Diagnostics

Vaginal Atrophy

What is a vaginal atrophy?

Many postmenopausal women face vaginal atrophy. 45% of them experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, or pain during sex intercourse. To treat vaginal atrophy, we use a therapeutic process called “Erbium Yag 2940 nm laser”. This technology consists in a circumferential photothermal treatment of the vaginal walls.

The laser stimulates collagen production in the vaginal tissue as well as enhancing the vascularization of the vagina mucous membrane. It naturally improves the condition of vaginal walls.

If you suffer from postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, this treatment is recommended for you. It is also suggested for women to whom any hormonal therapy is counter-indicated after recovering from breast cancer. Finally, this procedure is also an alternative to those who do not want either to apply topical cream or take vaginal estrogen 2 or 3 times a week.

How does vaginal atrophy occur?

Urogenital atrophy results in a decrease in the uterus, ovaries, vaginal canal and vulva. Endometrial atrophy is part of the process that leads to menopause. All the vaginal wall (including collagen, elastin and smooth muscle) undergo degeneration. The vaginal epithelium loses cells and thins.

Vaginal blood flow is reduced and associated with decreased lubrication during sexual arousal, as well as increased sensitivity to trauma and pain. The numbers of lactobacilli are declining and the vaginal pH is increasing, giving a better environment for colonization by pathogenic bacteria. The length and diameter of the vagina narrows, the vaginal cul-de-sacs disappear and the crests of the vagina fade. These changes are attributable to the decline in estrogen levels during menopause.

What are the treatments for vaginal atrophy by lifestyle modifications?

- Stop smoking: Smoking leads to increased metabolism of estrogen and is associated with increased rates of osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy.

- Regular sexual activity should be promoted to maintain vaginal health It offers some protection against urogenital atrophy, presumably due to increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. It has also been shown that masturbation leads to increased genital blood flow in postmenopausal women, which may contribute to the maintenance of female sexual health.

What are the non-hormonal treatments that vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal moisturizer
Replens (the only vaginal moisturizer available in Canada) had a beneficial effect equivalent to that of vaginal hormone replacement therapy, including positive changes in the index of maturation of the vaginal epithelium, as well as increased hydration and vaginal secretions. Replens, in comparison with vaginal replacement therapy, has shown equivalent improvements in vaginal itching and irritation, as well as in dyspareunia.

Vaginal lubricants
Several lubricants are available in Canada. None of these products exert long-term therapeutic effects.

What are the hormonal treatments for vaginal atrophy?

strong>General replacement hormone therapy
General hormonal therapy is indicated for women who want treatment for various symptoms associated with menopausal estrogen deficiency such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances, along with vaginal atrophy.

Local vaginal hormone therapy
- Estrogen cream, - The intravaginal ring of estradiol - Vaginal estradiol tablets.

Each of these forms of vaginal hormone therapy has been proven to reverse vulvovaginal atrophy and symptom relief.

Are there other treatment alternatives for vaginal atrophy?

Erbium Yag laser treatment of vaginal atrophy has been an innovative treatment in recent years, especially in Europe. This is a therapeutic process precisely controlled by Erbium Yag 2940 nm laser. It consists of a circumferential photothermal treatment of the entire lining of the vaginal canal wall. The laser triggers the production of collagen and improves the vascularization of the vaginal mucosa. It naturally restores the physiological state of the vaginal wall.

What is the treatment for vaginal atrophy?

Laser treatment for vaginal atrophy

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Dr. Marois is a urologist who is not a member of the Régie d’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As such, the clinic can not claim the RAMQ for the payment of his services. If you consult Dr Marois, you must pay for the services rendered.

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To ensure the smooth running of the clinic and a minimum of courtesy towards other patients and our staff, we ask you to notify us 48 hours in advance for the cancellation of a consultation, 5 working days in advance for a surgery at the office and 21 working days in advance for a major surgery. If these deadlines are not respected, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service will be charged.

Change of appointment:

We understand that events occur, so we ask you to provide us with at least a 24-hour notice for any change in their appointment; we will be happy to accommodate you, the best we can. However, if you fail to inform us within this timeframe or do not show up, we will charge a $ 100 fee.

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Dr. Marois is a urologist who is not a member of the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As such, if you require his professional services, you will have to pay directly the Cliniques Marois for the services rendered.

Cancellation Policy:

To ensure the smooth running of the clinics aa well as a minimum of courtesy towards other patients and staff members, we ask you to notify us 48 hours in advance for cancelling an appointment, 5 working days for cancelling a minor surgery in the office and 21 working days for major surgery at the CMC. If these deadlines are not respected, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service will be charged.

Change of appointment:

We understand that events occur and schedules change, so we ask patients to give us at least a 24-hour notice for any changes of appointment. We will be happy to reschedule another one for you. Failure to provide such notice within this timeframe will result in a $ 100 fee.

Thank you for your understanding.

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