Sexual Health

Vaccinations and screenings are essential tools in the fight against cervical cancer, a cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix and is typically caused by an HPV-linked infection. HPV or human papillomavirus is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact—in fact, most sexually active people will contract at least one of the many strains of HPV.

While most women experience at least one yeast infection—characterized by itching, swelling, discharge and vaginal pain—in their lifetime, about eight percent of women face four or more a year. These chronic yeast infections occur when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered. They can be caused by a variety of factors such as antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, genetics, sexual activity and wearing wet clothing. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

We have had a wealth of great discussions with many of you over the past month about vaginal health — what this means and how to achieve it. Ever since Clinic Sofia added the MonaLisa Touch® to our list of services, and with actress Jada Pinkett Smith sharing her story about her own vaginal rejuvenation, many of you may be wondering if this non-surgical treatment is a good option for you.

Women who suffer from vaginal discomfort due to pregnancy or childbirth as well as menopause and breast cancer now have a treatment option available at Clinic Sofia. The MonaLisa Touch, a minimally invasive laser treatment, is a non-surgical way to help women achieve optimal vaginal health and combat vaginal atrophy with no side effects, pain or down time. It can reduce incontinence, increase sexual pleasure and enhance quality of life.

You may have heard about vaginal rejuvenation in the media or through local plastic surgery clinics. Recognizing that the vagina can stretch and change following pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, various procedures may help increase elasticity in the vaginal wall while enhancing moisture in the case of dryness and overall sexual satisfaction. Some procedures can also help with urinary stress incontinence.

Most parents are nervous, to say the least, about having “The Talk” with their teen daughter or son – the one-on-one, heart-to-heart talk about sex and sexuality. And yet, many teens insist they want to hear more from their parents on this topic.