What Is Vaginal Atrophy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause?

Vaginal atrophy is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls, most commonly caused by declining oestrogen levels around and after menopause, though it can occur at other times too, after childbirth, during breastfeeding, or as a side effect of some cancer treatments. It’s a genuinely common condition, and one many women feel reluctant to raise, even though it’s not something you have to simply live with.

Symptoms include dryness, itching, irritation, and pain during intercourse. Alongside urinary symptoms, this broader picture is sometimes called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

How Vaginal Atrophy Is Usually Treated

The established first-line treatments are vaginal (topical) oestrogen, and non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. These work well for many women and are the right starting point for most.

Laser treatment is a genuinely different option, particularly relevant for women who can’t or would prefer not to use oestrogen-based treatment.

What RenovaLase Does

RenovaLase uses the same non-ablative Fotona SMOOTH® Er:YAG laser technology (2940nm) as our other gynaecological laser treatments. Controlled, mild heating of the vaginal tissue stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), fibroblast activity, and new collagen production, without any thermal or ablative damage.

The result is increased epithelial thickness and improved vascularisation of the vaginal tissue, addressing the physical changes behind vaginal atrophy symptoms alongside a reduction in dryness, itching, irritation and pain during intercourse.

What the Guidance Says

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published Scientific Impact Paper No. 72 in July 2022, specifically addressing laser treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. We take this guidance seriously and don’t present RenovaLase as a routine, first-line treatment, it’s a genuine option worth considering, particularly where standard hormonal treatment isn’t suitable or wanted, discussed properly at your assessment.

A Non-Hormonal Option — Including for Some Cancer Patients

One of RenovaLase’s genuinely significant advantages is that it works without requiring long-term oestrogen administration. Published clinical research has specifically examined its use in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or endometrial cancer, or a family history of such cancers, where oestrogen-based treatments are often unsuitable or approached with real caution.

This is genuinely important, but it’s something we always assess individually rather than treat as a blanket reassurance. If you have a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive cancer, we’ll discuss this openly at your consultation, and where relevant, encourage you to also discuss it with your oncologist or GP, so your treatment plan properly reflects your specific medical history.

What the Evidence Shows

RenovaLase is supported by published clinical research from multiple independent research groups, showing consistent improvement in the tropism (health and function) of the vaginal mucosa, including increases in collagen, vascularisation, glycogen levels and epithelial thickness, alongside meaningful reduction in dryness, itching, irritation and pain during intercourse. Results have been shown to be long-lasting, sustained at 6-month follow-up in published research, with no ablation, thermal damage, or adverse events reported.

Who Is It Suitable For — and Who It Isn’t For

RenovaLase is delivered at Eva Clinic by Anna Parfitt, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber, who trained directly under Professor Christian Phillips in all four Fotona gynaecological laser applications, with hands-on practical training at the Laser and Health Academy Centre.

It’s not suitable for women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding; who have an active infection, unexplained bleeding, out-of-date cervical screening, vaginal mesh, certain skin conditions, or who take photosensitising medication. Current or previous gynaecological cancer is assessed individually, given the non-hormonal advantage discussed above, rather than treated as an automatic exclusion.

What to Expect: Procedure & Recovery

RenovaLase is minimally invasive and walk-in, walk-out, with no anaesthesia needed. No special preparation beforehand or precautions afterwards are necessary, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately. A course typically involves two to three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, agreed individually based on your presentation and response.