Forced menopause can happen in so many ways, such as a hysterectomy as recently experienced by actress/advocate Angelina Jolie. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, women get one step closer to menopause each day we wake up. Some women will experience menopause earlier than others – often due to forced menopause. The symptoms can range from mild to almost debilitating and affect a woman’s day to day functions. As your advocate, I am constantly researching the latest in solutions and treatments to help in leading normal sexual lives – and now I bring you MonaLisa Touch…
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Issue
Even with the passage of time, many women still retain their youthful energy and enthusiasm, but post-menopausal changes can affect a woman’s quality of life in unexpected ways. Hormone replacement therapy may not be the best option for a lot of patients, as treatment outcomes can be uncertain. Now there is an alternative therapy for vaginal revitalization that can help millions of women who are silently suffering and unable to undergo other treatment options.
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What is the MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch is a medical laser that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue to revitalize the cells in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal tissue) so that these cells make more collagen, an essential ingredient in vaginal cell health.
How does it work?
MonaLisa Touch implements CO2 laser energy that is delivered via side-firing probe inserted into the vaginal canal. A two-part pulse targets surface (epithelial) tissue and deep (lamina propria) tissue to promote vaginal mucosal revitalization.
What clinical trials have been conducted on the MonaLisa Touch?
A multisite study was conducted by Dr. Mickey Karram, Director of Fellowship Program on Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and Dr. Eric Sokol, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University Medical Center. Preliminary findings from a trial evaluating the laser treatment on postmenopausal women* and breast cancer survivors experiencing vaginal health issues show positive results.
The trial assessed the use of CO2 fractional laser therapy on 30 women with vaginal health issues due to natural or forced menopause. All of the patients in the trial were treated with The MonaLisa Touch laser.
Where can I have this done?
The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure performed by an obstetrician/gynecologist.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia. Some patients may experience some discomfort the first time the probe is inserted, but the actual treatment is not painful. Many patients report that it feels like a gentle vibration.
How long does it take?
Patients receive three treatments, spaced six weeks apart, which each take less than five minutes to perform.
When will I see results?
Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment, although the procedure calls for three treatments that are generally spaced over a 12-week period.
How long does it last?
Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment. MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where more than 5,000 patients have been treated worldwide with up to an 18-month follow-up.
What are my limitations after the procedure is done?
Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 2-3 days. Your doctor will determine a post-procedure regimen that is right for you.
For which patients is this treatment appropriate?
The MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any female who has gone through menopause, as well as those who are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments.
How can I find out if a physician in my area is offering the MonaLisa Touch treatment?
Patients interested in MonaLisa Touch treatment can visit www.SmileMonaLisa.com to find a physician in their area. If a physician is not currently available, patients have the option to receive additional details once the treatment comes to their market.
How much will the procedure cost?
Patients should contact their healthcare professional for additional information.
Is this procedure safe for women with breast cancer?
Yes, MonaLisa Touch treatment is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.
Will the procedure be covered by insurance?
No processing code has been established.
*Women in the study either experienced natural menopause or forced menopause as the result of hysterectomy or drug-induced suppression of ovarian function (chemotherapy, radiations, anticancer drugs such as Tamoxifen)
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We’ll talk more about MonaLisa Touch in the coming weeks, but it appears to be a wonderful innovation in the forced menopause and women’s health world. I’m excited to see how this progresses and hope the information provided is an asset to someone.
Questions? Comments? Contact me – kimi@vforvadge.com.
Wow. I’m glad this is available. I’ve never heard of it before but will definitely keep the information in my mental rolodex. Growing closer to menopause everyday.
I’m glad you found it useful! We’re all one step closer to menopause, it’s great to be able to prepare ourselves.