A British Spa has created a furore by suggesting that by freezing genitals you can rejuvenate them. They even say you can improve your sex life as a result.
The Ainscow Spa in Manchester have advertised the ‘Love Mist’ treatment.
The procedure involves blasting minus 160 degree vapour over the genital area using a liquid nitrogen tank for thirty minutes.
The nitrogen is filtered and pushed out through a funnel.
A doctor's response
The spa claims: "When the sub-zero temperature covers the skin, the sudden drop in heat stimulates the temperature receptors, prompting the brain to transmit messages throughout the body so the blood vessels undergo 'vasoconstriction'.
"This produces a quicker blood flow and ramps up endorphin levels, generating a natural high."
The spa also promises: ‘tighter, youthful, clear and vibrant genital skin appearance through boosting collagen’.
Gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter commented on the procedure in a blog.
‘When exposed to temperatures of – 20 degrees C or less for a minute or more cells undergo cryonecrosis, i.e. they are killed by the cold.’
While it’s true that freezing the genital area will damage tissue and kill off cells, leaving new tissue beneath. Dr Gunter explains that cyonecrosis can cause thermal shock, vascular stasis, dehydration, and denuration of proteins. It may cause redness, scabbing, discharge and possibly frostbite.
At The Ainscow Spa, the procedure is not done by a doctor, but by a spa therapist.
Doctors may more normally use cryotherapy to treat lung cancers and benign tumours. They may also use it as a treatment for genital warts. Given the risks involved with treating the delicate genital area, most doctors would recommend that only those with medical training administer cryotherapy.
Dr Gunter adds: ‘It’s not pretty and no one ever said it improved their sex lives. The idea that exposing genitals to temperatures of –160 C for 30 minutes is absolutely ridiculous.
For expert information from senior gynaecologists on evidence-based, recommended treatments for menopause see The PMS & Menopause Clinic headed by Professor John Studd.
Who needs vaginal rejuvenation?
Ever since Gwyneth Paltrow talked about ‘steaming’ her vagina with a combination of infrared and mugwort steam, there has been debate about rejuvenating one’s genitals.
Women with vaginal atrophy may benefit from a medical vaginal rejuvenation. Vaginal atrophy occurs when the vaginal wall thin due to declining oestrogen. This usally occurs around the time of the menopause, which occurs usually around the ages of 45 to 55.
One treatment that is approved of by doctors is the MonaLisa Touch laser treatment.
The MonaLisa Touch is a laser treatment that delivers fractional CO2 laser energy to the vaginal area. It takes minutes, and is done on a day case basis.
Most people say it’s pain-free, aside from a slight tingling sensation.
Three treatments are usually required.
Can the MonaLisa Touch help?
Research has revealed a course of MonaLisa Touch showed the following improvements:
- 90% in vaginal laxity
- 85% in vaginal itching
- 84% in vaginal burning
- 76% in dryness
- 72% in pain during sex
Consultant Gynaecologist, Pandelis Athanasias who is part of a leading team of senior Gynaecologists in London commented: "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 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
