A newly approved laser treatment can help millions of women deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness and pain.
Women who face decreasing oestrogen levels after menopause or childbirth are subject to an uncomfortable condition known as vaginal atrophy. Affecting over three-quarters of postmenopausal women, the condition is described as the narrowing and drying out of the vaginal walls, thus leading to symptoms of redness, itching and dryness of the vagina.
Until recently, limited resources for treatment and the taboo surrounding ageing and sexuality had held women back from finding and receiving the care they need. Specialist Clinics of Australia offers a treatment called GynaeLase, which is an intravaginal, nonsurgical laser treatment designed to restore vaginal mucosa and rehydrate the vaginal walls. It acts by stimulating the collagen production of the vagina, thus resulting in healthy and elastic tissue with minimal side effects.
A silent epidemic
Described as a chronic and progressive medical condition, the impact vaginal atrophy has on quality of life, sexual intercourse and urinal functioning is becoming more evident in daily medical practices. Expert gynaecologist, Dr Sean Burnet from Specialist Clinics of Australia, explains that the most common cause of this condition is decreased oestrogen levels either after menopause or in some women both pre and post menopausal, a lack of receptors to respond to oestrogen stimulation.
Vaginal atrophy can cause a number of symptoms, varying from dryness, pain during intercourse, irritation when performing certain activities or wearing tight clothes, to painful urination. A combination of all these symptoms can have a severe effect on the overall quality of life.
Dr Burnet explains how a thorough and sensible medical examination is required to help women open up about the condition. “Women are reluctant to discuss the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as intimate sexual complaints and urogenital problems.” He believes this is due to a lack of experience in assessing sexual problems and lack of trust in treatment options.
GynaeLase – a revolutionary treatment program
Developments in technology have seen major advancements in the medical industry, one the most recent being the use of laser treatments in gynaecology and vaginal rejuvenation. GynaeLase is a nonsurgical laser therapy, ideal in treating vaginal atrophy and restoring aged vaginal tissue.
The effectiveness of the GynaeLase therapy stands in how the technology is used to stimulate body’s natural processes. It uses laser light to deliver thermal energy at specific depths of the vaginal tissue to achieve better and exact results. By stimulating blood flow increases and collagen production, the process helps the body create more hydrated and healthy cells – all essential components of vaginal health.
Designed for women with a variety of gynaecologic problems
Nearly half of menopausal and postmenopausal women are experiencing vaginal dryness and pain, that ultimately takes a physical and emotional toll on the patient, and can also affect their relationships with their partner. From younger women who have experienced traumatic delivery, to breast cancer sufferers, the symptoms of vaginal atrophy impact the quality of life.
Dr Burnet highlights how laser treatment can make a significant difference to the quality of life of many, but sadly many suffer in silence.
There has been some concern from patients who have either a personal history or family history of oestrogen dependent cancers (e.g., breast cancer), the use of laser treatment can be used in these women.
The treatment consists of a short procedure that works by stimulating the production of collagen underneath the vaginal skin and promoting more lubrication, tightness and elasticity. It addresses the direct cause of vaginal atrophy, instead of treating its symptoms, making the effects long lasting and independent of the patient’s lifestyle.
hi I like to know how much is the lazer treatment for stress incontinence and how long last
is any medicare rebate /?
Hi M,
The cost is $2900 for a course of three treatments (as at Dec 2016) and we typically recommend a maintenance treatment 1-2 times per year.
Your initial consultation will be charged at $250 of which you will receive an eligible Medicare rebate of $72.75. Any subsequent costs will depend on your specific course of treatment.
All specialist consultations require a GP referral letter for you to be able to claim the Medicare rebate. If you are unable to provide your own GP referral letter one of our medical doctors can write you a referral just prior to your appointment. If you would like to take advantage of this, please call 02 8205 7007 to book a referral appointment just prior to your gynaecology appointment.
Please note pricing is subject to change and only valid as at the time of this response.