The reproductive health effects after menopause are wide-ranging. One of these concerns is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). However, it’s a fact that nearly 50% of postmenopausal women will experience genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Despite the availability of safe and effective treatment methods, very few women receive treatment for symptoms of this common condition. This is why our board-certified gynecologist and reproductive healthcare providers wanted to discuss GSM to help educate our readers on how it can be identified and treated.
Also sometimes referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy, genitourinary syndrome occurs in women due to a lack of estrogen produced by the ovaries after menopause. Following menopause, it’s common for women with low estrogen levels to experience thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
Although GSM may affect women differently, there are many commonalities. Vaginal dryness, itching, and irregular discharge are the most common. Additionally, women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause may also experience vaginal pain or discomfort during sex, recurring urinary tract infections, light bleeding following sex, or a tightening of the vaginal canal. Problems associated with urination including urinary incontinence, frequent urination, or burning with urination may also occur.
Women who seek treatment for GSM have different treatment paths to choose from. Some women may benefit from hormone therapies that supply the body with estrogen (and/or progestogen) to restore more balanced and stable hormone levels following menopause.
The reproductive healthcare experts here at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett and our full-service medical spa, MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics, use FemTouch™ Non-Surgical Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation to treat the effects of this condition. FemTouch™ treatments utilize fractional CO2 laser technology to rebuild the vaginal wall without the need for surgery or downtime for recovery. In fact, a recent study published by the North American Menopause Society found that Fractional CO2 laser therapy like FemTouch™ was able to improve sexual function and address sexual problems related to GSM.
We understand that it can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss these symptoms. However, speaking frankly with one of our reproductive healthcare providers is the first step towards treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause and restoring your reproductive health and wellness after menopause. For more information or to request an appointment, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or check our medical spa MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics on Instagram for additional news, tips, and much more.
