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Private Vaginal Dryness Treatment

As the leading private gynaecology and urogynaecology practice in London, our dedicated team offers their expertise and advice for common female health problems.

Mr Athanasias, one of our consultants, is one of the first UK-based practitioners to offer CO2 laser treatment to treat the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. This life-changing treatment has enabled numerous women to reclaim control of their lives successfully.

If you’ve been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy (dryness), book a consultation with us to assist you in choosing the best treatment option based on severity of symptoms, age, medical history and lifestyle factors.

What is Vaginal Atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is a condition that involves thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls and is also referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). This vaginal condition mainly occurs during perimenopause and menopause when your ovaries produce less oestrogen.

Around 50% of women have symptoms of vaginal atrophy, which takes place when the cells in the vagina lack hydration and the cervical lubrication drops.

When the hormone levels decrease, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt your quality of life. Many women settle and live with these symptoms, blaming the natural ageing process. However, if left untreated, atrophic vaginitis may lead to more severe conditions, such as recurrent urinary tract infections and an increased risk of vaginal infections.

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Causes of Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a common complaint among women who have been through menopause and those who have suffered from a decrease in oestrogen.

Other factors include:

  • Pelvic radiotherapy
  • Breastfeeding or childbirth
  • Chemotherapy or breast cancer treatment
  • Hormonal cancer treatments.

Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy

This vaginal condition can cause various symptoms that range from mild to severe. Some women experience several symptoms, while others only have one or two.

Among the symptoms are:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Redness and itching of the genitalia
  • Burning sensation in the vagina
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (Chronic UTI)
  • Light bleeding
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Bleeding or discomfort after intercourse
  • Tightening and shortening of the vaginal canal

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can be challenging to deal with. They can cause considerable discomfort and impact a woman’s mental and emotional state and lifestyle.

If you are experiencing one of these symptoms and it’s affecting your everyday life, you should seek treatment. At London Women’s Centre, we ensure your comfort and can aid you in finding the proper treatment for your symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Atrophy

Our private gynaecologists can diagnose vaginal atrophy with simple clinical examination.

If vaginal atrophy is detected, our consultants will discuss several possible treatment options with you.

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How do We treat Vaginal Atrophy?

There are several treatments for women suffering from vaginal atrophy, which typically causes vaginal dryness, itching and redness, as well as discomfort during intercourse.

At London Women’s Centre, we usually treat vaginal atrophy with topical treatments such as vaginal lubricants and oestrogen vaginal preparations. However, non-oestrogen topical hormonal treatments may be prescribed for those unable to use oestrogen.

If neither of these treatments proved effective, MonaLisa Touch® Laser Therapy may be recommended. The CO2 laser treatment aims to repair the vaginal tissue, boost collagen production, and restore the vagina.

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How do We treat Vaginal Atrophy?

There are several treatments for women suffering from vaginal atrophy, which typically causes vaginal dryness, itching and redness, as well as discomfort during intercourse.

At London Women’s Centre, we usually treat vaginal atrophy with topical treatments such as vaginal lubricants and oestrogen vaginal preparations. However, non-oestrogen topical hormonal treatments may be prescribed for those unable to use oestrogen.

If neither of these treatments proved effective, MonaLisa Touch® Laser Therapy may be recommended. The CO2 laser treatment aims to repair the vaginal tissue, boost collagen production, and restore the vagina.

Dr Pandelis Athanasias

About Mr Pandelis Athanasias – Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Expert ✓

Mr Pandelis Athanasias, a pioneering consultant at London Women’s Centre, specializes in treating vaginal atrophy with advanced CO2 laser therapy. As one of the first UK practitioners to offer this life-changing treatment, he helps women alleviate symptoms of dryness and discomfort, and reclaim their quality of life.

Book a consultation to explore personalized treatment options.

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Topical Oestrogen

There are numerous means to administer oestrogen in order to deal with vaginal atrophy.

  • Vaginal oestrogen cream
  • Vaginal oestrogen tablets
  • Vaginal oestrogen pessaries
  • Oral oestrogen

For postmenopausal women experiencing the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, the vaginal preparations often prove much more effective. After undergoing vaginal oestrogen treatment, it may take a few weeks before you feel a difference. Thus, it is recommended that a woman also use self-medication options such as moisturiser or lubrication.

All treatments work together, so it is essential to find the one that is best for you. To find out what works best for your vaginal discomfort, book a consultation with London Women’s Centre today.

Other medical treatments

Prasterone vaginal pessaries. This is the only vaginal non-oestrogen treatment for moderate to severe vaginal atrophy. It contains DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) combined with coconut and palm oils.

Ospemifene (brand name Senshio) is an oral preparation used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy. It is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator with a similar to oestrogen action in the vagina but not in other parts of the body.

MonaLisa Touch Laser Therapy

If you suffer from discomfort caused by vaginal atrophy, a new type of treatment is now available. MonaLisa Touch® is a fractional CO2 laser that is used to treat vaginal atrophy in a painless and minimally invasive way.

The MonaLisa Touch® treatment reshapes and restores atrophic vaginal tissue. It stimulates the production of collagen lost during menopause, thus helping to regain the normal functionality of the vagina. Most women have reported significant reduction in dryness, burning sensations, urinary problems (recurrent and chronic UTIs) and pain during sex, following laser therapy.

Before the use of the MLT laser treatments, women needed to take medication consistently to address this issue. Now, we have aided hundreds of women to gain their previous quality of life with the Mona Lisa Touch laser treatment and receive substantial relief without any medication or topical treatments.

Moreover, this new type of vaginal dryness treatment is quick and painless, with very few risks or side effects. Three treatments, normally 4-6 weeks apart, are recommended for vaginal atrophy, followed by an annual top up treatment. However, treatment frequency should be tailored to individual needs, and our gynaecologist can provide recommendations based on the cause and severity of the vaginal atrophy.

Is Fractional CO2 Laser Safe?

The CO2 laser is the product of cutting-edge medical technology and has been the subject of numerous studies in prestigious medical journals. In the last few years, thousands of successful treatments have been performed with minimal side effects and an incredibly high success rate.

Self-medication for Labial atrophy treatment

If your vaginal atrophy symptoms are moderate, our consultants may suggest over-the-counter self-medication. A vaginal moisturiser or lubricant can help replenish lost moisture.

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Our London Clinics

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  • The Medical Chambers

    10 Knaresborough Pl,
    Kensington, London,SW5 0TG

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  • The Lister Hospital

    Chelsea Bridge Road
    London, SW1W 8RH

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  • Spire St. Anthony's Hospital

    801 London Road, North Cheam
    Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9DW

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  • Parkside Hospital

    53 Parkside, London
    SW19 5NX

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  • New Victoria Hospital

    184 Coombe Lane West
    Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG

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020 7088 8425