An innovative laser that
is helping women feel like themselves again

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT

When it comes right down to it, this treatment is about improving your quality of life. In our office, we have cared for many women who jump through incredible hoops with medications to improve their vaginal health. Every week we see many women with vaginal symptoms for which there are limited therapies: from vitamins and probiotics to vaginal hormonal creams or tablets to lubricants of all types; women try all sorts of things to improve the way they feel, both during intercourse or just in general. While using hormonal remedies, many worry about how these medications affect their risk of cancer. The cost of these medications can be quite substantial as well. I recently spoke with a patient with insurance who pays $300 out of pocket per month for her vaginal estrogen cream. She doesn’t like using it because it is messy and doesn’t entirely give her the relief for which she is looking. We have several other patients using Osphena® a nonhormonal oral medication used to increase vaginal lubrication. This also is very expensive and has the unfortunate side effect of increasing vaginal discharge all the time, not just during intercourse when it is most desired.

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So it comes down to a quality of life issue. MonaLisa Touch® is a non-hormonal alternative that happens to work extremely well. It is expensive, like many of the other treatments women are trying. Although expensive, it is also incredibly simple: Three 5-minute treatments spaced 6 weeks apart. It is associated with an 80-90% decrease in frustrating symptoms. About 91% of women surveyed feel MonaLisa Touch® is definitely “Worth It” on RealSelf.com

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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE OFFICE

I always recommend an examination prior to the first treatment to make sure that each woman is an appropriate candidate.

When you come into our office for a complimentary consultation and evaluation we will ask a series of questions to determine if this is in fact an appropriate treatment for you. We will perform a brief examination to determine if you will require an internal as well as external treatment. The internal treatment is geared more toward vaginal tissue, treating vaginal itching and painful intercourse, as well as mild urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms. The external procedure is geared toward treating external symptoms of itching and burning. We typically do both at the same time, because we feel it is a more thorough treatment. During this visit you will be given instructions for when you return for the actual treatment session.

On the treatment day, we will apply a numbing ointment to the external part of the vagina. In this way, the treatment is virtually painless. After about 15 minutes, we will begin. A metal probe is placed in the vagina and the internal treatment is started. It lasts approximately 3 minutes. Most patients can sense a vibration sensation only, but no discomfort. Then the external treatment is performed, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Some women will feel a mild sensation of discomfort during this part but that is fairly uncommon. When finished, we will give you a small ice pack and place a soothing gel on the external part of the vagina and you may leave the office and return to your normal activity.

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For 1-2 days following, you may have a little irritation on the external part of the vagina. We provide a healing ointment and cleansing pads to be used for post treatment care. Initial results can be felt within several weeks after the treatment, and the benefits will continue until the next treatment as new collagen is produced. A 60% improvement is not uncommon. The next treatment should be scheduled for 6 weeks following the one prior for a total of 3 treatments. Results typically last for longer than a year, after which many patients return for periodic single “touch-up”  treatments.

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THE BOTTOM LINE

Many women are concerned regarding the cost of the procedure.  MonaLisa Touch® is not currently covered by insurance and likely never will be, because of the expense. But I try to help women understand cost from a long term quality of life standpoint balancing what they’re currently paying for their medications or other treatments, and what their goals are. Again, it truly is a quality of life issue. This treatment makes intercourse more comfortable, and provides relief for women with vaginal issues that affect them both physically and emotionally. Ultimately, each woman will have to put a price on that.

If you are interested in exact pricing, please call my office and speak with either Jennifer Boyce, Dr Wells, or our coordinator, Heather.

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We would love to have the opportunity to speak with you more about this exciting quality of life enhancing treatment!