Vaginal Health

What are common vaginal health issues?

Your vagina is the muscular tunnel that extends from your vulva on the outside of your body to your cervix. A variety of infections and health conditions can compromise your vaginal health and overall wellness.

Vaginal atrophy is a common vaginal health issue that primarily affects menopausal women. Decreased estrogen levels make your vaginal tissue thin and dry, which leads to symptoms including painful sex, itchiness, and incontinence.

Lichens sclerosis is a skin condition that makes skin white, wrinkly, and thin. It can affect any part of your body, but is most often found on the genitals of menopausal women.

You may also contract an STD or another vaginal infection that causes painful or disruptive symptoms.

What are the available vaginal health treatments?

The women’s health specialists at Williamson Gynecology offer customized services to restore your vaginal health. For example, if your symptoms are due to an infection, our providers may prescribe antibiotics and other medicines to help your body fight off the infection and relieve your symptoms.  If you are experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sexual intercourse due to hormonal changes, a series of MonaLisa Touch® treatments may be prescribed.

What is MonaLisa Touch?

MonaLisa Touch® is an advanced women’s wellness tool that uses laser energy to restore vaginal health. The gentle heat produced by the laser simulates an injury, which stimulates your vaginal tissue to produce more collagen, the protein that provides strength and elasticity. As your body creates fresh new collagen, your vaginal tissue becomes stronger, and your natural lubrication returns, reducing the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

What should I expect during a MonaLisa Touch® treatment?

The MonaLisa Touch® treatments are relatively quick — you can expect to be in the office for less than 30 minutes in total. While you recline on a treatment table with your feet in stirrups, your provider inserts the MonaLisa Touch® probe into your vagina. They turn on the energy, which heats your vaginal tissue to trigger your body’s natural healing response.

You may notice a warming sensation during your treatment, and most patients report the procedure is tolerable. You may also see a reduction in your symptoms after just one treatment. However, your doctor may recommend a series of treatments to provide optimal results.

How should I take care of my vagina after my procedure?

After your vaginal health treatment, you can return to your regular activities immediately. Your provider gives you personalized aftercare instructions, but in general, you should avoid sexual intercourse for two or three days and strenuous physical activities for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Call Williamson Gynecology today for expert vaginal health treatments.