Your vaginal health
could be restored
with this in-office
procedure.

MonaLisa Touch: an innovative treatment for painful intercourse and vaginal dryness.

This FDA approved scientific breakthrough is for menopausal women experiencing many common symptoms including itching, burning, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse

MonaLisa Touch is an ideal treatment that is fast, simple and safe.

Simple and Safe:

  • Three <5 minute treatments at 6 week intervals
  • No anesthesia and virtually no pain
  • In-office procedure
  • Annual follow up treatment once a year

“If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, there’s a revolutionary new treatment every woman over 50 needs to know about.”  
Mary Jo Montanarella, MD

Starting in February of 2015 at the age of 48, I had painful burning in the vulvar area. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, I was between a 6 and an 8 most of the time. I was unable to wear underwear, sit for long periods of time, ride a bike, or have normal intercourse. At first, I didn’t know what was going on, so I went to a gynecologist that tested me for yeast infections and STDs and gave me a pap smear. Everything came back clear and she did not know what was causing the problem. Eventually, after doing research on the internet, I figured out that I had vulvodynia and joined the National Vulvodynia Association online (https://www.nva.org). They referred me to a local physical therapist that specializes in pelvic health. She gave me a device to measure how well I was relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor and trained me how to do breathing exercises to relax the pelvic floor, but it didn’t help. She didn’t feel hopeful that my vulvodynia would be resolved because by this time I had had it over a year, so I started looking for other solutions. I began working with a naturopath for about 7 months, and things did improve, but I still was unable to ride a bike or have normal intercourse. Of all the things she did, I think the estriol suppository made the biggest difference. In addition to vulvar pain, I was also experiencing vaginal dryness, and this was greatly improved by the estriol suppository. My pain level at this point was between 4 and 5 most of the time. I figured out that hot baths, which felt good at the time because they relaxed the pelvic floor, were ultimately a problem because they would spike the vulvar pain the day after. In the spring of 2017, I googled “vulvodynia breakthrough” which eventually led to information about a laser device known as the Mona Lisa Touch. Though it seemed to be largely used internally for vaginal dryness, it could also be used externally for vulvodynia. I searched their website for practitioners close to me and found Dr. Montanarella in Manchester, NH (a 3-hour drive away). The treatment itself is very quick (about 10 minutes) and painless. Internally, there is no discomfort, and externally, Dr. Montanarella applied a numbing cream so that I wouldn’t have pain during the procedure. On the day of the treatment, during the drive home, I was a little uncomfortable (felt like a sunburn, just like I was used to from the condition, and as expected based on the literature for the treatment), but then in the weeks that followed, my pain level went down to a 2 or 3. I could have normal intercourse (using coconut oil as a lubricant) and ride bikes again. The next treatment (they are in a series of 3), my pain level went down to a 1 or a 2 most of the time. I have just had my third treatment (it takes 6 weeks for the body to build new tissue after each treatment), and I am waiting to see if the pain is completely eliminated. I am so happy to be living life normally again. I cannot recommend Dr. Montanarella highly enough. Her practice was both incredibly professional and incredibly nurturing. Every single person I came into contact with was kind, helpful, efficient and thoughtful. I have never been so nurtured and helped in my life. Even though the cost of the treatments was out-of-pocket, and the drive for each one was 6 hours round trip, it was totally worth the huge, life-changing improvements I experienced. Thank you, thank you, to Dr. Montanarella and everyone on her team.

Sue M.

I am a 55 year old woman who never had any issues with sexual intercourse. When I first met Dr. Montanarella I was immediately at ease and very comfortable. I was so excited to hear about the Mona Lisa laser treatment because I had tried pills and creams for painful intercourse that did not work. The procedure was painless, a little discomfort here and there but really no pain at all ! Dr. Montanarella is wonderful constantly asking if you are alright  and telling you what is going to happen next. The procedure was affordable and yes I wish that I was able to have the treatments done sooner. I was unable to have intercourse for three years. I am happier because I feel more like a woman again, instead of feeling like my sex life was over because of being post menopausal! I did this procedure for me and I would most definitely recommend this treatment to all woman who are experiencing painful intercourse! Its nice feeling healthy and sexual again. 
Love you Dr. Montanarella ..you have a heart of 100% pure gold!
Joanna

The procedure was painless; a few little twinges, but not painful or uncomfortable.  Dr. Montanarella talks you through the entire procedure so there are no surprises.  I was amazed at how easy and quick the treatments are.  It was simple to schedule.  I was nervous at first, but feel like I wasted that energy and by the second visit was looking forward to seeing the doctor and her staff.  Who knew it could be fun to visit a doctor?  Because I signed on for the three visits at one time, there was a slight discount.  I don’t consider it cheap, but if it works, it will have been worth every cent….and I think it is a fair price for this service.  I’ll continue the yearly update and I do wish it was available years ago, because I think when I’m done I will be very happy.  I’m still in the process of having the treatments, so I’ll have to wait until the next one to know if it’s working.  But right now I’m hopeful and I feel that it is a positive and important part of my physical and mental health.
Sandy

I had been having trouble for a few years with pain during intercourse because of dryness. My physician recommended a variety of lubricants and gave me a prescription for Premarin. I was hesitant about taking the estrogen but gave it a shot. I was not comfortable with the list of side effects and after a few months decided the Premarin wasn’t for me.  At that point I started looking for other alternatives.

When I first read about the ML Procedure I was excited. The studies that were done showed that were no side effects and no unnecessary drugs were being pumped into  patient’s system.  

The procedure was simple, painless and fast.   I noticed a difference after the first treatment. Intercourse was not as painful, although I still used lubricants. After the second and third treatments I am back to where I was years ago with no pain at all.  The intimacy that I once felt with my husband is back.  I didn’t think that was possible after 35 years of marriage. 

I do feel that the cost of the procedure may make it difficult for some people to have it.  I feel it was worth the price I paid and am thankful that I was able to afford it. The procedure has made the quality of my life  much better.  Had the procedure been FDA approved here earlier on, I definitely would have had it done earlier.
Ginny

Three years after having gastric by-pass surgery and losing in excess of 100 lbs, I was happily looking forward to increased intimacy with my husband.  Unfortunately,  my body was not cooperative.  Although I tried non-estrogen creams (I have cardiac issues), lubricants and different “anecdotal” remedies, nothing worked.  Even worse, the vaginal dryness increased to outright pain.  I started to avoid any affection from my very patient and concerned husband for fear of yet another failure.  When talking with Dr. Montanarella at my annual exam, she told me about her training in Mona Lisa laser procedure and that she was going to be making this option available to her patients.  I was so excited to give it a try that I signed up that week.

The procedure itself, especially the first two times, was completely painless, and the entire atmosphere in the room was relaxed.  The third time, which Dr. Montanarella explained was a little more intense was slightly uncomfortable but not at all painful.  I already have my appointment scheduled for my one year “Mona Lisa Touch-up.”

I noticed results immediately with respect to moisture and realized how accustomed I had become to the dryness.  It took two treatments before I was ready to try intercourse, and we were both a little tentative, but did not need to be.  I really don’t have words to explain how difficult it was to associate affection with pain and how wonderful it is to be comfortable again.

I am never going to be in my 30’s again (I’m almost 60), but parts of me can feel like they are!

Lynn

I am a 56 year old, post menopausal patient of Dr. Montanarella for over 25 years. I have been suffering with painful intercourse for the past 5 years. When Dr. Montanarella approached me during my annual exam this past August, about a new laser procedure that would help me with my GYN health concerns; I was very anxious to hear what she had to tell me.   The Mona Lisa Touch is a new laser treatment that would improve my postmenopausal, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Dr. Montanarella also explained how The Mona Lisa Touch would increase my collagen level in my vaginal tissue, improving its elasticity. Best of all, the Mona Lisa Touch is a non-hormonal therapy plan.  The procedure would be performed in her office.  I was very excited to hear that there was no need for anesthesia and it would be somewhat painless.

On August 13, 2015 I experienced my first treatment. It was a quick procedure that lasted less than 5 minutes. The laser probe was painless on entry and all I felt was a slight vibrating sensation. I had no after effects at all. The following week when my husband and I had intercourse, I was relieved that I finally felt comfortable. We were both delighted that I felt such an improvement after one procedure.

Six weeks later, I had my second procedure performed on September 30, 2015. My husband attended this visit and we both couldn’t wait to thank Dr. Montanarella for improving my GYN condition. During my second treatment, I did experience some cramping and after the procedure I had minimal spotting. Again, my intimacy with my husband continued to improve.
I am looking forward to having my third procedure, which is on November 11, 2015. I also scheduled my Mona Lisa Touch, yearly maintenance treatment, during my annual physical in 2016. I highly recommend the Mona Lisa Touch for women who suffer from vaginal atrophy, dryness, burning and painful intercourse.
There is no reason for women to suffer in silence anymore!

Carolyn

Thank you so much for performing the Mona Lisa procedure on my wife.  She is 69 and now has the comfort and libido of a 29 year old!
Don

The Mona Lisa gave me a new beginning with my husband.  Our sexual activity has been more pleasurable, desirable, and lubricated.  Thank you Dr. Montanarella for the Mona Lisa treatments!
Carol

Dr. Montanarella has been an intimate part of my life for ten years.  She and her staff have helped me through some of the most difficult and joyous times of my life.  Our journey together began with a difficult twin pregnancy, two heart beats, music to my ears, shingles in the second trimester, and an early delivery.  Throughout the pregnancy she was there to support me physically and mentally, medically guiding me through my options and preparing me for the next steps to come.  She brought our two boys into the world and made us feel confident in every decision, that it was what was best for our babies and my health.  Postpartum came and went with Dr. Montanarella by my side and fifteen months later she delivered my daughter. I thought our journey had ended together but there are many seasons to a woman’s life.  I found myself back in her office last spring not feeling physically well at all and mentally defeated.  Dr. Montanarella listened to me and addressed every question I had with an answer making me feel like everything I was going through was real and not just in my mind….not only that, she was going to fix me.  I walked out of her office that day feeling relieved, that I mattered, and I was going to be better. Two months later through medical intervention and medication, I am better physically and mentally.  Most of all I am confident that I have a doctor that really listens to me, addresses my concerns and will be there for me through all the seasons of my life.  She cares.
Mary

This was recommended to me by Dr. Montanarella in the spring (2015) with great confidence and enthusiasm.  Needless to say she had researched it intensely.  I have been Dr. M.’s patient for nearly 20 years and have tremendous confidence in her.  We  have discussed the issues of vaginal dryness as related to menopause over the last few years but none of the options that were available, either OTC or RX, were viable alternatives for me.  Either they were less than satisfactory or medically ill-advised.  So, when she described Mona Lisa Touch I was very interested.  I believe I said something along the lines of “let’s do it, NOW!”  Menopause was a “good news/bad news” story.  The “good news” was no more horrible cramps – the “bad news” was a different kind of debilitating pain during a time that had always been an important part of our lives as it would be in any happy and healthy relationship.  And that soreness would last for a couple of days.  The disappointment and frustration was a different problem altogether.  And it rarely gets talked about.  Let’s face it:  it’s awkward.

The procedure itself is nearly painless.  You do feel a tiny twinge here and there but it’s gone before it even really registers.  When you consider the level of discomfort that some menstrual cramps can cause this is a piece of cake especially when you focus on the end results. There was a tiny amount of staining that afternoon but other than the numbing gel used at the time of the procedure I didn’t need anything else.

The results are dramatic and improve with each of the three procedures.  Not only is intimacy once again possible and pleasurable but day-to-day general comfort is also dramatically improved.  And while I certainly don’t expect to feel like I am 22 again the change has really been amazing.  I do use a bit of lubricant but before the procedure no amount of that helped.

The procedure is not inexpensive but it was worth it to me to have a healthy intimate relationship with my husband and I wish it had been available to me years ago.  Having had some serious health issues arise in the last few years it has been wonderful to feel as if at least “something is working correctly”.  Even just general daily comfort has changed for the better.  Let’s face it:  If you feel better about yourself it has to impact your self-esteem as well as your relationship with your significant other.

Would I do it again if I were starting over?  Definitely!  I have my annual follow-up already scheduled during my check-up in the spring.

PWLR

I am at least 10 years post-menopausal and I wasn’t prepared for the apparently inevitable changes to my vagina. Dryness started slowly but progressed both internally and externally I tried vaginal creams and suppositories and they worked for a short while but not really. Intimacy became painful and lubricants no longer helped. I had heard of several different treatment options and the evidence that the “Mona Lisa Touch” was the best. I had my first of 3 treatments in August 2017 and all I got is Wow! It is so sad that more women don’t know about this I wish it were covered by insurance as well. I felt a big difference in natural moisture right away and I opted for a couple of external treatments as well. I had the package of three and highly recommend it. I just completed the one year touch up appointment.  I wasn’t even sure I really needed it yet but I definitely wanted to make sure I maintained proper maintenance.

 

Corinna

The Issue
Even with the passage of time, many women still retain their youthful energy and enthusiasm, but post-menopausal changes can affect a woman’s quality of life in unexpected ways. Hormone replacement therapy may not be the best option for a lot of patients, as treatment outcomes can be uncertain. Now there is an alternative therapy for vaginal revitalization that can help millions of women who are silently suffering and unable to undergo other treatment options.
What Is MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch is a medical laser that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue to revitalize the cells in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal tissue) so that these cells make more collagen, an essential ingredient in vaginal cell health.
How Does it Work?
MonaLisa Touch implements CO2 laser energy that is delivered painlessly via vaginal probe inserted into the vaginal canal. The energy targets surface (epithelial) tissue and deep (lamina propria) tissue to promote vaginal mucosal revitalization.
Why are women talking about MonaLisa?

Just like you, many postmenopausal women are experiencing changes from decreased estrogen that can affect their quality of life in unexpected ways. This can result in Vulvovaginal Atrophy (also called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause) which has symptoms such as:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal burning
  • Vaginal itching
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Vulvar discomfort
  • Lichens sclerosus
  • Vulvadynia
Has MonaLisa Touch been clinicaly studied?
Over 15,000 procedures have been performed world-wide from 2008-2015. Mona Lisa gained USA FDA approval 12/2014. A multisite study was conducted by Dr. Mickey Karram, Director of Fellowship Program on Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and Dr. Eric Sokol, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University Medical Center. Preliminary findings from a trial evaluating the laser treatment on postmenopausal women* and breast cancer survivors experiencing vaginal health issues show positive results.

The trial assessed the use of CO2 fractional laser therapy on women age 45-70’s with vaginal health issues due to natural or induced menopause. All of the patients in the trial were treated with The MonaLisa Touch laser.

What does the procedure feel like?
The procedure is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia. Some patients may experience some discomfort the first time the probe is inserted, but the actual treatment is not painful. Many patients report that it feels like a warm or cool gentle vibration.
How long does it take?
Patients receive three treatments, spaced six weeks apart, which each take less than five minutes to perform.
When will i see results?
Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment, although the procedure calls for three treatments that are generally spaced over an 18-week period.
How long does it last?
Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment if needed. MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where more than 15,000 patients have been treated worldwide with up to an 18-month follow-up.
For which patients is this treatment appropriate?
The MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any female who has gone through menopause, as well as those who are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments (pre or post-menopausal.)
How much will the procedure cost?
Please contact us for additional information and pricing schedules.
Is this procedure safe for women with breast cancer?
Yes, MonaLisa Touch treatment is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.

BE THE YOUNGER YOU

WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS