It’s a topic that can be embarrassing for women to talk about: What happens after menopause?
As the body changes, it can leave women with painful vaginal conditions. But a new treatment called FemTouch that uses laser technology — no surgery or hormones — can have a dramatic effect on the lives of postmenopausal women who experience vaginal dryness.
What is menopause?
“When we go through menopause, estrogen levels decline,” said Dr. Christine LaSala, a Hartford HealthCare urogynecologist. “Estrogen is so important in our bodies. Specifically, estrogen on the vagina keeps the vagina moist, elastic and pliable — and healthy. So when we go through menopause and as the estrogen levels decline, the vagina, the urethra and the bladder feel it.”
There may be the onset of symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itchiness and irritation. Enough to make a woman question whether she has an infection.
And worst of all: Sex hurts.
“It’s like scratching. It can be very dramatic and very uncomfortable,” said Dr. LaSala. “It all happens gradually over a few years. But it happens to all of us.”
FemTouch uses carbon-dioxide laser technology to address common vaginal health related aspects, particularly dryness. This procedure triggers collagen production, which promotes new vaginal tissue growth. It is minimally invasive and involves no hormonal replacement therapy.
“Menopause happens in our late 40s or early 50s — and then we’ve still got 40-50 years left to live,” said Dr. LaSala. “We’re living a good part of our lives in the post-menopausal condition. It doesn’t have to be that way.”
For more information on FemTouch™ treatment, call 860-972-1917.