The issue no one talks about that affects up to 50% of post-menopausal women
<p>As we age, it’s only natural for our mind and body to go through changes – some welcome, some not so welcome. While we can all appreciate the wisdom and lust for life that comes with growing older, there’s one thing in particular that all women would agree we could all do without.</p>
<p>Vaginal atrophy is a condition that affects <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsm.12190/full" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">up to 50 per cent</span></strong></a> of all post-menopausal women, but sadly, it’s an issue that is constantly brushed under the rug. Even worse? Only 25 per cent seek treatment.</p>
<p>So, what exactly is it and how can it be treated? According to Wellington-based gynaecologist, <a href="http://www.dranjubasu.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dr Anju Basu</span></strong></a>, vaginal atrophy is “a very common problem of menopause that results in symptoms of vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, vaginal burning, itching, abnormal discharge and urinary symptoms such as incontinence. Society tends to forget older women and doesn't give thought to their quality of life, assuming women over 50 don’t want to have sex! That’s not true, and I’m hoping to change that.”</p>
<p>Previously, treatment has consisted of vaginal moisturisers or topical hormone creams to improve these symptoms. The effectiveness of these treatments, however, depends on the patient’s willingness to stick to them as they also only improve symptoms for as long as they are used. Thankfully, there is a new non-hormonal and effective therapy available to women suffering from vaginal atrophy.</p>
<p>MonaLisa Touch is a pain-free, non-surgical procedure introduced in 2008, which consists of three five-minute laser treatments to help stimulate collagen production, improve hydration by restoring cells, and improve elasticity and blood supply of the vaginal wall. MonaLisa Touch relieves symptoms for 12 to 18 months, and annual booster treatments ensure long-lasting results.</p>
<p>It’s an effective treatment for women who do not want to use hormonal creams, or are not suitable candidates for hormonal treatment (for example, women with breast cancer).</p>
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<p>Dr Basu is one of only four professionals in New Zealand who can perform the treatment, and the only one in the Greater Wellington region. One of her patients, Carol*, sings the praises of the MonaLisa Touch treatment after it gave her a new lease on life.</p>
<p>“For many years, I suffered severe discomfort caused by vaginal dryness,” Carol explains. “Both my daily and social lives were badly affected. In short, I had no quality of life. With no treatment, my condition worsened to the extent that I could not walk feely or sit on a chair comfortably. I had become house-bound.</p>
<p>“My general practitioner referred me to Dr Basu in Wellington,” she adds. “She treated me using the new MonaLisa Touch laser therapy. Following a course of three months’ treatment there has been an improvement to my vaginal dryness and my quality of life is now finally improving.”</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about vaginal atrophy or this exciting new treatment, <a href="http://www.monalisatouch.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>, or email <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="mailto:Donna.May@southerncrosshospitals.co.nz">Donna.May@southerncrosshospitals.co.nz</a></strong></span>.</p>
<p>*Name has been changed.</p>
<p>THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH <a href="http://www.dranjubasu.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DR ANJU BASU</span></strong></a>.</p>
