Vaginal Atrophy

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Long Beach, CA

Vaginal atrophy is a condition that affects many women as they age, particularly after menopause. It is characterized by a thinning of the vaginal walls and a decrease in natural lubrication. This leads to an increase in discomfort during sexual intercourse. The condition can have a negative impact on quality of life and intimate relationships, so it’s important to discuss this condition with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Woman with flower over genitals. Vaginal Atrophy Pelvic Pro.

Women of all ages can experience intimate changes due to childbirth, aging, or menopause. These changes can cause discomfort and interfere with sexual pleasure. The effects of menopause can affect a woman’s quality of life and self-confidence, and may cause embarrassment and frustration. That’s why Pelvic Pro takes a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing the underlying causes and providing tailored solutions, such as laser vaginal rejuvenation. 

With the right care, you can enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling sex life. To learn more, schedule an appointment in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Long Beach today with Dr. Aram Bonni by calling (657) 888-3008 or by filling out a simple online form.

About Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is caused by the declining levels of estrogen associated with menopause. Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vaginal tissue. And when estrogen levels decline, the epithelial tissues of the vaginal walls thin. A woman’s estrogen levels will drop by 95% after menopause, with 40-57% of postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal atrophy. Moreover, 15% of women experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy before menopause. (1)

Finding solutions to these issues can seem daunting, however, there are many different treatment plans to suit every patient.

What is GSM?

Vaginal atrophy is part of a wide range of symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). When levels of estrogen decline, several symptoms of GSM can occur, including the following. (2)

  • Thinner and less elastic vaginal tissues
  • Decreased lubrication
  • Increased discomfort during intercourse
  • Burning or itching
  • Genital pain
  • Light bleeding after sex

One of the most frustrating aspects of GSM is its progressive nature. A woman entering menopause may gradually notice changes over time. And, when symptoms such as vaginal dryness occur, they can be extremely uncomfortable, interfering with a woman’s day-to-day activities. In fact, almost 7 in 10 vaginal dryness cases after menopause are classified as moderate to severe. (3) 

What About Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The good news is that there are treatments available for vaginal atrophy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option, but it’s not always suitable for every woman. For those who cannot or do not wish to take hormones, laser therapy may be an effective alternative.

CO2 Laser

Laser rejuvenation is an effective treatment option to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Fractional CO2 lasers can improve sexual function and quality of life for women with vaginal atrophy. (4) Using a 10,600nm wavelength, this technology can stimulate collagen matrix renewal, building stronger soft tissues by gently heating the tissue in the vaginal walls. This action stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and restores moisture to the area. Patients experience an improvement in the overall health of the vagina and a reduction in discomfort during sexual intercourse.

The procedure is fast, safe, and virtually painless. It is performed in the office under local anesthesia and takes about 20-30 minutes. Most women experience immediate relief from their symptoms, and long-term results can last up to two years. Patients may also experience an increase in libido, improved orgasmic sensation, and increased vaginal tightness.

Personal Consultation

At Pelvic Pro, we specialize in providing comprehensive urogynecological care and treatments for sexual wellness. We understand how vaginal atrophy can affect quality of life and our team is dedicated to helping you regain your confidence and reclaim your lifestyle. 

A personal consultation at our Los Angeles office is the first step in determining whether laser vaginal rejuvenation is right for you. After assessing your medical history and discussing your concerns, Dr. Bonni will perform a pelvic exam. Meeting with Dr. Bonni is the best way to learn about all the options available for treating vaginal atrophy, so please feel free to ask questions.

Laser Rejuvenation

Before your laser vaginal rejuvenation procedure begins, you’ll have the opportunity to review the details of your treatment. During the procedure, laser energy is used to safely and carefully resurface and thicken the tissue of the vagina. The CO2 laser energy is delivered in a series of pulses, stimulating collagen production and increasing blood flow. The entire procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia in the comfort of our office.

What Happens After a Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedure?

After your laser vaginal rejuvenation procedure, you may experience slight discomfort. You should avoid sexual activity, tampons, and hot tubs for 1-2 weeks. Recovery time may vary depending on the extent of treatment. Most patients report a noticeable improvement after only one session, however, additional sessions may be recommended for optimal results. Once you’ve fully recovered from your procedure, you’ll notice improved lubrication, increased elasticity, and a boost in confidence.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cell vaginal rejuvenation is a relatively new procedure that uses stem cells to rebuild and rejuvenate the vaginal walls. It helps increase sensitivity and stimulation while reducing dryness and discomfort. The procedure also helps improve blood circulation in the area, which can lead to improved sexual arousal and satisfaction.

Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is a highly effective way of restoring the vagina to its pre-menopausal state, improving both its appearance and functionality. After menopause, the vaginal walls lose their suppleness and shrink in size due to a decrease in estrogen levels. This leads to a less pleasurable sexual experience, and can cause embarrassment or discomfort during physical activities such as yoga or swimming.

By restoring the vagina’s pre-menopausal structure, Dr. Bonni can help patients regain the confidence and pleasure they once had. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes between 4-6 hours. During the procedure, the vagina and labia are tightened, reshaped, and trimmed. Scarring is minimal, and stitches are typically removed after two weeks.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the labia. It can help restore symmetry and reduce the size of the labia minora, the small inner lips of the vagina. The procedure only takes about an hour and requires minimal downtime. Patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few days.

For Urogynecological procedures and Aesthetics, please see our website.

Cost of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation in Los Angeles

The cost of your treatment at Pelvic Pro will be assessed at your personal consultation. Financing may be available to qualified candidates. Dr. Bonni offers individualized treatments to help each patient achieve their desired outcomes in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Long Beach. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (657) 888-3008 or complete our online inquiry form.

Get more information about postmenopausal treatments at Pelvic Pro by reading Dr. Bonni’s blog.

FAQ

Is laser vaginal rejuvenation for me if I’m in menopause?

Yes. Laser vaginal rejuvenation is an excellent option for women who are in menopause and suffering from the effects of declining estrogen levels. Dr. Bonni can assess your individual needs and help you determine if this is the best treatment for you.

What are the risks of laser vaginal rejuvenation?

The most common risks of laser vaginal rejuvenation is infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these risks are rare and can be minimized with proper care and instruction from your doctor.

How long does a laser vaginal rejuvenation procedure take?

The procedure usually takes between 20-30 minutes. Depending on the extent of treatment and your individual needs, the procedure may take longer.

What are some alternatives to laser vaginal rejuvenation?

If you’re not interested in laser therapy, your doctor might recommend hormone replacement therapy to restore estrogen levels. However, side-effects will vary from patient to patient.

How much does laser vaginal rejuvenation cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of laser vaginal rejuvenation is determined once a unique treatment plan has been created. Usually, an estimate of cost will be provided to you following your personal consultation.

References

  1. Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal Atrophy. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559297/ 
  2. Lethaby A, Ayeleke RO, Roberts H. Local oestrogen for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online August 31, 2016. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001500.pub3 
  3. Angelou K, Grigoriadis T, Diakosavvas M, Zacharakis D, Athanasiou S. The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data. Cureus. 2020;12(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.7586 
  4. Adabi K, Golshahi F, Niroomansh S, Razzaghi Z, Ghaemi M. Effect of the Fractional CO2 Laser on the Quality of Life, General Health, and Genitourinary Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women With Vaginal Atrophy: A Prospective Cohort. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2020;11(1):65-69. doi:https://doi.org/10.15171/jlms.2020.11