WOMEN'S HEALTH 

 
 
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CO2 Fractional Laser treatment for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Sexuality is an important part of women’s health, quality of life and general well-being.

All women who have given birth vaginally experience stretching of their vaginal tissue. Long-term physical and psychological consequences may occur, including loss of sensation and sexual dissatisfaction related to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). One significant issue is the laxity of the vaginal introitus, which is listed most often as being responsible for the symptoms.

Globally 15% of premenopausal women and 50% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms associated to vulvovaginal atrophy.

 
 

SYMPTOMS

  • Vaginal Laxity

  • Dryness – “itchiness”

  • Stress Incontinence

  • Sexual discomfort(Dyspareunia)

CAUSES

  • Vaginal Laxity Thinner and less elastic vaginal mucosa

  • Loss of oestrogen levels related to menopause

  • Effect of reduction of oestrogen on periurethral tissue

  • Fragile vaginal mucosa affected by mechanical friction during intercourse leading to pain and post-coital bleeding.

 
 
 

KEY POINTS OF TREATMENT

  • Non-surgical → no cutting of any sort.

  • CO2 fractional laser treatment → best results compared to other devices.

  • Less than 5 minute procedure → completely safe and almost painless.

  • Procedure carried out by experienced female nurse or doctor, with chaperone or assistant present.

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Includes follow up consultation.

 
Suitability
CO2 Laser Treatment
Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
Side Effects
Contraindications
 

SUITABILITY OF TREATMENT

  • Women over 18 with VVA symptoms

  • Women with inadequate response to oestrogen therapy

  • Women who seek an alternative to oestrogen therapy

  • Women with contraindications to oestrogen therapy (history of breast cancer and thrombophlebitis)

 
 

MECHANISM OF ACTION OF CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENT

Fractional laser technology works by emitting a beam of light that creates a pattern of small ablative wounds, which is non-surgical and without damaging the surrounding tissue, which aims to stimulate tissue regeneration.

Non-surgical vaginal regeneration stimulates tissue regeneration by increasing the collagen and extracellular matrix production that leads to a thicker (youthful) vaginal epithelium with the formation of new papilla, these morphological changes presumably alleviate symptoms of dryness, dyspareunia, and irritation. Further more than improving sexual functions the treatment of vaginal laxity with lasers has a positive effect on stress urinary incontinence.

 
 

NON-SURGICAL VAGINAL REJUVENATION PROTOCOL

  • Booking of appointment online.

  • After appointment is confirmed, a specific questionnaire is sent by email to be filled out in the privacy of your home.

  • Initial consultation to establish suitability, expectations and details of the treatment. If a woman is suitable a future date for the treatment will be set.Women who seek an alternative to oestrogen therapy.

  • Treatment day: after consent form is signed, the nurse or doctor carries out CO2 laser treatment in presence of an assistant or chaperone.
    o Please avoid sexual intercourse and all vaginal creams and lubricants 24-48 hours prior to the day of procedure.

  • Follow post treatment indications and after care, given on day of treatment.

  • Clinical review (follow up): 7 days after treatment.

  • Follow up questionnaire is sent to be completed 3 weeks and 9 weeks after treatment, to establish results and consider another course of treatment if needed, only after a minimum of 3 months of initial treatment.

  • In postmenopausal women optimum results have been achieved with more than one treatment, ideal 3 spaced out over one year period.

 
 
 

SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS

  • Slight swelling immediately after treatment, resolves in 24-48 hours.

  • Occasional spotting after treatment, resolves in 24 hours.

 
 
 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

We apologise the inconvenience but treatment will not be carried if you meet any of the contraindications listed below.

  • Active vaginal or vulvar infection (herpes, candida, papilloma virus or any sexual transmitted disease).

  • Vaginal, cervical or other lesions in the treatment area that have not been investigated and diagnosed.

  • Pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum.

  • Any type of prolapse.

  • History of:

    • Radiotherapy to vaginal or colorectal tissue

    • Surgical reconstruction of pelvic floor with “mesh”

    • Impaired wound healing or excessive bleeding condition

    • Keloid formation

    • On long-term anticoagulant treatment for thromboembolic condition

 

If you have any of the contraindications listed above please consult with your GP or Gynaecologist and obtain a letter of suitability for the treatment before booking an appointment.

 
 
 
 

All images used are for illustrative purposes only.

The above prices are only a guide, these may vary according to individual requirements and payment is due the day of the treatment or when a plan of treatments is agreed. Any procedure will only take place after a medical consultation, in which you will be asked to respond truthfully a record of your medical history and on the day of each procedure you will be asked to read and sign a consent form accordingly. Results and longevity varies from each individual, dependent on factors that not solely include age, genetics, skin type, medical history and lifestyle.