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What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy, also known as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), is a condition characterised by the thinning, dryness, and reduced elasticity of the vaginal walls. It primarily occurs during perimenopause and menopause due to a decrease in oestrogen production by the ovaries.

Approximately 50% of women experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy, which arise when vaginal cells lose hydration and cervical lubrication diminishes.

As hormone levels decline, you may notice uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Unfortunately, many women tolerate these changes, attributing them to natural ageing. However, if left untreated, vaginal atrophy can lead to more serious complications, including chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and a higher risk of vaginal infections.

Symptoms of vaginal atrophy

This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. While some women experience multiple symptoms, others may notice only one or two.

Common symptoms include:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Redness and itching of the genital area
  • A burning sensation in the vagina
  • A burning sensation during urination
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (chronic UTIs)
  • Light bleeding
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Bleeding or discomfort after intercourse
  • Tightening and shortening of the vaginal canal

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can be difficult to manage, often causing significant discomfort. They may also affect a woman’s emotional well-being, mental health, and overall 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.

Cause of vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a common condition that occurs when your body produces less oestrogen, leading to changes in the vaginal tissue. This condition is most often associated with menopause but can also occur due to other factors. The reduction in oestrogen can result in:

  • Thinner, less stretchy vaginal lining.
  • Narrowing and shortening of the vaginal canal.
  • Reduced production of natural vaginal fluids.
  • Changes in the acid balance of the vagina, increasing the likelihood of irritation and infections.
  • Increased delicacy of vaginal tissue, making it more prone to irritation.

In addition to menopause, other factors that can cause vaginal atrophy include:

  • Breastfeeding
  • Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy.
  • Treatment for breast cancer or the removal of ovaries.

Diagnosis of vaginal dryness atrophy

Our private gynaecologists can diagnose vaginal atrophy through a simple clinical examination, taking into account your symptoms and medical history for an accurate assessment.

If vaginal atrophy is detected, our consultants will explain the condition and discuss a variety of treatment options tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

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Vaginal atrophy treatment

As London’s leading private gynaecology and urogynaecology practice, our dedicated team provides expert care and tailored advice for a wide range of common female health concerns.

We are proud to have Mr Athanasias, one of our consultants, who was among the first practitioners in the UK to offer CO2 laser treatment for managing the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. This life-changing treatment has helped countless women regain comfort and control in their daily lives.

If you have been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy (dryness), we encourage you to book a consultation with us. Our specialists will help you determine the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of symptoms, age, medical history and lifestyle factors.

How to 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 prove 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.

About Mr Pandelis Athanasias – Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Expert ✓

Mr Pandelis Athanasias, a pioneering consultant at London Women’s Centre, specialises 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 personalised treatment options.

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Topical oestrogen

There are several effective ways to administer oestrogen to manage vaginal atrophy, providing relief and improving overall vaginal health. These options include:

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

For postmenopausal women experiencing the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal preparations are often more effective than oral treatments. However, it’s important to note that it may take a few weeks of consistent use before noticing an improvement. During this time, it is recommended to complement the treatment with self-care options such as vaginal moisturisers or lubricants to alleviate discomfort.

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.

Non-oestrogen topical hormonal treatment

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 medication prescribed to address significant 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.

You might wonder: is fractional CO2 laser treatment 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. Using a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant can effectively restore lost moisture and provide relief from discomfort.

How much does the vaginal atrophy treatment cost?

It is important that you have a consultation with one of our consultant gynaecologists before your treatment. The 1st treatment can take place during the initial consultation provided you’re suitable for the procedure.

At London Women Canter we offer the following packages:

  • Mona Lisa Touch single treatment: £650
  • Mona Lisa Touch 3 treatments: £1800

Finance options are available.

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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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Opening Hours

London Women’s Centre

Open : Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

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Our Secretaries

Mr Panayi’s Secretary:

Amy Foskett-Jones

Tel: 07990781826

Fax: 0208 082 5560

amy@londonwomenscentre.co.uk

Mr Athanasias’ Secretary:

Angela Hughes

Tel: 07731522542

Fax: 0203 725 9935

angela@londonwomenscentre.co.uk

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