What are the physical and emotional effects of vaginal atrophy
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy may or may not occur simultaneously and may be felt as:
- Vaginal dryness or itchiness,
- Burning sensations and irritation of the vagina,
- Fissuring of the opening of the vagina,
- Pain during sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Vaginal pain
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can have both a physical and emotional impact on the patient, including affecting their intimate relationships.
Prevalence of vaginal atrophy
In excess of 40 per cent of menopausal and post-menopausal women are affected by vaginal atrophy will experience some or all of the symptoms listed above.
In addition, younger women who have used the Pill for prolonged periods, breast-feeding mothers and women who experienced traumatic delivery and severe perineal repair and scarring may also experience these symptoms.
Around 60 per cent of breast cancer sufferers can also be affected by vaginal atrophy and unfortunately Hormone Replacement Therapy is not suitable for almost all of these patients meaning that there is no effective treatment for their symptoms.
Existing treatment options for vaginal atrophy
Existing treatments involve making lifestyle changes to improve vulval care and using therapeutic creams such as a non-scented barrier cream or topical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT – vaginal oestrogen cream) if not contraindicated.
The effectiveness of these current treatments is highly dependent on the willingness of the patient to adhere to treatment protocols. In addition, the effects of existing treatments are short-term in nature and the benefits are no longer felt if the patient discontinues use.
In comparison, the Mona Lisa Touch procedure addresses a number of the issues causing vaginal atrophy, which means the effects of treatment are long lasting and will be felt independent of any actions performed by the patient.
The Mona Lisa Touch treatment is of particular benefit for patients with a past history, or strong family history of breast cancer who may have previously be advised against using HRT and until now have had no effective treatment for their symptoms of vaginal atrophy.