Lasers may seem like the way of the future—but not for your vagina just yet.
Despite talk that vaginal laser therapy can tighten the vagina, improve sexual function, and reverse incontinence, there is little evidence to support these claims. In a new article, published on Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, a pair of gynecologists claimed that laser devices for vaginal rejuvenation are no more effective than “sham” treatments.
Vaginal rejuvenation surgery includes a number of related procedures, but generally refers to clinical attempts to tighten the skin around the vagina or tighten the vaginal canal.
Vaginal rejuvenation has become an “it” procedure in recent years, touted by middle-aged celebrities and mothers looking to spice up their sex lives. In 2017, Kelly Dodd starred on ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’. he announced proudly had a procedure – gushing it changed her life – as did her co-star Braunwyn Windham-Burke two years later.
While a non-invasive laser treatment could start at $700, some surgical rejuvenations—such as a labiaplasty to reduce the size of the labia minora—resulting in so-called “design sinuses,” can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $10,000.
Now, some of the procedures are used to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and frequent urination. However, experts warn that getting the procedure can be unnecessary and a waste of money.
Although such procedures appear safe, paper co-authors Blayne Welk and Erin Kelly, MDs and faculty members at the University of Alberta, noted that no controlled studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal lasers for the treatment of GSM.
“Vaginal resuscitation procedures are used to treat urinary incontinence and GSM, as well as for less clear indications (eg, vaginal tightening for better sexual satisfaction), without good evidence that it helps in either of these conditions,” noted the writers on the paper.
In a commentary in Medscape, Kelly repeated that expensive and unproven laser procedures are marketed to women as a viable solution.
“Many women who present to the clinic have heard of vaginal laser procedures, have had laser vaginal procedures, or have been told they need vaginal laser procedures,” she told the publication. “My impression was that these procedures are being marketed to women … without rigorous study.”
An important resuscitation method called vaginal laser ablation has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, with “few high-quality studies” supporting the use of vaginal energy devices to treat GSM, according to the authors. Meanwhile, the North American Menopause Society guideline recommends over-the-counter products to treat GSM, such as vaginal lubricants or vaginal estrogen supplements.
The treatment uses a laser to make tiny scratches in the sinus wall, which stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. However, this is only temporary and would require annual sessions because the lack of estrogen during menopause will allow the muscle to atrophy again – which would mean more money spent on more treatments.
From the limited research available, the reported results produced “low evidence” of benefit “with a high risk of bias”. Additionally, the FDA has stated that “vaginal burns, scarring, pain during intercourse, and recurrent/chronic pain” are known to occur after such treatments.
Welk told Medscape that he would like to see information about approved medical devices, including vaginal lasers, made available to the Canadian public — and beyond.
“Health Canada has an online database of approved devices, but there is no information available about the evidence submitted during the approval process, nor are there indications of the various devices,” he said.
