On June 20, 2019, a major symposium was held at the Inselspital in Bern on the topic of vulvovaginal athrophy and stress urinary incontinence - both problems that affect a large number of women.
Renowned speakers presented the current data situation. The laser is a safe treatment that represents another therapy option when creams and gels fail locally.
At any age it can lead to vaginal complaints come.
Frequent bladder and vaginal infections, pill use, births and birth injuries, hormone deficiency during breastfeeding, obesity and severe weight fluctuations, changes in hormone balance, primary ovarian insufficiency, climacterium praecox, menopause, and post-menopausal hormone deficiency can affect the vaginal mucosa and lead to irritable bladder, vaginal dryness, burning, itching, stress urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse, decreased sexual sensation, and libido deficiency.
What is a vaginal laser?
A Vaginal laser is a rod-shaped laser that is inserted painlessly into the vagina like a speculum during a gynecological examination. This laser is used to "bombard" the entire vaginal canal in a circular fashion. This treatment generally does not cause any pain. The treatment only takes a few minutes and can and should be carried out three times at 30-day intervals.
After the treatment it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse and public baths for 2-3 days. Pain after the treatment is not expected. The laser should be preceded by a gynecologist examination and PAP smear.
What concerns does the vaginal laser help with?
- Vaginal relaxation syndrome, vaginal atrophy
Targeted thermal heating of the vaginal tissue stimulates the growth and regeneration of collagen fibers and fine blood vessels. This regenerates the mucous membrane and leads to tightening of the vaginal walls. Subsequently, if desired, the outer and inner labia are also treated with a fractional laser. - Mild stress incontinence
During physical activities that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, jumping and lifting, small amounts of urine leak out. This can greatly affect the quality of life. In stress incontinence, the metabolism of the connective tissue is altered and the supportive hold of the urethra is too weak, which often occurs after spontaneous abortions. The vaginal laser allows fast and painless treatments, without anesthesia and downtime. - External pigment changes
Friction from underwear or hormonal changes can cause aesthetically disturbing hyperpigmentation in the genital area. These can be treated in addition to other symptoms in the same laser session.
No cost coverage by health insurance companies in Switzerland so far
While this treatment is often covered by health insurance in Italy if the indication is correct, and private health insurance companies in Germany also often cover reimbursement, this is unfortunately not currently the case in Switzerland. Nevertheless, this treatment is becoming more and more popular. At the first major vaginal laser symposium at the Inselspital Bern on 20.6.2019, the speakers were unanimous: the data situation is absolutely convincing and patients with corresponding complaints, who could not be sufficiently helped with conservative methods, should be offered the treatment. We ourselves now have over 3 years of experience in this treatment area with a very high satisfaction rate of our patients.