Recently there was an article in the NY Times which challenged the use of lasers for treating vaginal atrophy and other vaginal changes associated with menopause. The MonaLisa Touch is an FDA approved device, although the treatment of vaginal atrophy is an off-label use of the laser therapy. The article suggested that the laser was developed to treat ‘serious conditions’: cancer, genital warts, or surgery (including hysterectomies) and it was inappropriate to use it for vaginal atrophy.
I’m here to set the record straight. The laser was indeed developed to treat cancers. However, as it was being used, it was found to significantly help with vaginal atrophy. And it works without the use of hormones! That makes it a wonderful option for cancer survivors and other people for whom hormones are contraindicated. It also has proven to be a good choice for women who don’t like using daily hormone creams or can’t seem to get their act together to do so regularly.
Although menopausal symptoms and vaginal atrophy aren’t life-threatening conditions like cancer, the pain that these women suffer is serious, and can have all kinds of lasting impacts. It affects their ability to have sex and many women also report having pain even when they are not having sex. And many women also describe the devastating effects this condition can have on their relationships.
The MonaLisa Touch is a laser, so it must be handled properly. But if used properly, it is one of the safest procedures you can undergo.
Bottom line: The MonaLisa Touch is a safe procedure that is helping many women resume normal lives without pain. Studies are on-going, and it looks like there will soon be more conditions that can be effectively and safely treated with this laser because initial results seem extremely promising. If you have any questions or concerns about the MonaLisa Touch procedure, please feel free to contact us or give us a call, we will be happy to answer any or all of your questions.