Ask the Doctor: Is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation for Me?

Many issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and menopause – including urine leakage, dryness and lasting pain – aren’t openly discussed. However, women don’t need to suffer in silence.

Dr. Deb Krahl, an OBGYN at Clinic Sofia, a women’s clinic known for providing full-circle healthcare in a welcoming, supportive environment, discusses some of the common yet not often talked about symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse and mild urinary leakage and how a laser vaginal rejuvenation treatment called the MonaLisa Touch®may help them achieve optimal vaginal health.

What is vaginal rejuvenation? Why is this necessary?

Simply put, some topics can be hard to talk about, particularly when it comes to women’s health issues. Many women struggle with long-lasting challenges following pregnancy, childbirth and menopause or breast cancer, certain that they will just have to “live with it.” Fortunately, that is no longer the case.

Over the years, our patients mentioned the high cost of creams designed to reduce dryness that were messy and difficult to apply as well as irritating urine leakage following childbirth, not to mention the high expense of surgery with costs not covered by insurance. Women with personal or family history of cancer often have to avoid estrogens and hormones of any kind. All of these issues are sometimes hard to discuss and even harder to face on a daily basis.

That’s where the MonaLisa Touch comes in. This in-office laser procedure doesn’t require hospitalization or any downtime and it can help women achieve optimal vaginal health, reduce discomfort and dryness, and manage pain without expensive prescriptions or creams. It is an effective new technology that can reduce pain and discomfort and enhance quality of life.

Who is a candidate?

Available at Clinic Sofia’s office in Edina, the MonaLisa Touch laser is effective for women of all ages, from peri-menopause through post-menopause, and those struggling with vaginal issues, urinary incontinence or pain following certain cancers and childbirth.

How does it work?

Patients receive three five-minute treatments at six-week intervals in the office, with annual follow-up as needed. During the minimally invasive treatment, a vaginal probe is inserted to stimulate healing of the vaginal wall.

What are the benefits? Downsides?

Many women report significantly reduced vaginal pain as well as increased moisture and greater pleasure during intimacy following the treatment. Clinic Sofia decided to offer the MonaLisa Touch because we were impressed by the results and the clinical research. The experts in female pelvic health tout its effectiveness, and we know there is a need from talking with our patients.

As for downsides, the laser is virtually painless and there are little to no side effects – a cooling cream can be applied to reduce any discomfort. Also, it is worth noting that the procedure is not typically covered by insurance. Patients often choose to use dollars from their Health Savings Accounts just as they do for other out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Many women report that the cost is a small investment toward improving their quality of life. In some instances, patients have reported overall savings due to no longer having to pay for expensive estrogen creams.

If you have questions about this treatment or women’s health in general, we are always happy to listen.

About Dr. Deb Krahl:

Dr. Krahl has been an OBGYN for the past 20 years—consistently ranking in the top 95 percent nationally in patient satisfaction scores. She sees patients at Clinic Sofia OBGYN, known for offering personalized and comprehensive healthcare for women in welcoming setting. Clinic Sofia has offices in Edina and Maple Grove.