While the decrease in estrogen that occurs during menopause is often to blame for vaginal dryness and itching, it can occur at any stage of life. In fact, a surprising 17% of women ages 18-50 experience these uncomfortable symptoms, even before reaching menopause.
At Evergreen Women’s Health, we understand the impact vaginal discomfort can have on every aspect of your life, from daily activities to intimate moments. Our skilled physician, Cynthia McNally, MD, offers personalized treatment options, including MonaLisa Touch®, a nonhormonal, in-office procedure that can provide lasting relief.
You want to feel comfortable and confident. If you’re struggling with dryness and itching, here’s how MonaLisa Touch can help you restore your vaginal health.
Estrogen, the hormone that regulates the female reproductive system, also plays a central role in the health and moisture of the vaginal and vulvar tissues.
A drop in estrogen can make the vaginal lining drier, thinner, and more fragile — a condition known as vaginal atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This can cause discomfort during sex, itching, unusual discharge, and even urinary issues.
The hormonal changes of menopause are the most common cause of these symptoms, but other factors can also cause estrogen levels to drop, including:
Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome, can also contribute to vaginal dryness and itching.
MonaLisa Touch offers an innovative approach to addressing the discomfort associated with vaginal atrophy. It’s a hormone-free treatment that utilizes fractional CO2 laser energy to gently stimulate the vaginal tissues. This gentle internal and external stimulation triggers your body’s natural healing processes, leading to:
Collagen and elastin provide structure and support to the vaginal tissues. By stimulating the production of these proteins, MonaLisa Touch helps to strengthen and revitalize the vaginal lining. This improves the tissue’s elasticity and reduces the risk of tearing or pain during sex.
The MonaLisa Touch treatment increases blood flow to the vaginal area, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Improved circulation can also enhance tissue regeneration and promote a healthier vaginal environment.
The boost in essential proteins and nutrients can help to reduce inflammation within the vaginal tissues, alleviating irritation and itching and making sexual experiences more comfortable and enjoyable.
By stimulating collagen production and improving tissue health, MonaLisa Touch also helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to improved urinary control, reducing the frequency and urgency of urination that often goes along with low estrogen levels.
Before your treatment, our team conducts a thorough assessment and listens to your concerns to ensure that MonaLisa Touch is the right choice for you. While you may require a series of sessions to see optimal results, the procedure is pain-free and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness and itching, it’s time to reclaim your comfort and feel like yourself again. To explore your treatment options, call Evergreen Women’s Health in Vancouver, Washington, or request an appointment online.
