Vaginal atrophy treatment

The latest laser system for treating Vaginal Atrophy, vulvo-vaginal health and post partum disorders acts by reshaping and regenerating vaginal tissue that may have started to degenerate.

The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. Full medical glossary
A group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. Full medical glossary
The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary

What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy, also known as vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) or atrophic vaginitis, is a condition that causes thinning and drying of the vaginal walls due to your body producing less oestrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs mainly after the menopause, but can also happen at other times:

  • During the years leading up to the menopause

  • After surgical removal of both ovaries

  • After radiotherapy of the pelvis

  • After chemotherapy

  • As a result of hormonal treatment for breast cancer.

Vaginal atrophy symptoms and diagnosis

Vaginal atrophy presents with a variety of vaginal and urinary symptoms:

  • Vulval or vaginal burning or itching

  • Vaginal discharge

  • Burning sensation during urination

  • Urgency with urination

  • Recurrent water infections

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Light bleeding after intercourse

  • Discomfort or pain during intercourse.

The diagnosis of vaginal atrophy will be made by your GP or a specialist Gynaecologist. It involves a vaginal examination during which your doctor will palpate and visually examine your pelvic organs. Your doctor can also check for signs of pelvic organ prolapse.

Although most women will experience similar symptoms during their lives, very few will seek treatment. Many women learn to live with the symptoms, even when they are distressing, because they may be embarrassed to discuss them with their doctor.

Relating to atrophy. Full medical glossary
Withering or weakening of a body tissue due to disease or disuse. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
The involuntary passage of urine or faeces. Full medical glossary
Invasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites. Full medical glossary

The time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle, and her periods cease

Full medical glossary
A hormone involved in female sexual development, produced by the ovaries. Full medical glossary
Female reproductive organs situated one on either side of the uterus (womb). They produce egg cells (ova) and hormones in a monthly cycle. Full medical glossary
Medical examination by the hands and fingertips. Full medical glossary
Relating to the pelvis. Full medical glossary
The bony basin formed by the hip bones and the lower vertebrae of the spine; also refers to the lower part of the abdomen. Full medical glossary
Displacement of part of the body below its normal site. Full medical glossary
The treatment of disease using radiation. Full medical glossary
Relating to injury or concern. Full medical glossary
The passing of urine from the body. Full medical glossary
The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary
Inflammation of the vagina. Full medical glossary
Relating to the sense of sight (vision). Full medical glossary
Hands in heart shape

You should see a specialist if you experience vaginal symptoms, such as:

  • Unusual bleeding
  • Discharge
  • Burning
  • Soreness.

You should also make an appointment to see an expert if your symptoms have not resolved by using a vaginal moisturiser or water-based lubricant.

The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary

Treatment for vaginal atrophy

Moisturisers and oestrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy

Try a vaginal moisturiser to restore moisture in the vaginal area. The effects of a moisturiser generally last a little longer than those of a lubricant. You may also wish to use a water-based lubricant to reduce the discomfort during intercourse. However, these measures only provide temporary relief and do not treat the underlying condition.

Oestrogen treatment has traditionally been considered as the gold standard therapy for vaginal atrophy:

  • Topical (vaginal) oestrogen is directly applied to the vagina and has the advantage of being effective at lower doses. In addition, it limits your overall exposure to oestrogen because a smaller amount reaches your bloodstream. It is more effective than oral hormonal regimens.
  • Oral oestrogen carries more risks compared to the topical treatment without being superior in controlling your symptoms. Your doctor must explain the risks and the benefits of oral oestrogen. Many women are understandably reluctant to consider oestrogen treatment due to HRT (hormone replacement therapy) links to breast cancer.
Withering or weakening of a body tissue due to disease or disuse. Full medical glossary
A fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. Full medical glossary
A substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect. Full medical glossary
Abbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. Full medical glossary
A hormone involved in female sexual development, produced by the ovaries. Full medical glossary
A craving to eat non-food substances such as earth or coal. Full medical glossary
The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary

MonaLisa Touch: a ‘game changing’ laser treatment

Many women are not eligible for hormonal treatment for their vulvo-vaginal atrophy, or they are not willing to take the risks of the treatment. Also, quite often the symptoms are resistant to all the above treatment options.

A game changing laser treatment for vulvo-vaginal atrophy has now been introduced with outstanding results. The MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy acts by reshaping and regenerating the atrophic vaginal tissue. It restores the healthy functionality of the vagina without the side effects of oestrogen.

It has also been shown to be helpful for many other disorders, such as:

  • Mild urinary incontinence
  • Vaginal laxity
  • Postnatal disorders due to childbirth injury.

The procedure is painless, minimally invasive and without any risks to surrounding tissues. It takes only few minutes and is very well tolerated by most women.

For vaginal atrophy three treatments are recommended 4 to 6 weeks apart and then yearly. One study has shown improvements of 90% in vaginal laxity, 85% in vaginal itching, 84% in vaginal burning, 76% in dryness and 72% in pain during sex, after 3 sessions of MonaLisa Touch®.

The frequency of the procedures should be tailored to your needs, and will be assessed according to the cause and the severity of your symptoms.

MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy for vaginal atrophy has been shown to be effective. It is well supported by international publications from prestigious health institutes. There is also growing evidence to support the implementation of this laser therapy for conditions such as lichen sclerosus, vaginal or vulval inflammation and urinary disorders.

The procedure must be performed by specialists with advanced expertise in the treatment of vulval and vaginal disorders in order to make the correct diagnosis and personalise the treatment to your needs.

Relating to atrophy. Full medical glossary
Withering or weakening of a body tissue due to disease or disuse. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. Full medical glossary
The involuntary passage of urine or faeces. Full medical glossary
The body’s response to injury. Full medical glossary
The destruction of abnormal cells by burning them away using a laser. Full medical glossary
How relaxed or slack a body part is. Full medical glossary
A hormone involved in female sexual development, produced by the ovaries. Full medical glossary
A microbe, such as a type of bacteria, that is able to resist the effects of antibiotics or other drugs. Full medical glossary
A group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. Full medical glossary
The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary
The external part of the female genitalia. Full medical glossary