Menopause. No woman likes it, no man wants to hear us talking about it, yet we all, generally speaking, have to experience it. The side effects of menopause can be irritating, overwhelming and even have a substantial effect on the quality of our day-to-day lives.
One the most debilitating byproducts of menopause is vaginal atrophy, or as it’s medicinally known, atrophic vaginitis. In Australia alone, over 40 percent of women experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy with, sadly, only a quarter of these ladies seeking help or treatment.
What Is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a change in the vaginal system that develops as a result of decreasing levels of the female hormone estrogen. The ovaries produce estrogen, which plays a vital role in keeping the vagina lubricated and healthy. Menopause, essentially, is the gradual decline of estrogen to the reproductive organs, which is the reason why women become susceptible to vaginal atrophy.
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can include:
- Vaginal itchiness and burning
- Prolapse and laxity
- Dryness and loss of lubrication
- Continence and urinary urgency
- Recurrent thrush and UTIs
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Contraindication of H.R.T
These symptoms can occur throughout your menopause transition or even several years after. They should not be ignored. Many women believe these symptoms are just synonymous with normal menopausal manifestation, prompting them to avoid seeking help or guidance. However, while there is no denying the sensitivity the menopausal changes espouse, there is help. Effective treatment is readily available in the form of groundbreaking technology known as the Mona Lisa Touch.
What Is the Mona Lisa Touch?
There are many treatments available for vaginal atrophy. Since the symptoms are directly related to the hormones of your body, the traditional approach has been prescribing hormonal treatment therapy. These are in the form of applying cream and ointments to the area to help restore hormonal balance. The effectiveness of this method is heavily dependent on the diligence of the person to adhere to the protocols of a prescription.
However, the effects of treatments like these are fundamentally short-term, meaning the benefits cease if a prescription is discontinued. Fortunately, treatments like the Mona Lisa Touch provide an innovative, alternative, long-term solution for sufferers of vaginal atrophy and menopausal-related issues.
The Mona Lisa Touch is an innovative laser treatment that transmits fractional CO2 energy to the tissue within the vaginal wall. The process involves no elements of traditional surgery, requiring no anesthesia and little to no pain or side effects. Gynaecologists have been successfully conducting Mona Lisa Touch procedures in Australia since 2013.
How Does the Mona Lisa Touch Work?
The Mona Lisa Touch counteracts the effects and symptoms of vaginal atrophy through a 5-minute treatment that stimulates collagen production underneath the vaginal wall. This promotes the growth of cells and subsequently the strength and blood supply to the vaginal wall. Mona Lisa Touch is based off years of research in dermatology and gynaecologic medicine that works to stimulate fibroblast cells in the skin within the vagina to prompt a natural regeneration process.
The Mona Lisa Touch involves a 5-minute, painless, no-downtime treatment. The only side effect or recommendation is to avoid sexual intercourse for 5 roughly days. A standard course of treatment requires 3 treatments scheduled at monthly intervals.
Why the Mona Lisa Touch?
The procedure of the Mona Lisa Touch provides substantial benefits when compared to other treatment options. It’s directly aimed at addressing the core of the issues that cause vaginal atrophy, as opposed to treating just the symptoms. One of the major benefits of the Mona Lisa Touch is that it offers longer-lasting relief than traditional methods and further offers alternative options for women who were not suitable for traditional treatments.
What Results Do the Mona Lisa Produce?
Results can begin to show within as little as 30 days after receiving treatment from the Mona Lisa Touch. After this time, there is considerable regeneration of new tissue in the vaginal walls and also an increase hydration and elasticity. One of the many benefits of this procedure is that it helps restore the natural pH balance of the vaginal mucosa, targeting the cause of vaginal atrophy. This means many of the symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation and fissuring significantly reduce or disappear entirely, with little to no side effects or discomfort.
If you’re experiencing menopause or vaginal discomfort and are looking for support or information, contact your local gynaecologist or specialist today.
Dr Ljiljana Miljkovic-Petkovic is passionate about women’s health and finding solutions to improve their lives. She has been practicing in obstetrics and gynaecology for over 25 years and finds the journey of assisting women from pre pregnancy to post pregnancy extreme rewarding. She now practices at Newcastle Private Specialist Centre and can be found at http://drljiljanamp.com.au/
