Vaginal atrophy is a common and uncomfortable condition that affects many women during the menopause years, when declining estrogen leaves the vagina tissue dry, thin, and irritated.
Recently renamed genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), vaginal atrophy can also occur in the years before menopause, especially as a result of pregnancy and vaginal delivery.
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy are far-ranging and can include itching, burning, and pain during or after sex, sometimes accompanied by light spotting. Women with vaginal atrophy also have increased risks of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, and even urinary incontinence.
Fortunately, the FemiLift® laser system offers a minimally invasive solution that targets the root causes of vaginal atrophy, restoring vaginal health and relieving symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy.
In this post, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, reviews how FemiLift works to help patients at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery improve their health, their comfort, and their quality of life.
Your vagina depends on a steady supply of estrogen to maintain a healthy microenvironment that supports natural lubrication and tonicity. When you were young, your body produced ample estrogen, keeping atrophy at bay.
But as menopause approaches, estrogen levels decline and the risk of atrophy increases.
Declining levels of collagen and elastin also play a role in vaginal atrophy. Once again, when you were young, your body produced plenty of these key proteins, which help support the vaginal canal, keeping it firm, healthy, and resilient.
As with estrogen, collagen and elastin production declines as you age, decreasing natural support and leading to thinning and irritation.
The FemiLift laser system uses focused laser energy applied to the walls of the vaginal canal. As the energy penetrates, it creates tiny areas of controlled damage that, in turn, spur natural healing responses — including ramped-up production of collagen and elastin.
As the vaginal wall heals over time, irritated tissues rejuvenate, and natural levels of lubrication are restored. Best of all, because FemiLift is minimally invasive, there’s no need for incisions, general anesthesia, or prolonged downtime afterward.
FemiLift treatment is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes or less with no downtime afterward. After your treatment, you’re able to go home and resume your regular activities right away.
During your session, you recline comfortably on an exam table with your feet in special supports, just as you’d do during a pelvic exam. Once you’re relaxed, we gently insert the wand-shaped FemiLift device.
The wand is designed to emit targeted pulses of laser energy throughout the vaginal canal, stimulating natural healing responses that help restore vaginal tonicity, lubrication, and health.
Most women report little to no discomfort during the procedure, often describing a gentle warming or tingling sensation as the laser pulses penetrate the deeper layers of vaginal tissue.
While it’s possible to experience improvements following a single treatment session, women with more severe symptoms typically benefit from a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Dr. Perez and our team work with you to design a treatment plan focused on your specific needs and goals.
Because FemiLift uses no hormones, it can be an ideal option for women who can’t or prefer not to use hormone supplements to relieve vaginal atrophy. As the tissues heal and strengthen over time, many women notice fewer infections and an improvement in incontinence symptoms, as well.
Vaginal atrophy may be a common consequence of aging, but it’s not one you should have to put up with. To learn more about FemiLift and how it can help improve your vaginal health, request an appointment with Dr. Perez at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, today.
