Going through the menopause or pregnancy, some women may experience urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, or feel pain during sex.
Although none of these conditions are life-threatening, they can affect a person's day-to-day activities and can even cause problems in relationships. These symptoms might also cause individuals to feel too embarrassed to seek medical help.
Research by the British Menopause Society (BMS, 2016) found that one in two women aged between 45 and 65 who were experiencing the menopause hadn't consulted a healthcare professional. Yet it is important that patients do not suffer in silence, or accept these issues as an inevitable part of getting older, as they are extremely common and can be very simple to treat. As healthcare professionals, it is important to remind patients that although this can be a very personal topic, healthcare professionals will have seen these symptoms many times before.
There are several ways to ease these issues, such as vaginal oestrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, if for patients who do not want to take medication or undergo surgery, vaginal tightening laser treatment—which rejuvenates vaginal tissue by using a laser to stimulate collagen growth—can be an effective solution.
The procedure is carried out by a female doctor, which may help put patients at ease. The doctor will also be able to tell the patient whether vaginal rejuvenation is suitable for them.
However, there are a number of misconceptions surrounding this treatment that cause some women to believe it isn't an appropriate option.
A recent poll by cosmetic medical clinic Health & Aesthetics asked 100 women if they would consider undergoing one type of vaginal rejuvenation treatment called FemiLift, which uses a fractional CO2 laser to heat vaginal tissue, which is said to contract existing fibers and stimulate the formation of new collagen.
Around one in six respondents said they would definitely consider the treatment, while a quarter said they would consider it if they had more information about the results, recovery times and how much pain it would cause them. However, more than half (61%) of the women dismissed the idea outright, despite there being no credible evidence to support many of their concerns.
Is it painful?
The biggest fear among the women surveyed was that the treatment would cause them pain, with over half (57%) citing it as a big concern. Pain is often a factor that deters patients from seeking all kinds of treatment, so it is not surprising that this should factor in to the patient's decision when the treatment area is an intimate one. However, vaginal rejuvenation treatments which use fractional CO2 lasers, such as Femilift, do not require anaesthesia, and most patients report almost no discomfort. Dr Rekha Tailor, founder and medical director of Health & Aesthetics, said:
‘The procedure is similar to a pelvic exam, so it may feel slightly uncomfortable to some patients but this is completely manageable.’
How long will it take?
The Health & Aesthetics survey found that a quarter of women worried they would need to take time out of work to recover from treatment, and one in 10 women feared the treatment would take too long to be a feasible option for them.
In today's fast-paced society, concerns about duration of treatment and downtime factor heavily in the patient's decision-making process. This is one of the reasons for the rise in non-surgical procedures such as vaginal rejuvenation, which are generally thought of as less invasive than traditional methods.
Before the vaginal rejuvenation procedure is carried out, patients will receive a 45-minute consultation with the doctor to ensure that they are suitable for treatment and to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible. If the patient is found to be sutiable for treatment, the treatment itself will take between 10 and 15 minutes.
Although there is generally no recovery time needed, patients should avoid having intercourse or wearing tampons for 5 days after the treatment, in order to allow the body to heal.
Can it affect sex-life?
Menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, can lead to discomfort and sometimes pain during intercourse, which can lead to a lack of sexual desire. This could also cause a patient to feel embarrassed about their body and harm their self-esteem.
In the study by the BMS, half of the women who took part said that the menopause had put a strain on their sex life. Menopause can be extremely frustrating for individuals, and can ultimately have a negative impact on their romantic relationships. It may also make dating a challenge. If sex is a big part of an individual's life, it is important that the issue is addressed as soon as possible.
The H&A survey also revealed that 27% of women worried that the treatment would harm their sex life. However, it vaginal rejuvenation is said to tightenin the vagina and allow blood to flow more freely to the area, which stimulates natural lubrication—all of which can actually improve the experience of intercourse.
Is it suitable?
In the H&A survey, 10% of women said that they worried the procedure would cause too much tightness. However, vaginal rejuvenation therapy is aimed at women who need increased tightness to improve vaginal laxity and relieve stress urinary incontinence, two conditions often caused by childbirth.
If this isn't a problem for the patient, vaginal rejuvenation may not be their best option, unless they experience other issues, such as vaginal dryness. It is vital that healthcare professionals discuss all of the patient's symptoms fully in order to determine whether vaginal rejuvenation is the best treatment option for them.
Dr Tailor said:
‘This procedure brings patients a sense of relief and comfort, as well as enabling them to continue with everyday activities that may other-wise have been disrupted.
‘It's important that women don't allow myths or embarrassment to stop them from getting this life-changing procedure.’
Whether a patient suffers from all of these symptoms or just one, it can cause stress and affect their quality of life. However, by conducting a thorough consultation and determining the best course of treatment for the patient, the healthcare professional can promote self-confidence and put a spring back into their patient's step.