Women who suffer from vaginal dryness and irritation have the option to try Vaginal Laser Rejuvenation (VLR) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is the top complaint by women who are both postpartum and around the peri-menopausal ages. Vaginal atrophy is the medical term which refers to the thinning of the wall of the vagina, frequently due to falling estrogen levels. This condition is often associated with vaginal dryness, itching irritation or even pain during sexual intercourse. The vaginal lining becomes thinner, less elastic and color may change as well. Although this is normal for women in these life stages, the symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable.
Vaginal atrophy and dryness don’t need to be treated but many patients choose to seek treatment options because of the symptomatic discomfort.
So, what are the options?
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – A treatment effective in treating both dryness and atrophy complaints, however it is not without risk. Women who took a combination of HRT and estrogen showed increased risk of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone can also have an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
- Hormone Gel – Products that are the most common short-term treatment because it’s a topical, a low-dose hormone in the form of a creams or gel. They provide immediate lubrication and must be reapplied frequently.
- Vaginal Laser Rejuvenation (VLR) – An effective, non-surgical, out-patient therapy for improved vaginal health. There are many different types of lasers available for this treatment. At our center, we have researched countless different options and the latest FemTouch CO2 Laser has proven to be the most effective.
FemTouch for Vaginal Irritation
We are pleased to finally add the addition of FemTouch to our collection of laser treatments! As a physician, experienced in various lasers, I have used CO2 laser’s for over 20 years. In my experience, dramatic rejuvenation of the skin and soft tissue has been well documented. The effect on the mucosa (or the lining of the vagina) is substantial after 3 to 6 treatments. This includes increased moisture, elasticity and blood supply helping with dryness, itching, pain, urinary incontinence and even vaginal laxity.
FemTouch can also treat these side effects caused by chemotherapy! This procedure is an effective, painless, FDA-Cleared therapy for improved vaginal health. It allows us to provide you with remarkable results that are only a few minutes each.
When most people, even other physicians, are asked about VLR, the majority will have no education on it. Most women’s health physicians recommend conventional HRT and lubricants that just don’t produce the same results. It’s possible that these physicians simply don’t treat with laser technology to the extent of plastic surgery practices, often because of their elective nature.
Patients who are suffering from the above symptoms and would like a more effective solution, please contact us for more information! Regain a comfortable, feminine lifestyle!
Authored by William A. Stefani, M.D., Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon
