I discovered my vagina at a young age, passing my mother’s rotating makeup mirror for adolescent gynecological foraging during a rare moment of privacy on the cool pink tiles of the only bathroom in a house shared by six people.
It has pretty much done what it was supposed to do for the first 40 years of its existence—menstruate, enjoy sex, and have children. But somewhere around 50, the whole machine began to act its age, by which I mean erratic, sometimes tidal periods, gray shoots, and general shrinkage of the once plump outer regions.
Chubby, by the way, is also an internal concern. As estrogen plummets during menopause, the vaginal wall thins, leading to fragility, dryness, discomfort during intimacy, and increased risk urinary tract infection. Simply put, you’re a lot less juicy down there.
Another major concern is urinary incontinence. Factor in two vaginal births and Father Time. you may have a “leakage” issue like i did. You know the process.
Feel a sneeze coming on as you walk down the street in your white jeans. To stop. Twist the legs into a bun. Whisper a prayer and hope your ankle doesn’t sprain before someone says, “Gesundheit.”
He coughs and laughs the same. I know I am not alone and thankfully my symptoms were not severe.
According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health, 50 to 70% of menopausal women experience genitourinary symptoms such as dryness, vulvar atrophy, urinary tract infections, and discomfort.
In addition to aging, women may experience these symptoms after cancer treatments and certain types of surgery.
Trying a new approach
As I approached 62, I decided to take matters into my own hands and explore the world of vaginal rejuvenation through a three-part laser treatment, or as it is marketed, “The MonaLisa Touch.” Besides, I love Botoxfillers and Fraxel facial treatments.
I’m also a fan of lotions and body lotions. So why shouldn’t I rage against the aging body in its most intimate areas and feel as confident as I do when I swipe on just the right shade of lipstick?
Currently, the MonaLisa Touch, generally known as CO2 laser therapy, is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by many insurance plans. The average cost ranges from $650 to about $1,000 per treatment.
Three short sessions over several months are recommended. While it may not seem fair that a procedure designed to reduce incontinence and create a healthy vaginal environment should be considered “cosmetic,” this is the costly reality. Like Viagrathe MonaLisa is considered a ‘lifestyle’ treatment.
The MonaLisa treatment
Before I go any further, let me clarify. I don’t limit my anatomical talk to the vagina. There is also this other smaller hole, the opening to the urethra through which urine flows. My doctor, Melanie Marin, explained that the vagina and urethra are like bunk beds.
The hope is for a tightening effect that would lead to better plumbing (and filling). The support of the vagina increases the volume and density of the area in general. It sounded good, so I signed up for the three sessions.
The MonaLisa treatment is not without controversy. In a statementthe Food and Drug Administration states that it has not approved any laser or other energy therapy for vaginal cosmetic surgery: “These treatments are also not approved for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, urinary incontinence, or other sexual problems.”
Dr. Juliana (Jewel) Kling, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, has questioned the effectiveness of the treatment. “Vaginal CO2 laser treatments have been evaluated primarily in small or observational studies for the treatment of menopausal genitourinary syndrome,” he said.
“Two double-blind studies examining the benefits of vaginal laser therapy showed that the laser appeared safe, but did not improve symptoms or quality of life,” Kling continued. “The second showed no improvements in objective or subjective outcomes with the laser procedure versus the sham procedure. Only minor adverse events were reported.”
A 2020 study found that 70 to 80% of patients treated with CO2 laser or vaginal estrogen were satisfied or very satisfied with either treatment, and there were no serious side effects. So why not just use vaginal estrogen? It is definitely less expensive.
Marin states that “the best treatment of atrial atrophy is hormone therapy», either in cream or gel form. She adds, however, that some of her patients are reluctant to use hormone therapy, especially those who have had breast cancer.
Others don’t want to commit to bi-weekly application of creams. For women like these, laser treatment may be the best option.
Fully informed and confident about Dr. Marin, I decided to go all in. I would use the estrogen cream and do the laser treatments. The three MonaLisa sessions lasted 15 minutes each and the pain from the CO2 laser (which looks like a stainless steel vibrator) was a 4-5 on a scale of 1 to 10 for about 8 minutes. Totally tolerable.
After the treatment, I felt like I had a vaginal sunburn for about a day, but the Tylenol eased the discomfort. Sex is prohibited for three days.
Marin was clear that he was not promising miracles. However, I would say my urinary incontinence has improved by about 50%, with much less urgency, and an overall healthier feeling. My husband is very happy. The first time we had sex after the treatment, she leaned in and whispered “Mona Lisa” with a sleepy smile.
I am also pleased and will definitely be going for my yearly recommended touch ups. But, of course, I won’t stop doing my kegels, his mainstay pelvic floor health.
Yes, we must accept aging gracefully, and no amount of plastic surgery, vitamin bottles, or extreme exercise will stave off its effects forever. On the bright side, though, we may well find a way to have fun and maintain our dignity as the years go by.
This article originally appeared on NextAvenue.org.
