Vaginal atrophy describes thinning, dryness, reduced elasticity and irritation associated with lower oestrogen levels. It is commonly included within GSM, which can also affect vulval and urinary tissues.

No. Dryness may relate to breastfeeding, postpartum change, medicines, cancer treatment, infection, irritants, a vulval skin condition, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, arousal or pelvic-floor factors. Assessment helps identify the most likely cause.

Nu-V is WHC’s non-surgical fractional CO₂ laser procedure. Controlled energy is delivered to selected vaginal tissue with the intention of prompting a local healing and remodelling response.

No cure or guaranteed outcome should be promised. GSM is related to low-oestrogen changes and may need ongoing management. Laser is an optional procedure, not a permanent correction of the underlying hormonal cause.

No. Lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, local vaginal oestrogen and other appropriate medical treatments are established options. NICE recommends transvaginal laser therapy for urogenital atrophy only in the context of research because long-term safety and efficacy evidence is inadequate.

A selected adult with a clear treatment objective, reassuring examination, no active contraindication and a full understanding of alternatives, evidence limits, risks and costs may consider treatment after consultation.

Age alone does not decide suitability. Younger women may experience dryness after childbirth, during breastfeeding, because of medicines or for another reason. The cause should be established before a procedure is considered.

Treatment is not performed during pregnancy. Postpartum tissue and hormones need time to recover, particularly during breastfeeding. WHC assesses timing individually and would not normally treat during early postpartum healing.

Possibly, but not automatically. Cancer history, radiotherapy, surgery, current medicines, tissue condition and oncology advice may affect safety and suitability. Non-hormonal does not mean risk-free.

Do not stop prescribed hormonal treatment without clinical advice. Some women use local vaginal treatment alongside broader menopause care. The clinician will explain any procedure-specific preparation.

Examples include active vaginal or pelvic infection, pregnancy, unexplained bleeding, an undiagnosed lesion, significant prolapse, recent surgery, poorly controlled diabetes, impaired healing or a medical history requiring specialist review.

Do not stop aspirin, an anticoagulant or another prescribed medicine yourself. Tell WHC what you take. Any change must be agreed by the clinician responsible for the medication or the treating clinical team.

WHC reviews whether cervical screening is up to date and whether any previous result needs follow-up. Screening requirements depend on age, eligibility, history and the proposed treatment; screening does not replace examination of current symptoms.

Usually, a face-to-face assessment is needed before internal laser treatment. The clinician explains the examination, obtains consent and works at your pace. Further tests or referral may be advised if findings are unclear.

Both routes are available at different fees. The treatment area, medical history, complexity and clinical plan help determine the appropriate practitioner route.

Comfort varies. Some women describe warmth, pressure or stinging. Internal treatment may not require anaesthetic, but comfort measures depend on the area, tissue sensitivity and plan. Painless treatment cannot be promised.

Allow around 30 minutes for treatment, although the laser application itself may be shorter. Preparation, examination, consent and aftercare explanation make the full appointment longer than the device time alone.

WHC offers single-session and course-of-three fees. A course may be discussed, but it is not mandatory for every woman. The plan should reflect assessment, response, risks and your goals.

Any tissue response would be expected to develop over the following weeks, but timing, degree of change and durability vary. There is no reliable fixed duration that can be promised for an individual woman.

Possible risks include pain, irritation, swelling, bleeding, discharge, infection, burns, ulceration, delayed healing, scarring, altered sensation, urinary symptoms, worsening discomfort and incomplete or absent improvement.

You will usually be advised to avoid intercourse and strenuous exercise for several days. Follow the written instructions for your treatment, wait longer if the area remains sore, and contact the clinic if there is persistent pain, bleeding, offensive discharge or another concern.

It is usually more practical to avoid internal laser treatment during active menstrual bleeding. Contact the clinic if your period is likely to coincide with the appointment so the team can advise.

Some women seek treatment because GSM affects urinary or sexual comfort. Those concerns need their own assessment. Nu-V cannot be promised to improve continence, libido, orgasm, sensation or sexual satisfaction.

Options may include lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, local vaginal oestrogen, broader menopause care, other prescribed GSM treatments, gentle vulval care, pelvic-floor physiotherapy, treatment of infection or skin disease, and specialist referral where needed.

Current fees are £599 nurse-led or £799 doctor-led for one session; £1,200 nurse-led or £1,800 doctor-led for a course of three; and £400 nurse-led or £600 doctor-led for an annual top-up after reassessment.

Yes. An optional free introductory call is available. The required consultation with Dr Farzana Khan is £45 by telephone or £150 face to face. A clinical examination or further investigation may be needed before treatment is confirmed.

Nu-V is offered through WHC clinics, subject to practitioner, equipment and appointment availability. The team will confirm the nearest appropriate clinic after your enquiry.

Water-based lubricant can reduce friction during intimacy, while a product designed as a vaginal moisturiser may improve baseline comfort. Use gentle, unperfumed external care, avoid douches and perfumed products, and allow enough time for arousal. Seek assessment if symptoms persist or bleeding, discharge or pain occurs.

No particular food, oil, herb or supplement has been shown reliably to reverse GSM. General health, hydration and not smoking are worthwhile, but avoid placing oils or products not designed for vaginal use inside the vagina. Ask a clinician before using supplements, especially after hormone-sensitive cancer or alongside prescribed medicines.

Yes. Low-oestrogen changes can affect vaginal and urinary tissues and may be associated with recurrent urinary infections, urgency, frequency or discomfort. Urinary symptoms still need appropriate assessment because infection, bladder conditions and pelvic-floor problems can coexist.