Women who are experiencing sexual health issues while going through menopause previously had few treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy or estrogen creams aren’t suitable for every woman and healthcare providers typically don’t recommend hormone treatment on a long-term basis, given the health risks. Now, there’s a new option for women with vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness. The MonaLisa Touch procedure is a minimally invasive, painless treatment that can help women resolve their symptoms.

Who Can Benefit from this Procedure?
Any woman who is diagnosed with vaginal atrophy may benefit from the MonaLisa Touch procedure. Vaginal atrophy is commonly associated with menopause. However, it may also occur in women with hormonal changes due to breastfeeding or breast cancer. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the vaginal walls , along with thinning and dryness. Many women with vaginal atrophy suffer from painful intercourse and painful urination.

How Does It Work?
The MonaLisa Touch procedure involves the insertion of a laser tip into the vagina. It will feel similar to the annual pelvic exam and Pap test; however, it only takes about five minutes. The device delivers pulses of laser energy to the vagina to stimulate the production of collagen.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Women who are good candidates for the MonaLisa Touch procedure typically undergo three sessions, which are spaced six weeks apart. Following this initial treatment, women can schedule a once per year treatment session with their urologist to ensure that they stay symptom-free.

How Soon Will I Notice Results?
Many women who undergo this innovative treatment report feeling immediate relief of the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Even if relief of symptoms isn’t immediate, women almost always experience results by the second treatment session.

If you have any other questions about the MonaLisa Touch procedure, contact our WISH clinic , Women’s Institute for Sexual Health a division of Urology Associates, P.C., at (615)250-9265. Our urology team offers compassionate and confidential diagnostic and therapeutic services for sexual health in Nashville. We also provide treatment options for patients with erectile dysfunction, kidney stones, and bladder cancer.

Urology Associates is happy to announce that our very own Vikki Pedigo will be participating in a webinar with Pearl Point Cancer Support.

Women’s reproductive cancers and treatment may cause side effects including fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and digestive issues. Join Vikki F. Pedigo, MSN, WHNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner at the Women’s Institute for Sexual Health in Nashville, TN to explore strategies and techniques to help you manage the side effects of reproductive cancers. Margaret Martin RD, MS, LDN, CDE Nutrition Educator at PearlPoint Cancer Support will also provide tips and suggestions for controlling digestive issues, combating fatigue, and maintaining a healthier weight.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, August 19 ^th from 11:00am-12:00pm Central time anyone who wants to listen in can register by clicking the link below.

Register for Webinar

Urology Associates’ WISH (Women’s Institute for Sexual Health) is pleased to introduce a leading edge treatment to their practice to improve vaginal health issues often caused by menopause and drug-induced suppression of ovarian function as a result of chemotherapy treatments from cancer. MonaLisa Touch, an in-office procedure that is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia, recently received FDA clearance.

“This breakthrough procedure improves symptoms including dryness, pain, itching, painful urination and painful intercourse as early as the first treatment,” said Marcy Abel, M.D., FPMRS, who serves as the medical director for (WISH).

Brooke Faught, MSN, WHNP-BC, IF, and Vikki Pedigo, MSN, WHNP-BC offer the latest technology available to diagnose and treat alterations in normal sexual function in the WISH program that was developed over ten years ago. “MonaLisa Touch is a real breakthrough for feminine health,” stated Faught. “It offers a, quick and painless remedy for a medical condition with a large unmet need for an effective treatment option. Traditional treatments do not always prove effective, so I am grateful I am able to offer my patients an alternative.”

Faught and Pedigo are among the first in the middle Tennessee area to offer the special fractional CO2 laser specifically designed to help postmenopausal women as well as breast cancer survivors.

For more information on MonaLisa Touch, please visit our website or call us at (615) 250-9265.

“In 1998, Viagra was not only approved, but fast tracked through the process in 6 months despite potential life threatening side effects. Since that date, 26 medications have been approved that can enhance men’s sexual functioning (many of them also fast tracked) but EVERY SINGLE medication proposed for women has been denied. WOMEN HAVE 0 MEDICATIONS to treat comparable conditions. This is not about a specific pill but gender equality and unbiased consideration for women’s medical treatment,” writes Faught.

To watch the full testimony, check out this video .

Did you know that sexual dysfunction affects more women than men in the United States? About 43% of women are affected by sexual dysfunction, yet most of the research in this area is dedicated to men’s sexual health. At Urology Associates P.C. we understand that sexual dysfunction is common in women which is why we work closely with patients to offer solutions for more fulfilling, satisfying intimacy at home. Below you can get a closer look at sexual dysfunction in women to learn about the solutions available for this problem.

Possible Causes

Sexual dysfunction in women may be related to a low sex drive or the inability to become aroused. For other women, the issue may be associated with an inability to orgasm during sex or pain during sexual activity. The underlying causes of these physical boundaries may be hormonal imbalances, the use of certain medications, anxiety, or past sexual traumas. Therefore, it is necessary to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your sexual history to formulate a treatment plan that will be most beneficial for you.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of sexual dysfunction may include a physical exam to identify any conditions that may be responsible for pain or discomfort during sexual activity. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your sexual history to gain a better understanding of the possible physiological problems leading to a loss of sexual ability or interest.

Treatment Options

Since female sexual dysfunction is a complex problem, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. If any physical causes of sexual dysfunction are identified during your exam, your doctor may focus primarily on treating these issues. Your doctor can also offer educational resources about human anatomy, and changes in sexual function related to the aging process. Beyond these measures you may use special exercises, or arousal techniques to become more engaged with sexual activity and intimacy with your partner.

Urology Associates P.C. strives to create a comfortable care environment where you will be able to speak openly about sexual dysfunction and the treatment options available to you. You can schedule a consultation with a member of our expansive Nashville team by calling (888) 329-7700.

MonaLisa Touch, a new treatment option offered by Urology Associates, delivers immediate and long-lasting relief through laser technology.

Take a look at a few of the frequently asked questions about this life-changing procedure.

Q: What happens during treatment?

A: The procedure will seem similar to your annual exam, and will likely be even quicker. Your healthcare provider will insert the laser tip into your vagina and deliver laser energy “pulses”. The total procedure time is less than 5 minutes.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: The laser energy itself is painless. Some patients report mild discomfort with the laser tip insertion during the first procedure due to vaginal dryness.

Q: How soon can I expect results?

A: Many patients have reported that they experience relief right away. Virtually all patients have experienced relief by the second treatment, or week 6.

Q: How long does treatment last?

A: MonaLisa Touch provides long-lasting results. A once-a-year single treatment is recommended to maintain symptom relief. This can be done quickly and conveniently during your annual checkup.

For more information about MonaLisa Touch, visit our website or give us a call at (888) 329-7700.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C., is one of the few clinics in the country that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Women who are experiencing sexual dysfunction in Nashville, and beyond, can turn to our sexual health professionals for guidance on a variety of common conditions, such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, sexual aversion disorder, and female orgasmic disorder, just to name a few.

You can hear more about sexual health in women by watching this interview with the Clinical Director of WISH. She explains some common forms of sexual dysfunction and discusses their alarming prevalence as compared to sexual dysfunction among men. She also discusses treatment guidelines implemented at WISH.

A division of Urology Associates, P.C., The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) provides specialized care in our state-of-the-art facility. At WISH, women will find compassionate and highly trained professionals who are dedicated to promoting better sexual health and quality of life.

When estrogen levels decline after menopause, many changes occur. Millions of women experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning or painful intercourse as a consequence of these changes. Many women suffer silently, and those who seek treatment find their options limited: messy estrogen creams or hormone replacement therapy, which isn’t for everyone.

MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is a simple procedure that takes less than 5 minutes.

It delivers both immediate and long-lasting relief. And it’s clinically proven to really work.

• Simple, painless laser energy
• In-office, no anesthesia
• No side effects
• No downtime
• Symptom relief after just one treatment
• Thousands of women successfully treated since 2008

A new procedure that patients have called “life-changing”.

MonaLisa Touch delivers gentle laser energy to the vaginal wall that stimulates a healing response and enhances moisture levels in the vaginal canal. A typical course of treatment is three procedures over 12 weeks.

Many women report symptom relief after the very first treatment and even greater improvement after treatments 2 and 3.

For more information about MonaLisa Touch laser treatment, visit our website or give us a call at (888) 329-7700.

Traditionally, research and treatment development in the field of sexual dysfunction has been applied primarily to men. However, it has been suggested that women may suffer from sexual dysfunction at a higher rate than men. While many people are hesitant to discuss matters pertaining to sexual health , consulting a urology specialist may help women improve their quality of life and overall well-being.

Common Concerns

Sexual dysfunction is a multifaceted problem that may involve numerous concerns. It’s common for women to experience a low libido, or lack of sexual interest. Some women experience problems becoming physically aroused while others have trouble achieving an orgasm. Painful intercourse is another common concern.

Possible Causes

By consulting a urologist , women can discover the underlying causes of sexual dysfunction. For example, painful intercourse may be caused by medical problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, or vaginismus. This last condition refers to painful muscle spasms, which can develop in women who fear penetration, typically because of previous trauma. Other physical causes of sexual dysfunction may include medications such as antidepressants or medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalance, neurological diseases, and heart disease. There may also be psychological causes of sexual dysfunction, including chronic stress and anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.

Diagnostic Tests

When a woman consults a urologist about sexual health issues, she can expect to discuss her symptoms. Then, the doctor will likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear. Sometimes, other tests may be requested to rule out underlying medical problems.

Treatment Options

A woman’s treatment options for sexual dysfunction depend largely on the underlying causes. Treatment may be available to resolve medical problems that can cause sexual dysfunction. Or, the patient may benefit from using relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, and stimulating non-coital behaviors, such as massage.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C. offers sensitive care for women suffering from sexual dysfunction in Nashville and beyond. Our highly trained urology team provides diagnostic and therapeutic services. Urology Associates, P.C. also consult with some of the area’s leading professionals, including gynecologists, massage therapists, and psychologists, to provide women with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Learn more on our website or by calling us at (888) 329-7700.