When estrogen levels drop after menopause, vaginal discomfort often occurs. Millions of women experience uncomfortable changes in their vaginal health. It’s not just the body that suffers. The psyche too. Many women silently endure vulvovaginal atrophy, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), dysuria (painful urination), and frequent urinary tract infections. All of this has a significant impact on quality of life. Remedy options were once limited, but not anymore. Now there’s something you can do that actually works: MonaLisa Touch®
MonaLisa Touch® uses a unique vaginal probe that delivers pulses to the vaginal wall tissue with a fractional CO2 laser. And in a very gentle way. The laser energy effectively targets the atrophic vaginal mucosa to stimulate the metabolic and neocollagenesis process. This leads to increased vascularization, as well as increased production of elastin and collagen, which in turn helps improve vaginal lubrication.
Key data in brief:
- Three to five sessions (duration 5-10 minutes) every 6 weeks
- The treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis in the practice
- Does not require anesthesia
- Minimal side effects
- No downtime
- Relief of symptoms immediately after the first treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MonaLisa Touch®?
MonaLisa Touch® is a gentle method to treat complaints related to vulvo-vaginal atrophy or other intimate complaints that can typically occur due to hormonal changes (e.g. in menopause). MonaLisa Touch® is a fractional CO2 laser with a vaginal probe that delivers targeted light pulses to the vaginal tissue to revitalize the cells and thus promote the production of collagen and elastin. This also increases blood flow (vascularization) and moisture levels. There is also a vulvar probe that delivers impulses in the vulva area. The symptoms can be alleviated by the formation of new vessels and cells.*
*Please note that not all patients are suitable for such treatment and results are not guaranteed. The suitability for such a treatment as well as a detailed explanation is clarified in the personal doctor-patient discussion.
Is MonaLisa Touch® right for me?
Many postmenopausal women face changes due to decreased estrogen levels that can impact their quality of life in unexpected ways. MonaLisa Touch® can be used to treat symptoms and diseases such as:
- vaginal dryness
- vaginal burning
- vaginal piercing
- painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pain when urinating (dysuria)
- lichen sclerosus
- vulvodynia
MonaLisa Touch® is suitable for women going through the menopause as well as for those who suffer from postmenopausal symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatment, when the hormone balance is disturbed and estrogen treatment is to be avoided.
Is the treatment painful?
The treatment, which is carried out in the doctor’s office, is almost painless and does not require anesthesia. If the vulva is also treated, a local anesthetic ointment is usually applied just before the treatment.
How many sessions are necessary?
On average, three 5-10 minute sessions spaced 6 weeks apart are required to treat the vagina. Five sessions at 6-week intervals are generally recommended for treatment of the vulva. Depending on the findings, we also recommend a session every 6 or 12 months for refreshment and maintenance. However, these are only guidelines – we will create an individual treatment plan with you.
Are there any restrictions that should be observed after the treatment?
Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Sexual intercourse or hot baths/sauna should be avoided for 2-3 days after treatment to avoid a possible risk of infection. Your doctor will give you a recommendation on what to do after treatment.
How expensive is the treatment?
Patients should contact us directly and get a personal cost estimate. Many private health insurance companies cover the costs of the therapy, but this has not been the case with statutory health insurance companies so far.
Is this treatment method also safe for women with breast cancer?
Yes, the MonaLisa Touch treatment is even especially suitable for patients who want to avoid estrogen treatment.