Vaginal Yeast Laser Treatment

What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

The vaginal flora, which consists of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungal infections.

Conditions such as estrogen deficiency due to menopause, washing the genital area with unsuitable shampoos, washing the vagina after urination, antibiotic use, pregnancy hormones, lace underwear, and using scented daily pads reduce the number of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli). As a result, vaginal yeast overgrowth increases, leading to a vaginal candidiasis (fungal) infection. In vaginal yeast infections, the discharge is thick, odorless, and similar to yogurt curds.

Vaginal yeast infections often cause intense itching and swelling. Treatment for vaginal yeast infections includes oral medication, vaginal suppositories, and creams. However, especially in cases of recurrent vaginal yeast infections, medication alone may not provide a definitive solution. Vaginal yeast laser treatment helps by regulating the vaginal tissue, preventing the recurrence of discharge.

Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Any condition that causes a decrease in the number of lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria in the vaginal flora, can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. Some of the causes include:

• Menopause and pregnancy, which lower estrogen levels
• Use of antibiotics for other conditions
• Vaginal douching
• Washing with products that disrupt the vaginal pH, which is normally between 3.8 and 4
• Non-cotton underwear
• Use of daily pads and tampons
• Washing the vagina after urination (which disrupts the vaginal flora)

These conditions can cause recurring vaginal yeast infections even after the discharge is treated with medication.

How is Vaginal Yeast Infection Treated?

The traditional treatment for vaginal yeast infections includes oral medications, vaginal suppositories, and creams. However, to prevent recurrence, it is crucial to restore the vaginal flora (beneficial bacteria/lactobacilli). There are two methods to achieve this:

1. The most common method is using probiotics (lactobacilli) in the form of oral medications or vaginal suppositories.
2. A newer method that provides quicker results is vaginal laser therapy.

How is Vaginal Yeast Infection Treated with Laser?

The first step for a patient presenting with vaginal discharge is to determine if medication is necessary. If the symptoms of itching and recurrent discharge are found to be caused by a yeast infection, vaginal laser treatment is applied.

The laser treatment for vaginal yeast infections takes about 10 minutes. The procedure is painless, and patients can return to their social and work activities immediately afterward. Sexual intercourse is not recommended during the first week after the laser treatment.

There are no restrictions on taking showers or engaging in sports. Generally, a single session of vaginal laser treatment is sufficient, but in cases of frequent recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, a second session may be needed. The sessions should be spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Will Vaginal Yeast Infection Ever Go Away?

To eliminate vaginal yeast discharge and prevent future occurrences, certain precautions should be taken:

• The genital area should be washed with a pH-appropriate shampoo
• The internal vaginal area should not be washed (vaginal mucosa)
• Cotton underwear should be worn
• Scented or chemically treated pads should be avoided
• Vaginal flora (beneficial bacteria-lactobacilli) should be supported with probiotic supplements
• In cases of stubborn, persistent vaginal yeast infections, vaginal laser and PRP treatments should be considered
• When taking antibiotics for other reasons, probiotic support should not be neglected.

By following these guidelines, the risk of developing or recurring vaginal yeast infections can significantly decrease.

Laser Treatment for Recurrent Vaginal Infections

The main issue in recurrent vaginal infections is the lack of vaginal flora (beneficial bacteria-lactobacilli). The vaginal flora can be regulated with methods like daily use of probiotic suppositories, but this can be cumbersome for the patient. In cases of recurrent infections, laser treatment can support the vaginal flora in a single session, create a protective barrier in the vagina, and prevent further infections.