Painful sex after menopause: is MonaLisa Touch an option?
Menopause can cause a plethora of issues for women from vaginal dryness to Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse.) Dyspareunia is a symptom many women report during and after menopause and can affect women psychologically as well. MonaLisa Touch is a CO2 laser treatment that some women going through menopause choose to discuss as an option for vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. The evidence is still developing, so we will talk through what it can and cannot be expected to do, alongside other treatments, at your consultation.
Dyspareunia, pain during intercourse, can be the symptom of a number of different things. It is important to consult your doctor if painful intercourse is frequent to determine the cause. One of the main causes of Dyspareunia is dryness of the vagina which is a frequent consequence of menopause. Dryness can occur as a result of the lack of natural lubrication which is produced pre menopause. MonaLisa Touch uses a CO2 laser to deliver controlled energy to the vaginal walls. This is intended to prompt the tissue’s natural healing response, and some women report less dryness afterwards. Results vary, and research into how well it works is ongoing.
Why would I opt for the MonaLisa Touch treatment?
Established treatments for menopause-related dryness include lubricants, vaginal moisturisers and vaginal oestrogen, and your GP or specialist may recommend these first. MonaLisa Touch is a separate option that usually involves a course of sessions. Whether it is suitable for you, and how long any benefit may last, will be discussed at your consultation. The treatment does not involve surgery. As with any laser procedure, side effects are possible. These include temporary discomfort, irritation, discharge or spotting. Rarely, burns or scarring can happen. Your clinician will explain the risks before you decide.
MonaLisa Touch is carried out in clinic and does not need a general anaesthetic. Many women describe it as tolerable, although some feel discomfort. We will talk through what to expect and how we keep you as comfortable as possible. At Eve Clinics in London, Harley Street, MonaLisa Touch is performed by one of our doctors.
Eve Clinics in London Harley Street also offers patients consultations to allow both the doctor and the patient to ask and answer any questions. The consultation is an incredibly useful tool which should be taken full advantage of as it also allows the doctor to understand the needs of the patients and the results they are expecting. Our doctors can also advise you between treatments if you need more information.
It is important to know that Dyspareunia is not uncommon with women who are going through menopause. It is not something you have to put up with. Painful sex can have several causes, so it is worth speaking to your GP, a doctor or a gynaecologist. They can look into the cause and talk through suitable options with you. These may or may not include laser treatment. At Eve Clinics in London, Harley Street, we take time to listen, discuss your symptoms and explain the options available to you.
If you would like to discuss painful intercourse (Dyspareunia) and whether MonaLisa Touch may be suitable for you, book a consultation with our doctors at Eve Clinics, Harley Street, London.
We will invite you to a consultation where you are able to talk to one of our doctors, who will be happy to take you through each step and answer any questions you have.
