Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) are among the most common menopause-related clinical conditions and are always part of the definition of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Hundreds of millions of women worldwide are affected by these. Between 60 – 80% of women over 50 will experience atrophy during their lifetime. Forty percent of women have some form of urinary incontinence, and nearly 50% of parous women have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse.
Conservative treatments like pelvic floor muscle therapy (Kegel exercises) often fail due to patients’ lack of compliance. Surgical options, while effective, have a high rate of adverse effects and are usually a patient’s last choice. Vaginal laser therapy is a minimally invasive treatment. Its aim is to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin and also improve the vascularization of the vaginal mucosa. This restores the original connective tissue metabolism: the inner mucosa regains elasticity and lubrication, with increased thickness and softness. The tone of the pelvic floor improves too, strengthening the vaginal tissue that helps support the internal tissue and walls.
This results in a reduction of the symptoms, which can be noticed right after the first treatment. Itching, irritation, and pain during intercourse vanish, and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence are also significantly decreased because of the laser’s stimulating effect on the mucosa. This effect persists even after the treatment is completed. Consequently, many women report further improvements during the first month after treatment.