Jenni Gilbert A stunning technology breakthrough will help tends of thousands of women suffering in silence with vaginal atrophy and dryness, and all its consequences. By Jenni Gilbert.
Two years ago Adelaide gynaecologist Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison was consulted by a breast cancer survivor with acute vaginal atrophy and dryness, the result of chemotherapy-induced menopause.
‘She told me her husband had `traded her in for a younger, healthier model’,’ says Dr Willison. ‘That was a devastating blow after battling cancer but she had met a nice new, younger man. However, her vaginal symptoms meant that it was almost impossible to have sex.
‘It absolutely broke my heart when she said, and I fully believed her, that unless I could help her she would kill herself.’
Dr Willison had treated dozens of patients of all ages for what she describes as ‘the silent epidemic’: Vaginal Atrophy (VA). Whether as a result of menopause, medical treatments such as chemotherapy or other health conditions, they suffered not only physical distress but a profound impact on their intimate relationships, sense of femininity and self-esteem. ‘I would treat women who felt obliged to have sex with their husbands or partners even though VA made it a terrible experience. There were some whose vaginas were torn as a result and they would be in terrible pain or have infections.
‘But it was this particular patient’s impassioned cry for help that set me on a mission to find a solution.’
Vaginal atrophy and dryness and all its implications is one of the topics being addressed by Australian and international experts at the AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine – A5M – Education’s Holistic Approach to Sexual Health Symposium in Sydney, March 21-22.
It will look at current treatments of vaginal atrophy, including vaginal hormones (estrogens, testosterone, DHEA) and non-hormonal treatments.
Among these non-hormonal treatments that will be discussed is arguably the biggest breakthrough ever in the sexual health industry – vaginal rejuvenation laser technology.
Dr Willison’s quest to help her desperate patient resulted in her discovery at an expo of MonaLisa Touch, a five minute, walk in/walk out CO2 fractional laser treatment that causes minimal, if any, discomfort.
After a recommended three sessions a month apart, it has shown to render profound changes in the strength and thickness of vaginal canal tissue and lubrication, making for a healthier vagina and also facilitating far more comfortable and satisfying sexual relationships.
Developed in Milan, Italy, it is distributed in Australia by High Tech Laser.
Until very recently, hormone supplementation with synthetic or bio-identical oestrogen were the most viable options to relieve vaginal dryness by strengthening atrophied vaginal walls and stimulating natural lubrication.
But they aren’t always as effective as desired and many women didn’t welcome the systematic side effects common with HRT therapies.
Moreover, they are contra-indicated for certain health conditions, including women who have, or have had breast or other oestrogen-sensitive cancers.
Another of Dr Willison’s patients, Rae, accompanied her to Sydney for a briefing to media and sexual health professionals late last year about MonaLisa Touch.
Rae, 46, was diagnosed with colon cancer in February 2014. After undergoing surgery and chemo she was given the all-clear in July and was ready to resume normal life, including her previously active sexual relationship with her husband.
However, Rae was devastated to discover that intercourse was almost impossible. Her vagina had dried and atrophied.
‘I did a lot of research and heard about Dr Willison’s work,’ says Rae. ‘Within a month of the first MonaLisa Touch treatment my husband and I were able to start having sex.
‘After three treatments – that is, after three months – we were well and truly back on the horse! It was amazing.’
Dr Willison pointed out that before treatment, Rae’s vagina was only 2cm. After the final treatment it was 8cm and lubrication had been restored.
The V2LR (Vulvo-Vaginal Laser Reshaping) laser that delivers the MonaLisaTouch treatment uses a sophisticated laser emission technology to deliver microscopic beams of laser light to the vaginal walls.
The inspiration came from the Smartxide ‘DOT therapy’ laser has been used for many years for effective anti-ageing treatments on delicate areas such as the face, eyes and neck.
A similar device introduced to Australia last year is Lutronic Petit Lady II, developed in South Korea by a team led by the ‘father of LED technology’ Dr Glen Calderhead. It is distributed here by Advanced Cosmeceuticals.
The devices stimulate collagen formation underneath the vaginal skin, promoting proliferation of cells and restoration of vaginal wall strength and blood supply.
In as little as 30 days after treatment the regeneration of new tissue builds a naturally stronger structure and the protective mucosa recovers volume, hydration and elasticity.
By restoring the natural pH balance of the vaginal mucosa, and targeting the causes of vaginal atrophy, many of the symptoms such as vaginal dryness, laxity, irritation and fissuring are greatly reduced or disappear – all with virtually no side effects or discomfort.
In addition, improvements in the structure and positioning of the vagina mean that some external surgical procedures such as labiaplasty and vaginaplasty may be avoided in mild to moderate cases.
At this stage the devices are targeted for use primarily by gynaecologists but also plastic/cosmetic surgeons and GPs.
As a salon, spa or clinic owner or employee, you know that clients often form confidante-type relationships with trusted therapists. To be armed with knowledge of breakthroughs that have the potential to change lives further enforces your credibility.
www.monalisatouch.com.au: www.hightechlaser.com.au: www.advancedcosmeceuticals.com.au
