Intersting Articles by Dr Julie Sinclair

As women, we need no longer suffer in Silence

Millions of Women of any age, worldwide, suffer from symptoms of Urinary Stress incontinence and weakened perineal muscles due childbirth, normal aging including Menopausal changes, weight loss or inherited anatomical defects. It can also affect the aesthetic appearance of the labial area and the normal function of the vagina with resulting adverse effects on emotional health. These conditions cause also daily pain and embarrassment.

Until recently very little has been published about the fact that nearly 50% of postmenopausal women suffer from stress urinary incontinence and nearly 80% suffer from vaginal atrophy.

Vaginal atrophy, is a very common condition associated with decreased oestrogenisation of the vaginal tissue. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, soreness,painful intercourse, diminished sexual pleasure. During daily activities such as bicycle riding, yoga exercises or horseback riding women may experience soreness or pain. Stress urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This means that there can be a small amount of urine leakage when you exercise, cough, sneeze or laugh. For all these women its extremely embarrassing especially as it can even occur at a very young age usually after childbirth.

Psychologically, these problems can make us remove ourselves from social situations and in some cases prefer not to enter into meaningful relationships. This adds further insult to injury. There is now, a totally non surgical, painless treatment, that can help improve symptoms substantially, and thus give back quality of life!

Fractional CO2 Laser for treatment of Urinary incontinence and Vaginal Rejuvenation is now available in South Africa.

The leading manufacturers of the lasers for vaginal rejuvenation, for example Gynelase™ and Femtouch, have numerous clinical studies which confirm the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

So, if you recognise any of these symptoms and prefer non-surgical treatments, you are an ideal candidate for the safe and effective Gynelase™ treatment:

• Vaginal laxity after child birth
  
• Mild urinary incontinence
  
• Decreased sensation
  
• Post-menopausal dry, atrophic vaginal tissues (lack of lubrication)
  
• Minimal to moderate vaginal looseness or laxity and prefer non-surgical treatment
  
• Require bleaching of darkened peri-vaginal and/ or peri-anal skin
  
• Enlarged Labia - Aesthetic rejuvenation of Vulval area
  
• Treatment can be performed before or after Surgery as required
  

Traditional Surgical procedures are still an option for some patients and would be discussed then in consultation with a Urologist or Gynaecologist. Many patients these days prefer to try the non surgical route or have tried the Surgical procedures without result, which is where this type of procedure can be extremely useful.

This procedure aims to “tighten up” the vaginal tissues that became loose of slack due to childbirth or aging and reduce ‘stress’ urinary loss.

It is a quick in-office procedure performed only by a fully trained Medical doctor, usually complete in 45 minutes. It is not painful, has no downtime and delivers proven results. Typically, 2-4 treatments may be needed for the optimal outcomes of enhanced vaginal
muscle tone, strength and control. It is safe and hassle-free and no special post procedure care is required. Most patients already experience improvement in both sensation and urinary incontinence after 1 treatment. As each patient is different with various issues, the number of treatments needed vary. Repeat treatments can be scheduled at 6-8 week intervals.

Immediately after this treatment, some patients can feel a very mild sensation of heat. But this does not usually last longer than a few hours. Patients self esteem and confidence are boosted......life can become enjoyable once again!

For further information contact: Sinclair Aesthetics on 011 4533450/2 or sinclairaesthetics@gmail.com or visit: www.sinclairaesthetics.co.za