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INCONTINENCE & MENOPAUSE
BY PROFESSOR CHARLES KINGSLAND, SDS REJUVENATE
Professor Charles Kingsland is a consultant in gynaecology
and reproductive medicine at SDS Rejuvenate. He regularly
appears on BBC Radio Merseyside and television. Here he
talks to us about IncontiLase and IntimaLase.
What is IncontiLase and IntimaLase?
IncontiLase and IntimaLase is a system of laser therapy which
works by stimulating collagen growth which leads to vaginal
remodelling and increased elasticity of the vaginal walls
increasing lubrication and reducing vaginal irregularities.
This is an in-clinic procedure which is minimally invasive and
requires no post procedure downtime. It is primarily designed
to improve a variety of vaginal irregularities including vaginal
laxity, stress urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and genito-
urinary syndrome of menopause. The therapy provides hope
for oncology patients with treatment induced menopause or for
those whom hormonal therapy is sometimes contra-indicated
for example, a past history of breast cancer or those who carry
the BRCA (1-2) gene.
What does it involve?
The procedure involves a probe being inserted into the vagina
and rotated during which a series of laser pulses are directed
towards the top and side walls. The procedure takes about
twenty minutes and needs to be repeated a further two times,
one month apart i.e. a total of three treatments over three
months. At each consultation, symptoms will be evaluated
before treatment and at each subsequent treatment session, as
well as three months following the last treatment.
Does the procedure hurt?
No, it doesn’t. This is an in-clinic treatment that does not
require any preparation or post procedure care. It is remarkably
painless. However, towards the end of the treatment, you
might experience an altered sensation often described as a ‘pin
pricking’ sensation rather than discomfort, this is very short
lived lasting only seconds.
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What can I expect?
The treatment has been carried out for a number of years in
Europe and the results are generally very good. You can expect
an improvement in the vaginal tone with the result that your
vagina may feel a little tighter and quite significantly any small
amount of urine leakage is usually reduced quite dramatically.
Our patients have reported a significant improvement in
quality of life and have been very satisfied with the procedure
and results. Normally the benefits of the treatment last up to a
minimum of two years but in some cases, can be lifelong.
Are there any risks?
The treatment is technically straight forward and fairly risk free.
Occasionally, patients can feel a mild burning sensation for a
couple of days and it is important that you refrain from sexual
intercourse for two weeks after the procedure, otherwise, the
treatment is pain free.
Is this treatment for everybody?
No, not everybody. It is not intended to be a treatment for
people with significant incontinence or maybe a prolapse
(in these cases surgery maybe the best option). To identify
whether you will be suitable for this treatment you will have
a consultation with the doctors during which a full medical
history will be taken and you will be asked to complete a
questionnaire. The doctors will evaluate the information and
discuss your suitability for this laser treatment. If treatment
is deemed suitable you will undergo a quick gynaecological
examination and your urine sample will be tested.
How do I get more information on the procedure?
The clinic has experience of three qualified doctors with
extensive experience in the field of General Medicine, General
Practice and Gynaecology. Visit www.sdsrejuvenate.co.uk for
more information.