By Vanessa Cameron DO, FACOG & Karen Collins, MS, CNM, WHNP, FNP, DNP
As the female body endures the physical challenges of childbearing and the postpartum period as well as hormonal shifts with aging and menopause, women can experience frustrating changes in the genital tract that have profound effects on their life. Many women suffer in silence. The female genital tract is influenced by estrogen to produce collagen, a protein that helps maintain strong and youthful tissue. Estrogen also stimulates the production of elastin, which promotes the elastic-like fiber that gives our skin, tissue, and muscles the ability to stretch and bounce back. The vulvovaginal area is very sensitive to the decline in estrogen which occurs with childbearing, breastfeeding, aging, and menopause, as well as with some chronic medical conditions and medications.
Vaginal rejuvenation with the MonaLisa Touch® is a painless and minimally invasive office procedure that treats the vaginal mucosa directly by improving the production of collagen and elastin. The MonaLisa Touch, approved by the FDA in 2014, is done without the aid of hormones, and no anesthesia is needed. This procedure uses a unique laser technique that has shown improvement in the elasticity and overall health of vulvovaginal tissue, which can lead to a significant relief in bothersome symptoms such as vulvovaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, and vaginal laxity.
The MonaLisa Touch is a series of three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, of which the effects may last a lifetime. Occasionally, a maintenance session may be needed to prolong the effects of treatment but is individualized to the patient and their feedback over time.
Some patients with limited options for traditional hormone therapies, such as breast cancer survivors, can benefit greatly from this therapy. In addition, there are other people that may not be suitable candidates, such as patients with active genital infections or unexplained bleeding. We are happy to discuss this option with you and determine if you would benefit and improve your lifestyle and relationships with this technique. If you would like more information please call us today, we look forward to hearing from you!
Teverbaugh, Croland & Mueller Ob/Gyn & Associates, S.C. is devoted to the care of women and in bringing the most state of the art therapies to their patients to find the best solution to your healthcare needs. For more information, please visit www.obgynofpeoria.com or call 309-692-2025.