Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) -Fractional CO2 Laser

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is a constellation of symptons arising from a reduced level of estrogen either from progression through natural menopause or in situations where estrogen deficiency is induced by cancer treatment. If left untreated these symptoms can contribute to dimished quality of life and impaired sexual function.

A specialized new CO2 fractional laser (MonoLisa Touch® ) is now available specifically for vaginal restoration and vulval symptoms resulting from low estrogen states in women with intolerance to estrogen replacement such as:

Following breast cancer treatment

A history of thrombophlebitis

Peri and post menopause with an inadequate response to estrogen replacement

Following childbirth while nursing

Previously called atrophic vaginitis and now referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GMS) is a condition presenting as

dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
itching
burning
recurrent urinary tract infections and
urinary stress incontinence

Up to now estrogen creams have mostly been the main mode of treatment, but for breast cancer survivors and others these may be contraindicated.

An alternative treatment is fractional CO2 laser.

MonaLisa Touch Laser delivers gentle laser energy, to the vaginal wall tissue, that stimulates a healing response by generating new collagen, elastin and vascularization. A typical course of treatment is three procedures 6 weeks apart and involves:

In-office procedure by a gynecologist
Requiring no anesthesia
No downtime
Minimal side effects
Each treatment is <5 minutes
8 Published Studies
6 Ongoing Studies
Thousands of women have been treated worldwide since 2012

In both European and US clinical trials, women reported symptom relief after the very first treatment and even greater improvement after treatments 2 and 3.

Contact ..hide 604 558 4886 Dr Anthony Cheung -Grace Fertility Centre

MonoLisa Touch® laser is a specialized new CO2 fractional laser specifically for vaginal restoration and vulval symptoms resulting from low estrogenic states in women with intolerance to estrogen replacement such as:

Following breast cancer treatment
A history of thrombophlebitis
Peri and post menopause with an inadequate response to estrogen replacement
Following childbirth while nursing

Previously called atrophic vaginitis and now referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GMS) is a condition presenting as:

dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
itching
burning
recurrent urinary tract infections and
mild stress incontinence

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MonaLisa Touch?

The MonaLisa Touch is a gentle laser therapy that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal wall tissue. It restores vaginal health by generating new collagen, elastin and vascularization. The MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where thousands of patients have been treated worldwide.

How does it work?

The MonaLisa Touch uses gentle laser energy that is delivered via a side-firing probe inserted into the vaginal canal. A two-part pulse targets surface (epithelial) tissue and deep (lamina propria) tissue to promote vaginal mucosal revitalization.

What clinical trials have been conducted on the MonaLisa Touch?

A multisite study was conducted by Dr. Mickey Karram, Director of Fellowship Program on Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and Dr. Eric Sokol, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University Medical Center.

The trial assessed the use of CO2 fractional laser therapy on 30 women with vaginal health issues due to natural or induced menopause. All of the patients in the trial were treated with the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy. Results were:

Overwhelmingly positive and immediate results
Highly statistically significant improvement in symptoms after first treatment
Escalation of progress with each subsequent treatment

*Women in the study either experienced natural menopause or induced menopause as the result of hysterectomy or drug-induced suppression of ovarian function (chemotherapy, radiations, and anticancer drugs such as Tamoxifen).

A study was done by Dr. Stefano Salvatore*, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vita- Salute San Raffaele University to assess the feasibility of fractional C02 laser in the treatment of 50 women suffering changes in their gynecologic health.

42 patients (84%) showed significant improvement in their physical and mental quality of life scores over baseline and were satisfied with the treatment.

In addition to the multisite study, there are currently 8 published studies with 6 ongoing studies.

Where can I have this done?

The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure performed by gynecologists, urogynecologists, and urologists and is also now available at Grace Centre.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure requires no anesthesia. Some patients may experience some discomfort the first time the probe is inserted, but the actual treatment is not painful. Many patients report that it feels like a gentle vibration.

How long does it take?

Patients receive three treatments, spaced six weeks apart, which each take less than five minutes to perform.

When will I see results?

Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment, although the procedure calls for three treatments that are generally spaced over an 18-week period.

How long does it last?

Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment.*

*Your doctor will determine with you if follow up treatments are required.

What are my limitations after the procedure is done?

Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 2-3 days. Any other individually specific instructions will be given at the time of treatment.

For which patients is this treatment appropriate?

The MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any female suffering from issues from a decline in estrogen, as well as those who are experiencing symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments.

How much will the procedure cost?

The cost for the first three treatments is $2400. Yearly follow ups require one treatment costing $800.

Is this procedure safe for women with breast cancer?

Yes, the MonaLisa Touch therapy is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.

Will the procedure be covered by insurance?

No processing code has been established unfortunately for coverage by MSP. For those with PHSP’s ask to see if would be a tax deductible treatment.

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