Intimate polynucleotides are injectable regenerative treatments being explored for vulval and vaginal tissue support. They use purified DNA-derived fragments, usually from fish sources, and are discussed for tissue quality, hydration and comfort support in selected women.

Polynucleotides are proposed to support tissue quality by influencing fibroblast activity, extracellular matrix quality, hydration and repair pathways. The mechanism is biologically plausible, but direct evidence in intimate health remains limited and emerging.

For suitable patients, polynucleotide treatments are generally considered well tolerated in aesthetic and regenerative medicine contexts. However, intimate use still requires proper assessment, sterile technique and careful aftercare. Side effects and contraindications must be discussed before treatment.

They may be discussed with selected women seeking tissue quality, hydration or comfort support, especially in menopause-related, postpartum or age-related intimate tissue changes. Suitability is confirmed only after consultation and assessment.

This treatment is not suitable for everyone. It may not be appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with fish allergy, active infection, unexplained bleeding, undiagnosed pain, suspicious skin change, some autoimmune conditions, some medication factors or unrealistic expectations.

They may be discussed after menopause in selected women, but they are not a replacement for established GSM care. Vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, vaginal oestrogen or other menopause treatments may be more appropriate depending on symptoms and medical history.

Some early studies and clinical experience suggest polynucleotides may support hydration and comfort in selected women, but they should not be described as a cure for vaginal dryness. Dryness can have several causes, so assessment is important.

Local comfort measures may be used. Some women experience stinging, pressure or sensitivity during or after treatment. We do not describe injectable intimate treatments as painless.

The treatment involves consultation, suitability assessment, consent, cleaning the area, local comfort measures if appropriate, and careful placement of the polynucleotide injectable in the planned vulval and/or vaginal area.

Many protocols involve a course rather than one isolated session. The number of sessions depends on the product, treatment area, symptoms, clinical plan and response. This is confirmed after consultation.

Duration varies between women. Results are not permanent, and maintenance may be discussed where a woman has benefited and remains suitable. The expected duration depends on product, protocol and individual response.

Recovery is usually short, but mild redness, swelling, bruising, small bumps, tenderness or sensitivity can occur. You may be advised to avoid intercourse, tampons, swimming, saunas, hot baths or vigorous exercise for a short period.

Sometimes, but not automatically. Polynucleotides may be discussed alongside menopause care, vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, PRP, vaginal rejuvenation or pelvic floor support depending on the problem being treated and clinical suitability.

PRP uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood. Polynucleotides use purified DNA-derived fragments, usually from fish sources. Both are regenerative approaches, but the source, preparation and proposed mechanisms are different.

G-Shot-style treatment usually uses hyaluronic acid filler to add focal volume. Polynucleotides are not primarily volumising; they are discussed for tissue-quality and regenerative support. The goals and mechanisms are different.

Vaginal laser and radiofrequency use energy to stimulate tissue response. Polynucleotides are injectable biochemical biostimulators. Neither should be presented as universally better, and both require proper suitability assessment.

They are related in the sense that polynucleotides are used in skin-quality treatments, but intimate tissue has different anatomy, sensitivity, risks and clinical considerations. Intimate use should be assessed separately.

Evidence is emerging. There are small pilot and observational studies, often product-specific, suggesting possible tissue-quality and comfort benefits in selected women. However, there are no large definitive trials, and polynucleotides are not currently standard guideline-based care for GSM.

We advise a doctor face-to-face consultation at £150 before treatment. Treatment/session fees should be checked on the current WHC pricing page because pricing may vary by product, area treated, number of sessions and plan.

Intimate polynucleotides are not a standard NHS treatment for menopause-related intimate symptoms. Women with vaginal dryness, pain, bleeding, urinary symptoms or vulval changes should seek appropriate medical assessment and discuss established treatment options.

Fish allergy must be disclosed. Many polynucleotide products are derived from fish sources such as salmon or trout. Suitability depends on the product and clinical assessment, and treatment may not be appropriate.

They may be discussed after childbirth in selected women, but postpartum concerns can involve pelvic floor change, scar tissue, breastfeeding-related dryness, hormonal factors or pain. Assessment is needed before any procedure is considered.

Do not stop prescribed HRT or vaginal hormone treatment without medical advice. Your current menopause treatment, vaginal oestrogen, moisturisers, lubricants and other medications should be discussed during consultation.