Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms women experience during and after menopause, but it’s also one of the least talked about. As estrogen levels drop, the tissue lining the vagina becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It can cause irritation, discomfort during daily activities, and pain during sex. For many women, it quietly changes the way they move through their day and how they feel about intimacy.
MonaLisa Touch is a non-surgical laser treatment designed to address these changes at the tissue level. Rather than masking symptoms, it works by helping vaginal tissue restore its own moisture and flexibility. If you’ve been dealing with dryness, discomfort, or changes in your intimate health and aren’t sure what your options are, this is a good place to start.
Why Vaginal Dryness Deserves Attention
It’s easy to brush off vaginal dryness as just another part of getting older. But the reality is that it affects quality of life in ways that go far beyond mild discomfort.
Some women notice burning or itching that makes it hard to sit comfortably for long periods. Others find that sex has become painful enough to avoid entirely, which can take a toll on relationships and self-confidence. Recurrent urinary tract infections and mild urinary leakage are also linked to the tissue changes that come with lower estrogen levels.
These symptoms tend to get worse over time rather than better, because unlike hot flashes, vaginal atrophy doesn’t typically resolve on its own after menopause. Many women go months or even years assuming they just have to live with it before learning that effective treatments exist.
How MonaLisa Touch Works
MonaLisa Touch uses a gentle CO2 fractional laser to deliver small pulses of energy to the vaginal wall. These pulses create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the tissue, which trigger the body’s natural healing response. As the tissue repairs itself, it produces new collagen and increases blood flow to the area. The result is tissue that is thicker, more hydrated, and better able to function the way it did before menopause.
The procedure is performed in your provider’s office and takes about five minutes. It feels similar to a Pap smear. Your provider inserts a small wand-shaped device, and most women describe feeling a light vibration or a mild prickling sensation. There is no anesthesia, no incisions, and no downtime. Most women return to their regular routine the same day.
A typical treatment plan includes three sessions spaced about six weeks apart, with annual maintenance visits after that to help sustain the results.
Who It’s Designed For
MonaLisa Touch was developed primarily for women experiencing symptoms of low estrogen. That includes women who are in menopause or perimenopause, as well as women who have gone through early menopause due to surgery or medical treatments like chemotherapy.
It’s also a strong option for women who cannot use estrogen-based therapies. Traditional treatment for vaginal atrophy has relied heavily on estrogen creams, rings, or oral medications. But not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy, particularly women with a history of certain cancers or blood-clotting disorders. MonaLisa Touch offers a non-hormonal alternative that still targets the root of the problem. If you’re exploring ways to manage your menopause symptoms, this treatment may be worth discussing with your provider.
You may not be a candidate if you are currently pregnant, have an active vaginal infection, or have certain pelvic conditions. Your provider can help you determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your situation.
What to Expect After Treatment
Side effects from MonaLisa Touch are generally mild and short-lived. Some women experience light spotting, minor swelling, or a slight burning sensation when urinating for a day or two after the procedure. These effects usually resolve within 24 to 36 hours.
Most women are advised to avoid sexual intercourse for about three days following each session. Beyond that, there are no major activity restrictions.
Many women report noticing improvement after just one session, though the full benefit builds over the course of the three-treatment series. Studies have shown that over 80% of women who receive MonaLisa Touch report being satisfied or very satisfied with their results.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
MonaLisa Touch is not currently covered by most insurance plans, so it’s worth asking about cost during your consultation. Pricing varies by provider and location, but each session typically falls in the range of a few hundred to a thousand dollars.
It’s also important to understand what MonaLisa Touch does and doesn’t do. The treatment is designed to restore vaginal moisture and comfort. It does not tighten the vagina or change its appearance. If your primary concern is something other than dryness, discomfort, or tissue thinning, your provider may recommend a different approach as part of your gynecologic care.
Relief Is Closer Than You Think
Living with vaginal dryness, painful sex, or chronic irritation is not something you should have to accept as your new normal. These are real symptoms with real solutions, and talking to your provider about them is a step worth taking.
If you’ve been noticing changes in your vaginal comfort or intimate health, schedule an appointment with Bloom OB/GYN. We can help you figure out whether MonaLisa Touch or another treatment option is the right fit for your needs and your goals.
