Vaginal Rejuvenation After Menopause

For women who have recently gone through menopause or who are currently doing so, laser vaginal rejuvenation may help reduce the adverse side effects of hormonal changes.

Many women who have experienced menopause, also experience vaginal dryness. The dryness leads to uncomfortable intercourse, problems experiencing sexual satisfaction, irritated tissues, cracked skin, and a dip in confidence. If vaginal dryness has become unbearable or too much of a nuisance to deal with, we can help.

Why vaginal dryness is a problem

While some women do not see vaginal dryness as a real issue because they can easily use lubricants for sex, they may not realize that vaginal dryness is leading to other health concerns. The vagina produces discharge and natural oils and lubricants that keep it moist and wash bad bacteria away. It also removes dead cells that could otherwise build up and cause discomfort. The acidic makeup of vaginal lubrication kills bad bacteria and keeps infection at bay.

When vaginal dryness occurs, not only is sexual satisfaction disturbed, but the body will now be more at risk for infections and damage from abrasion and dry skin. Pain may exist outside of intercourse as well, such as during exercise or everyday activities when the skin of the vagina rubs against itself. Burning and itching may be present and urinary tract infections may become more common.

Treatment options

There are several over-the-counter products that claim to help estrogen dryness, but if recommended by a doctor, estrogen therapy might be a better option. Estrogen therapy is given in the form of a topical cream that the patient places directly on the vagina or via a pill inserted into the vagina that will provide more estrogen to the vaginal walls. An estrogen ring is another option. The ring is inserted into the vagina and provides a steady flow of estrogen directly into the vaginal tissues.

If estrogen therapy is not working or the woman is unable to take estrogen supplements, vaginal rejuvenation laser therapy is another option. The vagina will be examined to make sure there are no active infections, and then a laser treatment will be performed. The procedure places tiny lacerations in the vaginal lining that act to increase blood flow to the area and stimulate collagen production. This increases healthy tissue growth that tightens the vaginal walls and produces more vaginal lubrication.

In addition to combatting the effects of menopause, laser therapy may rejuvenate the vagina in general leading to more pleasurable intercourse and more confidence. It can be used on women who have not undergone menopause as well if they want a less invasive vaginal improvement option as opposed to actual surgical intervention or if they're going to combat vaginal dryness fully.

FAQ about vaginal rejuvenation 

If you are considering vaginal rejuvenation or it has been recommended to you, then you likely have a few questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions: 

What causes vaginas to change as we age? 

There are a number of things that occur within the vagina as a woman ages. For starters, changes in hormone production can cause vaginal dryness and a lack of sexual drive. 

Additionally, the muscles along the vaginal wall begin to weaken, which creates looseness of the vagina as well as the potential for bladder leakage. 

Also, thinning of the vaginal wall can cause pain during intercourse and the inability to achieve sexual satisfaction. 

How long does the procedure take? 

In most cases, a standard vaginal rejuvenation takes 1-2 hours. The overall procedure, while invasive, is fairly simple, and the patient can expect little risk for side effects or symptoms with a full recovery happening in 8 weeks. During recovery, it is advised to avoid strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, for the first few days, up to 2 weeks. Intercourse should be avoided for the entirety of the healing process to avoid damaging the vagina. 

What can the procedure treat? 

The most common reasons for the procedure are loosening of the vagina and incontinence. Vaginal rejuvenation can help eliminate both of these issues and some loss of sensation and pain that may be experienced during intercourse and improve sexual confidence and pleasure.

Learn more about the vaginal rejuvenation procedure

If you are experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and vaginal dryness, you do not have to suffer any longer nor should you risk the likelihood of infection. Schedule an appointment with our office today to learn more about treating vaginal dryness with estrogen therapy or a vaginal rejuvenation procedure.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Camilla L. Marquez, MD, request an appointment in our Fresno dental office here: https://fresnoobgyn.com. Or call us at (559) 424-1180.

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