End Vaginal Discomfort with MonaLisa Touch® Laser

Dr. Veronikis is the first physician and gynecologic practice in St. Louis and Missouri to offer the MonaLisa Touch® laser for the treatment of symptoms related to Vaginal Atrophy caused by decreases in estrogen. Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman’s life. However, when estrogen decline and/or deficiency lead to vaginal atrophy because of menopause, hysterectomy or cancer treatment, many women experience uncomfortable gynecologic side effects, such as vaginal burning, vaginal itching, vaginal dryness and, subsequently, painful intercourse. These symptoms are not only painful and annoying, but they also can profoundly impact a woman’s daily quality of life and intimate relationship. The MonaLisa Touch® laser provides fast relief for these symptoms without surgery or the use of hormones!

What is Vaginal Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is the thinning, drying of the vaginal walls due to a decrease in estrogen. This condition frequently occurs after menopause, although it can also affect women in the peri-menopausal stage. For many women, the symptoms of vaginal atrophy not only make intercourse painful, but they also may cause distressing urinary symptoms. The interconnected nature of the vaginal and urinary symptoms of this condition is also sometimes referred to by gynecologic professionals as “genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).”

The MonaLisa Touch® Treats Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy

The MonaLisa Touch® is a fractional CO2 laser that is specifically designed to treat vaginal tissue. It is the only FDA-cleared, non-hormonal solution to treat symptoms associated with Vaginal Atrophy such as:

  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Painful intercourse

The MonaLisa Touch® uses laser light energy to stimulate new collagen production in the vaginal walls revitalizing the tissue cell layers and generating new blood flow and lubrication, thus restoring natural vaginal function and decreasing prior symptoms. Additionally, patients have also experienced relief to secondary symptoms such as urinary symptoms.

The MonaLisa Touch® Procedure

What to Expect During a MonaLisa Touch® Treatment

MonaLisa Touch® laser vaginal revitalization is an outpatient, non-hormonal procedure performed in the comfort and convenience of the office. A series of three five-minute laser treatments are performed spaced four weeks apart for optimal results without pain, side-affects or downtime!

The goal of this treatment is to change and improve the underlying health of the vaginal tissue so that women with vaginal atrophy may regain vaginal health and can “feel normal” again and reclaim their sexual intimacy. The MonaLisa Touch® is a fractional CO2 laser treatment for the vagina; there is no pain associated with the treatment itself. The only discomfort that a patient may encounter is when the laser probe is first inserted into the vagina (similar to an ultrasound probe), but patients indicate that it involves less discomfort than a speculum insertion. Most patients describe the actual laser treatment as a slight vibration.

MonaLisa Touch® Results

Many patients experience symptom relief within the first week of treatment, and almost all experience significant improvement within two weeks. Patients should avoid sexual activity for a few days following each laser procedure, but can otherwise resume their normal daily activities without any downtime. MonaLisa Touch® provides lasting results, although a single annual treatment is recommended to prevent vaginal atrophy symptoms from reoccurring.

Please contact our office at 314-251-6753 to schedule an appointment today about how the MonaLisa Touch® can help improve your post-menopausal vaginal health!