Laser treatment for vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness, or vaginal atrophy, can be painful and frustrating. All too often, women are embarrassed about this common condition or think it’s just a natural part of aging. At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, we offer a specialized laser treatment for vaginal dryness that can help you feel like yourself again.

Vaginal dryness treatment: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Women in Green Bay and the surrounding areas trust Aurora BayCare with their gynecological health because we offer:

• Compassion and expertise: Our highly skilled gynecologists have experience treating a wide range of women’s issues. We understand the unique challenges of vaginal dryness, incontinence and other sensitive health concerns.
• Coordinated care: Specialists at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, and throughout Aurora Health, communicate seamlessly to ensure that we meet your needs. Your entire care team works together to build the right treatment plan for you.
• Advanced treatments: We offer the latest treatments, including minimally invasive gynecological surgery and noninvasive laser therapy. More treatments mean that you have more choices when it comes to your health.

Causes and symptoms of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness usually develops if your estrogen levels drop. Estrogen is a hormone, and among its many functions is keeping the skin of your vagina and vulva moist and lubricated. Low estrogen changes your skin’s texture and may lead to dryness or thinning (atrophy). The most common causes include:

• Breast or ovarian cancer treatment
• Hysterectomy (uterus removal)
• Menopause and perimenopause

Vaginal atrophy can cause:

• Pain or bleeding during sex
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal itching or irritation

What to expect from vaginal laser treatment

Some women find relief from vaginal dryness with creams, lubricants or estrogen therapy. But if these treatments haven’t been successful or you can’t take hormone therapy for health reasons, it may be time to consider vaginal laser treatment.

Vaginal laser treatment is a quick procedure (about 5 minutes) that doesn’t require any anesthesia. Your gynecologist inserts a small wand with a special laser into your vagina. The laser triggers a healing response, prompting the growth of new blood vessels, collagen and elastin.

Most women report improvement after just one treatment. Your gynecologist will likely recommend 2 to 3 treatments at first, followed by yearly treatments to maintain the results.