If you experience discomfort or pain during intercourse related to vaginal dryness, lichen sclerosus or urinary incontinence, the MonaLisa Touch vaginal rejuvenation procedure may be ideal for you. Women tend to experience these symptoms more as they approach menopause but may experience them earlier if they have undergone treatments for certain conditions such as breast cancer. MonaLisa Touch is non-hormonal and safe for women with a history of breast and ovarian cancer.
What is MonaLisa Touch (MLT)?
MonaLisa Touch (MLT) is a treatment for vaginal atrophy after menopause, cancer treatment, or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), which involves using a gentle CO2 laser that is specially designed to treat vaginal tissue.
In the past, women who experienced vaginal atrophy were limited to hormonal treatment, lubricants, moisturizers, and creams. MLT is simple and safe, and because there’s no need for anesthesia, the procedure is performed in-office within our women’s clinic in just minutes.
How Does MonaLisa Work?
During a treatment session, a vaginal probe is inserted into the vagina. A laser energy is delivered to the vaginal wall which stimulates a healing process through collagen growth and increased vascularization, improving the overall condition of the vagina.
In patients with lichen sclerosus, the immune system is attacking the skin of the perineum causing loss of labial and vulvar architecture and often causes itching/ burning of the surrounding skin. The CO2 laser helps relieve these symptoms and put the condition into remission.
After just a few treatments, many women see improvements in symptoms including dryness, burning, itching, and laxity. There is increased distensibility and lubrication of the vagina. This prevents pain during intercourse and makes the experience more pleasurable for both partners. The same treatment improves the skin over the urethra and prevents urinary tract infections and leakage in some instances.
What does treatment involve?
All treatment is done in-office and is a short, non-surgical procedure. Treatment for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse involves three procedures that are six weeks apart. When used to treat lichen sclerosus there are five procedures, each six weeks apart, following a diagnosis.
The MLT procedure is fast, simple, and safe, and causes minimal side effects. Possible side effects include spotting, watery vaginal discharge, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, itching, irritation, changes in pigmentations and scarring. Most patients experience no side effects during or after their treatments.
Treatment requires no anesthesia or downtime, and it is a relatively painless procedure that allows patients to resume intercourse within two to three days.
How Long Does MonaLisa Last?
MonaLisa Touch provides lasting results. A once-a-year single treatment is recommended to maintain symptom relief. This can be done quickly and conveniently.
Who Can Benefit from MonaLisa Touch Treatment?
As we age, estrogen levels decline, potentially leading to vaginal changes and discomfort. It’s not uncommon for women to experience these changes during perimenopause, menopause, and even after childbirth. Commonly treated symptoms include vaginal itching, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and vaginal laxity.
MLT is also being used to treat lichen sclerosis, a skin condition most common in postmenopausal women that creates thin patchy white skin. MLT can also be used to treat vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Mona Lisa Touch in West Des Moines
West Des Moines OB/GYN is the only OB/GYN group in the Des Moines area to offer MonaLisa Touch, and is an all-female provider team at that. We understand on a fundamental level the health challenges women face, which is why we offer only the best possible treatment options for our patients’ conditions. Each doctor at West Des Moines OB/GYN takes seriously the responsibility of ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of individualized care available.
If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms we addressed above and would like more information about MonaLisa Touch treatment, give us a call or schedule an appointment.
Check out our blog to read more about MonaLisa Touch treatment and benefits.
