Vaginal Laser Treatments in Calgary

Advanced Vaginal Care for Perimenopause & Menopause

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Changes to vaginal, vulvar and urinary health are common during perimenopause and menopause, but that does not mean you simply have to live with them.

Dryness. Burning. Irritation. Pain with intimacy. Urinary leakage. Changes in vaginal tissue. A feeling of heaviness or reduced support.

These symptoms can affect comfort, confidence, sleep, exercise, sexual health and everyday quality of life.

At MAUD Medical Clinic in Calgary, we provide evidence-informed assessment and treatment for vaginal, vulvar, urinary and pelvic health concerns, including advanced laser treatment using the Fotona TimeWalker® II IntimaLaser™. Our vaginal laser program is led by Dr. Michelle Chow and is designed around an important principle:

Your symptoms deserve a medical assessment. Not a one-size-fits-all “rejuvenation” treatment.

Laser therapy may be one part of your treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms, medical history and goals, your MAUD care plan may also include pelvic floor physiotherapy, menopause care, vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, hormonal or non-hormonal therapies, sexual-health support or other medical treatment.

Urinary Leakage

Do you leak urine when you:

cough?
sneeze?
laugh?
jump?
run?
lift weights?
exercise?

This can be a sign of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI is extremely common and can occur after pregnancy and childbirth, with pelvic-floor changes, and during perimenopause and menopause. Fotona's IncontiLase® protocol uses non-ablative Er:YAG laser energy to target vaginal tissue around the anterior vaginal wall and urethral region. The treatment is intended to stimulate collagen remodelling and improve tissue support around the bladder and urethra. Fotona identifies IncontiLase® for treatment of mild to moderate stress and mixed urinary incontinence.

Laser treatment does not replace a complete assessment of urinary leakage. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, MAUD may recommend pelvic floor physiotherapy or other urinary-incontinence treatment alone or alongside laser therapy. Meet with Dr. Michelle Chow to discuss

Common Pelvic Floor-Related Concerns

Cystocele


A cystocele, sometimes called anterior vaginal wall prolapse or bladder prolapse, occurs when the supporting tissue between the bladder and vagina weakens.

Symptoms can include:

  • vaginal pressure

  • pelvic heaviness

  • a bulging sensation

  • feeling that something is “coming down”

  • urinary symptoms

  • difficulty completely emptying the bladder

  • discomfort during certain activities

Fotona developed ProlapLase® as a non-invasive Er:YAG laser protocol for selected cases of mild to moderate cystocele.

Pelvic organ prolapse has different types and degrees of severity, and laser therapy is not appropriate for every prolapse.

A medical and pelvic-floor assessment is therefore important before deciding on treatment.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness, Atrophy & Menopause Related Changes

RenovaLase® uses Fotona's non-ablative Er:YAG laser technology and is designed to address vaginal tissue changes associated with vaginal atrophy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Rather than removing the surface of the tissue, the Fotona SMOOTH® technology delivers controlled thermal energy to vaginal tissue. The goal is to stimulate tissue remodelling and collagen activity.

Depending on the individual, treatment may be considered when symptoms include:

  • vaginal dryness

  • burning

  • irritation

  • vaginal discomfort

  • painful intercourse

  • decreased lubrication

  • vaginal atrophy

  • changes in vaginal elasticity

  • menopause-related vulvovaginal discomfort

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition that most commonly affects vulvar skin.

Symptoms can include:

  • itching

  • irritation

  • burning

  • vulvar discomfort

  • painful intercourse

  • fragile or sensitive skin

  • white patches or changes in vulvar skin

Fotona's LichenLase™ uses Nd:Yag laser technology and has been investigated as a treatment for lichen sclerosus.

Important: Lichen sclerosus requires proper medical diagnosis and ongoing surveillance. Laser treatment should not be considered a substitute for appropriate medical management or follow-up.

At MAUD, treatment begins with assessment and diagnosis rather than simply treating symptoms with a device.

Vaginal Laxity

Vaginal Laxity caused by Pregnancy, vaginal delivery, hormonal changes and aging can contribute to changes in vaginal tissue elasticity and support.

Some patients describe:

  • a feeling of vaginal looseness

  • reduced vaginal support

  • changes following childbirth

  • decreased tissue elasticity

  • changes in sexual sensation associated with vaginal laxity

Fotona's IntimaLase® is a non-surgical Er laser treatment designed to stimulate collagen remodelling in vaginal tissue.

We deliberately do not describe this as making a vagina “younger” or “better.”

Bodies change.

Our goal at MAUD is to determine whether those changes are creating symptoms that are affecting your comfort, function or quality of life - and whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Scar & Tissue Treatment

The TimeWalker® II IntimaLaser™ can also perform ablative Er:Yag procedures that may be used by appropriately trained medical practitioners for selected gynecologic and scar-related concerns.

Potential applications of the platform include:

  • episiotomy scar remodelling

  • C-section scar treatment

  • stretch-mark treatment

  • selected genital scar tissue

  • selected genital or cervical lesions

  • minor gynecologic procedures

Whether these treatments are appropriate depends on diagnosis, location, medical history and physician assessment.

Dr. Michelle Chow

Vaginal & Menopause Laser Treatment in Calgary

You don't have to dismiss vaginal dryness, painful intimacy, urinary leakage or changes in pelvic health as “just part of getting older.”

And you shouldn't have to feel embarrassed talking about them.

At MAUD Medical Clinic, vaginal health is healthcare.

Our team can help determine what is causing your symptoms, explain your treatment options and determine whether Fotona laser therapy should be part of your care.

FAQs

Why am I suddenly experiencing vaginal dryness during perimenopause or menopause?

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Changes in estrogen can affect the vagina and vulva even before your periods stop. You may notice dryness, burning, irritation, reduced lubrication or discomfort during sex. These symptoms can be part of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

At MAUD, we don't assume every case of vaginal dryness has the same cause. We assess your symptoms first and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include hormonal or non-hormonal therapies, pelvic health care and, for appropriate patients, Fotona RenovaLase® vaginal laser treatment.

Yes. Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can make vaginal tissues drier, thinner and less well lubricated, which can make penetration uncomfortable or painful. However, painful sex can have many causes, including pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvar conditions and other gynecologic concerns.

That's why MAUD focuses on finding the cause of the pain, rather than simply treating the symptom. Depending on your assessment, treatment may involve vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, hormonal or non-hormonal therapies, pelvic floor physiotherapy, sexual-health support or, for appropriate patients, vaginal laser treatment.

Can menopause cause painful sex?

2

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) describes changes involving the vagina, vulva, bladder and urinary tract associated with declining estrogen.

Symptoms can include vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, reduced lubrication, painful sex, urinary urgency or frequency and other vaginal or urinary changes.

GSM can begin during perimenopause and may continue after menopause. Because similar symptoms can have other causes, an assessment can help determine what's happening and which treatment options are appropriate for you.

What is GSM, and how do I know if I have it?

3

Can vaginal laser treatment help with dryness and vaginal atrophy?

4

Fotona RenovaLase® is a non-ablative Er laser treatment developed for vaginal atrophy and symptoms associated with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

The treatment uses controlled laser energy with the goal of stimulating collagen remodelling and changes within vaginal tissue. Clinical research has investigated Er laser therapy for GSM, with some studies reporting improvements in symptoms and measures of vaginal health.

However, vaginal laser is not the only treatment for GSM, and the evidence surrounding energy-based vaginal treatments continues to evolve. At MAUD, we consider laser as one potential treatment option within a broader, individualized approach to menopause and vaginal health.

Can vaginal laser help with vaginal laxity after childbirth or aging?

5

Changes in vaginal tissue and support can occur following pregnancy and childbirth, with aging and with hormonal changes.

Fotona IntimaLase® is a non-invasive Er laser treatment developed for vaginal laxity. It uses controlled thermal energy to stimulate collagen remodelling within vaginal tissue.

At MAUD, we don't believe a vagina needs to be made “younger” or “better.” Treatment is about your comfort, function and quality of life. If changes in vaginal support or sensation are bothering you, we can assess what's happening and discuss whether laser or another pelvic health treatment may be appropriate.

Fotona's gynecologic SMOOTH® treatments are designed to deliver controlled thermal laser energy without conventional cutting or surgical incisions.

Individual experiences can vary depending on the treatment being performed and the area being treated. Before treatment, your MAUD provider will explain what to expect, potential discomfort, risks, aftercare and whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

If you're nervous or have previously experienced pain during pelvic examinations or procedures, please tell us. Comfort and consent are part of your care.

6

Does vaginal laser treatment hurt?

Where can I get Fotona vaginal laser treatment in Calgary?

7

MAUD Medical Clinic in Calgary offers physician-led vaginal and pelvic health treatment using the Fotona TimeWalker® II IntimaLaser™.

Our vaginal laser program is led by Dr. Michelle Chow and includes assessment and treatment options for concerns such as vaginal dryness and GSM, stress urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity and selected pelvic health conditions.

Most importantly, you don't need to know which treatment you need before coming to see us.

Tell us what you're experiencing. We'll help you understand your options.

This is commonly called stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It happens when increased pressure on the bladder — from coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, jumping or lifting — causes urine to leak.

Pelvic floor changes, pregnancy and childbirth, aging and hormonal changes can all contribute.

Treatment depends on what is causing your leakage and how severe it is. Options may include pelvic floor physiotherapy and other medical treatments. For appropriately selected patients, MAUD also offers Fotona IncontiLase®, a non-surgical laser treatment designed for stress urinary incontinence.

Why do I leak urine when I cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise?

8