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.

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!

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!

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.