When it comes to women's health, there is no such thing as a silly question. Do you have a question you want answered, but have been too afraid or embarrassed to bring it up with your GP? Or you forgot to ask while you were in the doctor's surgery? Now, you can 'Ask Dr Jean'.
Answering your questions for this edition of 'Ask Dr Jean' is gynaecologist and Jean Hailes Medical Director, Dr Elizabeth Farrell AM.
Can you provide some information on the Mona Lisa Touch?
Mona Lisa Touch is a CO2 laser which has been used in studies in women with postmenopausal vaginal dryness and potential associated symptoms, such as pain with intercourse, and also in stress incontinence. A probe is inserted into the vagina and small pulses of laser are given to the vaginal skin, which induces new collagen and elastic fibres, reducing vaginal dryness.
Many of the studies have shown improvements in women's symptoms. However, there are issues in that most studies are short-term, only involve small numbers of women and have not included a control group (ie, placebo).
Most studies have not been long enough to establish long-term safety and effectiveness. And another issue is that it is a very expensive therapy.