Relaxation of the perineum, vaginal dryness, pain during urination and/or during penetration, loss of sensitivity during the sexual act… to combat these inconveniences linked to the drop in hormones at menopause, more and more women are resorting to non-surgical interventions supposed to promote “rejuvenation” of the vagina.
Vaginal laser treatments claim to reduce common discomforts of menopause, such as pain during intercourse, dryness vaginal, itching, irritation or even infections or urinary discomfort. “In reality, a new study has just shown that this is absolutely false and that these laser treatments would be totally ineffective against these menopausal disorders” explains Dr. Martine Perez, medical consultant for Top Santé.
Effects that have not been demonstrated
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used for various skin problems like acne, deep wrinkles and scars. But these lasers have also recently been presented as a powerful means of treating menopausal disorders.
“American researchers have just published the results of a trial on 78 postmenopausal women in which they compared the effect of the laser on the vaginal tissues with a placebo (substance devoid of efficacy). These scientists found that there was no difference between the women treated with laser and those who had a simple placebo, in terms of dryness or discomfort vaginal. In general, women who have these symptoms can, to reduce these disorders, use lubricants or moisturizing vaginal creams.
An intervention that is not without risk
In 2018, a report by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American health authority of reference, pointed the finger at several American companies which use laser or radiofrequency technologies with the aim of “rejuvenating” the vagina of their customers.
“Laser devices and radiofrequency are effective when it comes to destroying cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, or even against condyloma (genital warts), explain the authorities. However, the effectiveness and safety of these technologies in countering the effects of aging and menopause (urinary incontinence, sagging skin, loss of muscle tone, etc.) have not been demonstrated.”
Worse: these risky non-surgical interventions could even cause severe side effects: vaginal burns, pain during sex, scars, chronic pain… “Women who wish to undertake a” rejuvenation “of their vagina must discuss it upstream with their gynecologist: this one will probably be able to offer them less dangerous solutions” reacted, for its part, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Our expert: Dr. Martine Perez, medical advisor at Top Santé
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