Breast cancer and its treatments can impact a woman’s sexual desire due to various physical and emotional factors. If this is happening to you, know you are not alone and there are simple, convenient, and drug-free solutions known as vaginal laser therapy to help those with gynecologic and sexual function changes find relief.
Our board certified gynecologist and obstetrician, Dr. Rita Sharma, is highly trained in providing Vaginal Laser Therapy. Contact our gynecology clinic in Atlanta, GA to schedule an appointment by filling out our secure form.
Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and hormone therapy medicines, frequently causes patients to enter early menopause. While the level and side effects may vary from woman to woman, many patients experience vaginal and urinary
effects, known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These side effects can be more intense than symptoms of natural menopause.
Common genitourinary syndrome symptoms include:
- vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation
- pain or lack of lubrication during intercourse
- low or no sexual desire
- feeling the need to urinate often
- burning, pain, stinging, or itching during urination
- recurring urinary tract infections
Sexual Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
Even after a successful fight against cancer, many patients’ quality of lives are impacted due to lack of sexual function. This not only is caused by early menopause as we discussed above, but also due to the physical, emotional, and mental changes that breast cancer patients experience.
Common causes which affect a breast cancer survivor’s sexual function include:
- Physical and mental exhaustion from a breast cancer diagnosis
- Loss of libido due to specific breast cancer treatment side effects, like nausea, fatigue, or depression
- Discomfort or pain during or after intercourse due to early menopause
- Having a negative body image after breast cancer treatment (breast surgery, chemo, and/or radiation)
The good news is breast cancer survivors don’t have to wait to manage symptoms and there is a safe and effective treatment to help—vaginal laser therapy.
What is Vaginal Laser Therapy?
Non-invasive and painless, vaginal laser therapy utilizes laser energy to trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin in vaginal tissues. This process enhances the strength of vaginal muscles, refining the tone and texture of the skin. The outcome is an enhancement in vaginal health and function.
In the laser therapy session, a specialized laser device is introduced into the vagina, releasing controlled bursts of laser energy. This energy is absorbed by the vaginal tissue, encouraging the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The procedure is painless and typically concludes within approximately 30 minutes.
To attain optimal results, most individuals will undergo a series of treatments, typically spanning 3 to 5 sessions with intervals of several weeks between each. The number of treatments is dependent on the degree of symptoms at hand.
Vaginal Laser Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors in Atlanta, GA
Vaginal laser therapy is a safe, effective, and hormone-free treatment for individuals struggling with the gynecologic and urinary changes after breast cancer. Discover if you’re a candidate for vaginal laser therapy by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rita Sharma.
If you’re ready to get back to enjoying what you once loved, contact Atlanta GYN Center at (770) 723-1545 to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment.