Pelvic Laser Therapy

Menopause can cause unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal dryness, pain during sex and urinary incontinence. These symptoms are not always easy to talk about. And it's common to think that these symptoms are a typical part of getting older or something you just have to deal with. Our team at Overlake Medical Center & Clinics is here to tell you that’s not true — and help you find relief.

Our comprehensive Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Program provides expert care for people experiencing uncomfortable menopause symptoms and a wide variety of pelvic conditions. Our board-certified urogynecologists (doctors who specialize in treating pelvic health conditions) will take the time to listen and find the best treatment options for your needs and goals.

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What is Pelvic Laser Therapy?

Pelvic laser therapy is a hormone-free treatment. It uses beams of energy to treat menopause symptoms and pelvic health conditions in a simple procedure you can get at the doctor’s office.

MonaLisa Touch Therapy for Symptoms of Menopause

MonaLisa Touch is a quick, in-office procedure that only requires prescription-strength topical anesthesia, produces minimal discomfort and is free of hormones. This treatment uses a laser to stimulate collagen growth and blood flow, which can help your pelvic organs feel more flexible and hydrated and reduce pain. MonaLisa Touch is typically used to treat genitourinary symptoms of menopause including:

• Pain during sex (dyspareunia).
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort.
• Chronic pain, burning or irritation around the vaginal opening (vulvodynia).
• Vagina and pelvic organs feeling weak and loose.
• Trouble controlling your bladder (stress or mild urinary incontinence.

What to expect with Mona Lisa Touch

MonaLisa Touch typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need to refrain from having sex for 24 hours before your treatment and avoid using vaginal lubricants or creams for 48 hours before treatment.

Your doctor will start your treatment by using a topical anesthetic cream to numb your pelvic area. Then, they’ll put a small probe into your vagina to deliver the laser treatment. You’ll be able to go back to your typical activities right after the procedure. But you’ll need to refrain from having sex for 48 hours following treatment.

Some patients feel better after only one session. But we usually recommend people do three sessions — each one scheduled six weeks apart. After your initial treatments, we recommend yearly touch-up visits to keep symptoms from coming back.

SoLa Therapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Sola Therapy is a laser treatment specifically for chronic pelvic pain. It uses light energy to stimulate mitochondria (the part of your cells that generate energy). This therapy works by helping your pelvic muscles relax, stimulating oxygen delivery and increasing blood flow. SoLa Therapy can help treat:

• Pain during sex (dyspareunia).
• Endometriosis.
• Pain in the levator muscle, which is the muscle that supports the pelvic floor.
• Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis).
• Chronic pain, burning or irritation around the vaginal opening (vulvodynia).

What to expect with SoLa Therapy

Receiving SoLa treatment is similar to getting a pelvic exam – and there’s no need for anesthesia.

During your treatment, your doctor will insert a thin wand into your vagina. You may feel a warming sensation but it shouldn’t be painful. Your whole appointment will only take about 15 minutes.

You and your doctor will discuss how many treatments are likely to give you the best results. Most patients have three sessions a week for three weeks (a total of nine treatments over three weeks). Some people feel better after one or two sessions. Others feel better after three to four sessions.

What Questions Should I Ask My Provider About Pelvic Laser Therapy?

• What type of laser therapy do you recommend for my symptoms?
• Should I consider other treatments before choosing pelvic laser therapy?
• How many sessions will I need?
• Are there any risks or side effects related to pelvic laser therapy?

FAQs

Is Pelvic Laser Therapy painful?

Pelvic laser therapy is not typically painful. You may feel tingling, warmth or sensitivity during treatment, but it should not hurt.

Will my insurance cover Pelvic Laser Therapy?

Insurance does not cover pelvic laser therapy. If you have a health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds for pelvic laser therapy.

Is MonaLisa Touch right for me?

Each person is different. The right treatment for you will depend on your needs, symptoms and goals. Your doctor can help you decide what treatment might be best for you.

MonaLisa Touch is often a good option if you:

• Have vaginal atrophy, dryness or pain during sex and would like to avoid hormonal treatment.
• Have a history of breast cancer, thrombophlebitis or other health conditions where estrogen hormonal treatments are not recommended.
• Have not responded well to estrogen treatment.
• Wish to return to pre-menopausal health.
• Are female to male transgender and experiencing atrophy.

MonaLisa Touch may not be right for you if you:

• Have an active infection, such as candidiasis and herpes genitalis.
• Have bumps or sores in your pelvic area.
• Are pregnant or were pregnant in the past three months.
• Have had radiation treatments in your pelvic area.
• Have had reconstructive pelvic surgery with mesh kits.
• Have a TVT-type sling for incontinence. Sometimes, MonaLisa Touch is not recommended for people who have this type of sling. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

Can the MonaLisa Touch laser be used to treat lichen sclerosis?

Yes, Mona Lisa touch has proven effective to treat lichen sclerosis. This autoimmune disease causes white patches on the skin around the vulva. It may cause itching and pain during sex. Lichen sclerosis is not contagious, but flare-ups can be very uncomfortable.

It usually takes at least five treatments to see improvements. But some people notice improvements as early as early as the third treatment. Follow-up treatments can be a great way to help keep your symptoms from returning.

Locations

Overlake Clinics Urology Kirkland 
13126 120th Ave NE
Phone: 425.569.7250