ovaries removed. Wendy Hurst, MD, a gynecologist in the Englewood Health Physician Network, says that there are treatments for this common and uncomfortable condition. One of these treatments, the MonaLisa Touch® laser treatment, can be performed in Dr. Hurst’s office during a woman’s annual gynecologic exam.
The MonaLisa Touch laser is a non-invasive treatment that has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for decades. It delivers low-energy beams to a targeted area to alleviate vaginal dryness in women who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to use hormonal lubrication. The MonaLisa Touch treatment takes less than five minutes and provides a carefree solution to a problem that is rarely discussed. Women can receive relief with no pain, no mess, no downtime and no medication.
An added bonus of the MonaLisa Touch is that it may help decrease the frequency of urinary tract infections and improve the issue of urinary frequency and urgency. Why? Because when the laser penetrates the skin tissue, it spurs a localized inflammation that causes the body to respond by making new blood vessels (which bring moisture) and spurring the production of collagen and elastin (which help restore the stretchy, supple feel of the pre-menopausal vagina).
The MonaLisa Touch Laser is an alternative to estrogen hormone therapies. It is the best choice for women who want to participate in physical activities without pain; who suffer from painful intercourse; or who just want be free of the discomfort of a dry, irritated vagina. It’s also a great choice for women who are unable or unwilling to start hormone therapy because of their medical or family history.
So, if this laser is so great, why haven’t you heard about it? Because sadly, vaginal dryness isn’t a topic we discuss, even with our doctors. So instead of asking about options for treating this common—yet hidden—problem, women do what they often do and suffer in silence. But once we get over the discomfort of talking about vaginal dryness, we can actually start addressing the discomfort of the condition itself. Dr. Hurst says that in the decade she’s been using the MonaLisa Touch laser, she’s treated hundreds of women and over 90% of these women return for follow-up treatments. She also receives referrals from other gynecologists who recognize the benefits of this laser treatment for their patients.
For more information about the MonaLisa Touch laser treatment, speak with your gynecologist about vaginal dryness at your next visit. Ask about your options for treatment. By 2025, there will be over one billion menopausal women in the world. You are not alone. Vaginal dryness is a treatable problem.
Englewood Health Physician Network Gynecology - Wendy R. Hurst, MD 370 Grand Avenue, Suite 202 201.894.9599
