Laser Therapy & Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy in Singapore - RenovaLase

RenovaLase is a non-invasive Er: YAG laser therapy to address symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It is based on the non-ablative photothermal treatment of the vaginal canal. Several clinical studies reveal that it is an efficient, easy-to-use, quick and safe procedure that reduces the need for long-term oestrogen administration.

Even so, many females in this city-state remain conservative about this condition until they speak to their doctors. If you’re among the few who prefer to do your research beforehand, here’s what you need to know about this laser treatment.

What is Vaginal Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, occurs when your body starts to produce less oestrogen, leading to the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition often occurs after you hit menopause.

For many females, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. Because of that, doctors use the term “genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)” to describe vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective treatments for GSM.

What causes Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is mainly caused by hormonal changes, especially when your body experiences a drop in female sex hormones in the lead-up to menopause, affecting the genitals and urinary tract.

For instance, oestrogen helps lubricate the vagina, and reduced oestrogen levels can cause the vagina to become dry, itchy, and tight. After menopause, oestrogen levels continue to be very low.

GSM can also occur due to other reasons, such as:

• Primary ovarian insufficiency causes the ovaries to stop functioning as they normally do before age 40.
• Surgically induced menopause involves the removal of ovaries in a procedure known as oophorectomy.
• Postpartum and breastfeeding-related hormone imbalances
• Medical treatment, such as cancer, can affect the function of the ovaries or cause sudden hormonal shifts.
• Medications, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or aromatase inhibitors

Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

According to a 2020 data overview, most females with GSM report symptoms in their perimenopause and the early postmenopausal period, with vaginal dryness as one of the most common symptoms.

Others include:

• Vaginal burns, itch or irritation
• Reduced vagina lubrication
• Decrease elasticity of the vagina
• Impaired sexual function
• Pain during penetrative intercourse
• Pain during urination
• Greater sense of urgency and frequency in urination
• Increased risk of the vaginal, urinary tract, and bladder infections

You do not need to have all these symptoms to meet the criteria for a GSM diagnosis. Consult your doctor as soon as you experience any of the symptoms above to prevent your condition from worsening.

How does RenovaLase help with Vaginal Atrophy?

RenovaLase can help treat vaginal atrophy using laser-induced controlled mild heating of the vaginal tissue to stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast activity and new collagen formation without causing thermal or ablative damage.

Using Er: YAG non-ablative laser helps to increase the epithelial thickness of the vaginal walls, as well as vascularization of the lamina propria, along with a reduction of the symptoms above, such as dryness, itching, and irritation.

It is a non-invasive laser treatment performed by doctors to ensure proper heating control while providing the best comfort for the patient. RenovaLase is also suitable for patients with oestrogen-dependent cancer (such as endometrial cancer, breast cancer, etc.) or with a family background of such cancers.