Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is a thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to your body having less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause.

For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful, but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. Because of the interconnected nature of the vaginal and urinary symptoms of this condition, experts agree that a more accurate term for vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms is “genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).” We offer an FDA-approved, clinically proven vaginal laser treatment called MonaLisa Touch®.   MonaLisa Touch® is a 5-minute, in-office treatment requiring no anaesthesia or downtime.

Vaginal dryness” is a common symptom of menopause. It is characterized by a lack of moisture in the vaginal area, which can cause itching, irritation, burning or stinging sensations. During intercourse, vaginal dryness can cause pain and light bleeding. We offer an FDA-approved, clinically proven vaginal laser treatment called MonaLisa Touch®.   MonaLisa Touch® is a 5-minute, in-office treatment requiring no anaesthesia or downtime.

Dyspareunia is a medical term that simply means “painful intercourse”. It is a general term used to describe all types of sexual pain. Sexual pain may occur upon penetration, during intercourse, and/or following intercourse. It can exist anywhere in the genital area – the clitoris, labia, vagina, etc. We offer an FDA-approved, clinically proven vaginal laser treatment called MonaLisa Touch®.   MonaLisa Touch® is a 5-minute, in-office treatment requiring no anaesthesia or downtime.

Menopause can cause many unpleasant symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood instability, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, weight gain and poor sleep. We offer a variety of treatment options and lifestyle coaching to help make the menopausal years much more enjoyable.  MonaLisa Touch® vaginal laser therapy is a 5-minute, in-office treatment now available at Hancock Women’s Center.

Urinary incontinence (uncontrollable leakage of urine) is a very common and embarrassing problem in women. The severity can range from barely leaking to “soaking a pad with urine” with every cough or sneeze. We offer many treatment options for urinary incontinence including lifestyle changes, and MonaLisa Touch® vaginal laser therapy.

Lichen sclerosus is a skin disorder that can cause itching, burning, pain during sex, and tears in the skin. The vulvar skin may appear thin, white, and crinkled. MonaLisa Touch® vaginal laser therapy is a 5 minute, in-office treatment now available at Hancock Women’s Center.

Childbirth can stretch the vaginal lining and the birth canal, reducing both tone and strength of the vaginal walls. An overstretched vagina may reduce friction and sensation during sex for both partners. For some women, sexual intercourse can be painful and in some cases, can lead to urinary incontinence and even bowel movement problems. In some cases, woman may also have trouble keeping tampons in place and may encounter gas-like noises during intercourse. The MonaLisa Touch procedure can be performed in the clinic, it does not require anesthesia or down time ensuring the women can return to their normal routine post procedure. It may require 1-3 treatments performed 6 weeks after delivery.

Who is the MonaLisa Touch™ laser treatment for? Candidates for the MonaLisa Touch™ vaginal laser treatment include the following:

• Women who wish to avoid the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

• GSM or vaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness – usually menopausal

• dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

• a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or other contraindications to estrogen

• poor responders to estrogen treatment

• patients with the goal of returning to premenopausal health

What indications or symptoms can the MonaLisa TouchTM treat?

• painful sex (Dyspareunia)

• vaginal dryness and discomfort

• burning and vaginal itching

• weakness and laxity of the vaginal wall (looseness)

• recurrent urinary tract infections

• stress or Mild Urinary Incontinence

• frequent nighttime urination

There are very few contraindications for the MonaLisa Touch™. Laser treatment is not recommended for the following:

• undiagnosed vaginal or cervical lesions

• pregnancy or the 3 months following pregnancy

• a history of radiation to the vaginal or colo-rectal tissue

The MonaLisa Touch is an innovative laser designed to treat vaginal atrophy and symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching and burning that are caused by hormonal changes. The MonaLisa Touch uses minimally invasive laser technology to naturally rehydrate the vaginal walls and restore their natural function. The MonaLisa Touch can safely stimulates new collagen production to help reverse vaginal atrophy and alleviate discomfort caused by hormonal changes.

Hormonal changes are a natural part of life. When estrogen deficiencies or vaginal atrophy occur because of menopause, breastfeeding, hysterectomies, or cancer treatments, many women experience uncomfortable side effects. The minimally invasive MonaLisa Touch procedure can effectively stimulate new collagen production and alleviate symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, irritation and pain during intercourse to improve the quality of your life.

If you are a woman with vaginal atrophy or laxity caused by hormonal changes and are experiencing symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching or pain, especially during intercourse, the MonaLisa Touch can help. The MonaLisa Touch procedure is an ideal treatment for women who don’t want to undergo risky hormone replacement therapy or major surgery, but want relief from their symptoms. The MonaLisa Touch procedure is minimally invasive and can greatly enhance your quality of life and sexual well-being without dangerous side effects. Remember, no one can advise you better about MonaLisa Touch and your treatment options than your doctor.

The MonaLisa Touch treatment is performed using a special CO2 fractional laser, specifically designed for this type of application. The procedure is carried out in medical practice and usually does not require anaesthesia. The laser application itself lasts less than five minutes! Typically, three treatments are needed over the course of 12 weeks to deliver the best results.

No, the procedure does not usually require anaesthesia. However, if a patient prefers, an anaesthetic cream can be applied before treatment to help reduce discomfort.

Every procedure carries some minimal risks. However, MonaLisa Touch is a minimally invasive procedure performed under the supervision of a medical professional.

The MonaLisa Touch helps alleviate symptoms related to estrogen deficiencies and vaginal atrophy, a widespread problem among pre-and post-menopausal women. Many MonaLisa Touch patients often feel more comfortable and their intimate relationships are enhanced after the procedure.

Since laser vaginal revitalization is minimally invasive, patients can return home to recover following the procedure. Patients should refrain from sexual activity for six or seven days following treatment, but can otherwise resume their normal routines. Your doctor will give you specific recommendations to ensure a speedy recovery.

Most patients report a reduction in symptoms such as dryness, burning, itching and pain during intercourse, which substantially improves their quality of life. Though three sessions are recommended, patients will start to notice results after the first treatment.

Shower or bathe the morning of treatment so that the area to be treated is clean.

Dress in loose-fitting pants and cotton underwear on the day of treatment.

You will be asked to empty your bladder immediately prior to being taken to the treatment room.

Procedures will be explained and consent forms will be signed.

You will then undress from the waist down.

A topical anaesthetic cream will be applied in the opening of the vagina and on the vulvar area prior to the laser treatment.

Please bring a book or something to read while you relax and rest for 30 minutes to give the topical anaesthetic time to numb the area.

If you feel like you need to empty your bladder again, please let us know prior to starting the procedure. Your bladder should be empty.

You, as well as everyone in the room, will then wear protective eyewear provided to prevent eye damage while the laser is in use.

The internal laser will be performed first; it takes 3-5 minutes to complete. You should expect minimal discomfort. Most of the discomfort is caused by initially inserting the probe into the vagina.

The external laser will be performed next; it takes 3-5 minutes to complete. You should expect minimal discomfort. If you have discomfort, Dr. Duplantier will apply Dermoplast to numb the area again.

Most patients resume normal activity, as tolerated, immediately after the procedure.

The skin may feel sensitive and may be red and swollen and the treated area may be itchy.

Use cold compresses or cold gel packs (20 minutes on; then 20 minutes off) as needed for swelling and discomfort.(at least 2 times within 24 hours of treatment)

Wait 1 day before taking a shower or bath; avoid using hot water on the treated area until the healing is complete.

Keep the area moist by applying Vaseline and continue to use until skin is healed.

Avoid swimming, hot tubs, bicycling, lifting heavy weights or doing intense physical exercise for 5-6 days following the treatment.

Refrain from sexual intercourse for at least a week after the treatment.

Wear loose, cotton underwear.

Avoid wearing pantyhose and tight-fitting pants.

If urination causes burning, pour water on it (to dilute the urine) it will cause less burning.

If you feel discomfort you can use Dermoplast Pain Relieving spray.