Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Rejuvenation Specialist
After menopause, as your estrogen levels drop, conditions like vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) (or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause—GSM) may start to appear. As VVA progresses, your vaginal and vulvar tissues start becoming thinner, drier and more sensitive, affecting your experience during intercourse and your urinary health. At Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates, located in Lawrence Township, NJ, we offer a full range of evidence-based options focused on your wellbeing.
What Is Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA / GSM)?
Also known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), Vulvovaginal atrophy is a post-menopause health condition caused by low estrogen levels. It can also stem from hormonal imbalances during breastfeeding, cancer treatments and ovary removal. VVA causes your vaginal tissues to become dry, causing burning and irritation. Other symptoms include:
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Vulvar discomfort.
- Urinary urgency/frequency.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Stress or urge urinary leakage.
☝ It is important to know that the aforementioned symptoms do not tend to go away on their own, and might even worsen if not treated correctly. Without proper treatment, vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms can worsen over time and deeply affect your overall quality of life.
Your Estrogen Levels and Vaginal Health
When your estrogen levels drop, your tissues become weaker and unable to support these functions in your reproductive system:
- Vaginal moisture and lubrication.
- Tissue thickness and elasticity.
- Healthy vaginal pH and protective bacteria.
- Blood flow and healing.
Diagnosis
For women going through menopause, it is not uncommon to feel the consequences of their estrogen level drop. However, these can lower due to other factors, making more women at risk of VVA / GSM. They include:
- Chemotherapy-induced decreased ovarian functioning.
- Certain medications like nafarelin.
- Having an oophorectomy (ovaries removal).
- Some birth control pills.
- Smoking.
- Some immune disorders.
If you feel discomfort during intercourse or present any of the aforementioned symptoms associated with VVA / GSM, a vulvovaginal specialist can conduct some tests to diagnose atrophic changes. The most common include:
- A pap test.
- Analyzing a urine sample.
- An ultrasound.
- Or a vaginal pH test.
Treatment Options for VVA/GSM
At Sleep and Wellness Medical Associates, our women’s health specialists create a personalized care plan for you that considers your specific symptoms, their severity, your medical history and preferences.
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
Low-dose vaginal estrogen can help patients with moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy. Vaginal estrogen therapy can be applied with topical medication and pills, we review risks/benefits carefully and tailor dosing to your needs.
EmpowerRF
For some women, persistent symptoms may require a non-hormonal approach. Enter: EmpowerRF. Designed to improve your vaginal tissue quality with comprehensive care, this vaginal rejuvenation method encompasses three different treatment processes.
FormaV
FormaV delivers gentle radiofrequency energy internally and externally, helping with symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, tissue tone, and pain during intimacy.
Morpheus8V
Morpheus8V combines microneedling and radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin, improving vaginal atrophy and tissue quality.
VTone
VTone uses electromagnetic stimulation to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. It supports patients with urinary leakage, pelvic floor weakness and comfort.
These therapies are ideal for vulvovaginal atrophy patients who:
- Prefer non-hormonal treatments.
- Have persistent symptoms despite using moisturizers or estrogen.
- Experience vaginal dryness, laxity, or discomfort.
- Have urinary symptoms related to tissue changes.
What To Expect During Your Treatment
Our appointments are done in-office, with minimally invasive methods and a low downtime一which means that you get privacy during your treatment, non-surgical options and no interruptions in your daily routine. Our procedures are designed for gradual improvement, and maintenance will depend on what are your goals, medical history and symptoms.
FAQ
What is the difference between VVA and GSM?
While VVA refers strictly to vaginal and vulvar tissue thinning, GSM is a broader term that includes menopause-related urinary symptoms.
Can I treat vaginal dryness after menopause?
In short, yes. Apart from including moisturizers to your routine, a vulvovaginal specialist can offer prescription therapies or non-hormonal treatments for vaginal rejuvenation.
Do energy-based treatments replace vaginal estrogen?
Energy-based treatments like EmpowerRF can be an alternative for estrogen, but they work best as part of a comprehensive plan, which is why it is so important to access these treatments led by the hand of a certified specialist. If you live in or around Lawrence Township, NJ, we encourage you to book a consultation with our providers at Sleep and Wellness Medical Associates.
How many sessions does it take?
The number of sessions will depend on your specific set of symptoms and the kind of treatment you choose, which you will discuss during your consultation.
Is it normal to have recurring UTIs after menopause?
Indeed, it is common to suffer urinary urgency or UTIs after menopause, and it can be linked to GSM. It is imperative that you see a doctor who can help point you in the right direction and rule out other causes.
Where can I find post-menopausal symptoms relief in Lawrence Township, NJ?
At Sleep and Wellness Medical Associates, located at 31 East Darrah Lane, our team of professionals provide high-quality integrative medical care with a holistic approach. We follow this plan alongside conventional medicine, while also focusing on lifestyle changes, hormone balance, anti-inflammatory nutrition, toxin removal and stress management. If you are looking for a menopause specialist who can help you transit this special stage, we can help.
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