Breast Cancer Survivors & Vaginal Health

White Orchid Spa

Battling breast cancer can be filled with many physical and psychological challenges. Unfortunately, even after the battle is won, side effects related to treatment can impact a survivor’s quality of life.

Most individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment anticipate certain side-effects, such as hair loss, nausea, changes in the skin, and potentially having the breasts removed. However, after completing their breast cancer treatment, many survivors surprisingly notice a change in their overall pelvic health; this change is related to the hormone estrogen.

For all women, estrogen is related to general vaginal health, but for some breast cancer patients, it is linked to the increased risk of cancer and its recurrence. For this reason, treatment methods for breast cancer may suppress estrogen production and/or block absorption which can result in long-term effects on a woman’s wellbeing. This reduction in estrogen availability can trigger what is known as “chemopause” or medically induced menopause. However, unlike natural menopause that occurs over years, medically induced menopause can be very abrupt with sudden noticeable changes.

The vagina needs adequate levels of estrogen to maintain healthy tissue. Without enough estrogen, the tissue can atrophy resulting in uncomfortable symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and painful sexual intercourse. Though atrophy is common as women progress through natural menopause, traditional options that many post-menopausal women use to treat lower estrogen levels such as hormone replacement therapy, are discouraged for those who are survivors of breast cancer, leaving very few treatment options to address these issues.

Fortunately, Diva Laser Vaginal Therapy is a non-surgical and non-hormonal treatment option that may help restore moisture, tighten tissue, and heighten sensitivity. Diva uses Hybrid Fractional Laser technology that directly treats the vaginal wall to safely and effectively stimulate regeneration of collagen and healthy tissue, improving thickness and elasticity and decreasing the severity of symptoms.

The Diva laser procedure only takes about 3-5 minutes, is fully automated, and has minimal discomfort. Downtime is very limited and you can resume most normal activities the same day. Effects can take up to 6-8 weeks and a series of 3 treatments is recommended for optimal results, with maintenance treatments annually.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this treatment – please consider booking a complimentary consultation to see if Diva is a treatment option.

Learn More from the Mayo Clinic Here –

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/womens-wellness-vaginal-atrophy-after-breast-cancer/

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