GynaeLase Helping Women Suffering In Silence

Vaginal atrophy is an inflammation of the vagina and the outer urinary tract. This condition is due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication, both of which are associated with deficiency in the reproductive hormone – oestrogen. Vaginal atrophy is one of the worst symptoms of menopause, as well as a side effect of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and removing of the ovaries.

The symptoms can include:

20% of Australian women have severe vaginal atrophy.

• Vaginal soreness
• Itching
• Burning
• Painful intercourse
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• Incontinence

“Up until now, women were suffering in silence from vaginal atrophy as the taboo surrounding ageing and sexuality still exists,” says Dr Sean Burnet,  the obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Specialist Clinics of Australia. “Nowadays, vaginal atrophy can be treated using GynaeLase, which can have amazing results.” 

GynaeLase begins vaginal rejuvenation

GynaeLase is a minimally-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatment, which is designed to regenerate the mucosa that lines the vaginal walls. The treatment is based on the facial rejuvenation technology in essence – it’s all about repairing skin. The treatment invigorates the targeted skin in your vagina and results in healthy, elastic tissue with minimal disruption to daily life.

During preparation for the procedure, women can expect to undergo a customary pelvic exam. If everything is fine, a doctor will proceed with the treatment.

How does GynaeLase work?

GynaeLase is a minimally invasive surgery which rejuvenates the mucosa that lines the vaginal walls.

The laser works by optically splitting a laser beam into a series of very small dots that are aimed at the inside wall of the vagina. The speed in which the laser pulses is carefully fitted to match the characteristics of the existing vaginal wall.

Once activated, the laser dot removes a tiny bit of tissue, creating a pinhole with the diameter of a human hair. This stimulates the body to regenerate itself by creating new healthy tissue. This regeneration transpires not only at the site of the pinhole, but it also involves the skin immediately around it.

The laser is designed to also engage with the area between the tiny pinholes by heating it and stimulating activity of specialised cells that create elastin and collagen, both of which are building blocks of healthy tissue.

Benefits of GynaeLase Treatment

GynaeLase is not only used in vaginal atrophy, but also in cases of women suffering from cervical cancer and painful postnatal perineal scarring.

“The treatment directly interacts with factors that contribute to dryness, itching, burning and loss mucosal elasticity, and has a proven history of eliminating them,” says Dr Burnet. By stimulation of affected tissue, GynaeLase helps fighting and attenuating symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, it promotes a proliferation of the cells and restores the vaginal wall strength and blood supply.

Is GynaeLase safe?

The treatment is based on the same technology that has been used in facial rejuvenation for years, and the CO2 laser has been used in the medical field for decades. GynaeLase is a nearly non-invasive alternative used for vaginal tightening, which means that there is no surgery involved and no recovery time necessary. However, during the week following the treatment, it is recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, taking a hot bath or doing physical exercise.

Who can benefit from GynaeLase?

GynaeLase, MonaLisa Touch & IntimaLase are all safe procedures. They are a minimally-invasive alternative used for vaginal tightening, which means that there is no surgery involved and no recovery time necessary.

GynaeLase, MonaLisa Touch & IntimaLase are used first and foremost to treat vaginal atrophy and this includes various medical conditions of women who had or have:

• Breast cancer and experience atrophic vaginal symptoms,
• Radiotherapy for bowel or uterine/cervical cancer with narrowing and atrophic vaginal symptoms,
• Vaginal atrophy and haven’t responded to topical HRT,
• Painful postnatal perineal scarring,
• Severe atrophic vaginitis due to breastfeeding and contraception,
• Lichen sclerosus but no VIN,
• Recurrent thrush having had all possible fungal and medical treatments.

How long do the results last?

Most patients notice improvement after the first session can be assured of long-lasting results. “However, as the patients’ physical health vary, to achieve the best results from the GynaeLase, a series of three treatments with one month between each session is recommended,” says Dr Burnet. As vaginal atrophy is associated with low hormones, in order to maintain the treatment’s results, it is best to have one treatment a year thereafter.