Each year millions of women reach menopause, a time when your ovaries stop making estrogen and slow down their production of other hormones. This marks the end of the reproductive period of a woman’s life and is often marked by bothersome and uncomfortable symptoms related to a lack of estrogen production, including vaginal dryness. This can make sex uncomfortable and even painful.
Menopause doesn’t have to put a damper on your sex life though. Learn your options for restoring your sexual intimacy and quality of life.
Through her practice in Cos Cob, Connecticut, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Donna J. Hagberg provides women with the highest quality of care throughout all phases of life. Dr. Hagberg offers the latest treatments to help reduce symptoms so that you can feel your best as you transition through menopause.
Painful sex after menopause
Estrogen levels fall as you approach and transition through menopause. Among its many roles, estrogen helps maintain the integrity of the vagina and helps keep vaginal tissues lubricated. As your levels decline, it’s common to experience vaginal dryness and vaginal thinning. The result is a feeling of dryness and tightness that can cause sexual penetration to feel painful.
In fact, up to 45% of postmenopausal women report experiencing painful sex, known medically as dyspareunia. Without treatment, inflammation can occur that causes the vaginal tissues to bleed and tear during sex. You may also go on to experience chronic pain or irritation. This can all lead to a feeling of anxiety surrounding sex.
How MonaLisa TouchⓇ vaginal rejuvenation can help
In the past, women had limited options for treating the vaginal dryness, itching, and burning caused by sagging estrogen levels. Today, a revolutionary vaginal rejuvenation procedure can treat vaginal atrophy and improve related symptoms so that you can enjoy a healthy sex life. This is an excellent option for women who are unable to use hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms.
MonaLisa Touch is a fractional laser system that delivers light energy into soft tissues. It can rejuvenate vaginal tissues to help women feel themselves again.
Vaginal atrophy is at the root of postmenopausal sex-related pain. The MonaLisa Touch laser can deliver targeted energy to the tissues, causing microscopic wounds that are invisible to the naked eye. This triggers the body’s natural healing processes and stimulates the production of collagen, the primary protein that comprises your skin and other connective tissues, giving them strength and tone. Treatment with the MonaLisa Touch can revitalize vaginal tissue and reduce symptoms of atrophy to improve lubrication and restore a fulfilling and enjoyable sex life.
Hormone replacement therapy may be an option
Replacing the estrogen your body no longer makes remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t for everyone. Estrogen replacement may not be appropriate for women with a history of blood clots or ER-positive cancers. The decision to start HRT is one you make with your provider after thoroughly discussing the benefits and risks.
HRT can be administered in a wide variety of forms, including creams, pills, patches, and pellets. Your provider will assist you in choosing the form that fits best with your situation and lifestyle.
You remain a sexual being throughout your entire life. Don’t let dwindling estrogen levels keep you from enjoying a satisfying sex life. Take back control with effective treatment options. Call our office to schedule a consultation or book your appointment online today.