Laser Therapy in Gynaecology in Switzerland

Laser therapy is a treatment that uses light waves to act on tissue, stimulating the synthesis of bioactive substances and, as a result, reparative (healing) processes. Light of specific wavelengths has been shown to have the following effects:

• local blood circulation increases, improving the supply of oxygen to the tissues;
• metabolic processes in the tissues are stimulated;
• the tissues’ self-repair is activated;
• cellular immunity improves;
• the effect of medication in the treated area is enhanced (which allows doses to be reduced with no loss of effectiveness).
• At the same time, the laser destroys micro-organisms in the treated area, which keeps the procedure free of infection risk.
• The method is non-invasive: the tissue remains intact, yet precisely dosed high-power laser energy can remove small growths (papillomas, condylomas), scars and pigmented spots. For this reason, depending on the power used, laser treatment is sometimes divided into laser therapy and laser surgery.

Thanks to its safety and its gentle yet highly effective action, laser therapy has become widely used in gynaecology.

In Switzerland, laser therapy is widely used in gynaecology to treat conditions such as:

• Adenomyosis — a condition in which the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. Laser therapy can be used to treat adenomyosis by reducing the size of the uterus and relieving pain.
• Endometriosis — a condition in which endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it. Laser therapy can be used to treat endometriosis by removing the excess endometrial tissue.
• Vulvovaginal atrophy — a condition in which the tissues of the vulva and vagina become thin and weak. Laser therapy can be used to treat it by restoring the elasticity and moisture of the tissues.
• Vulvodynia — chronic pain in the vulva with no other identifiable medical cause. Laser therapy can be used to treat vulvodynia by reducing pain and inflammation.
• Cervical erosion — a condition in which the cells lining the cervix become thin and inflamed. Laser therapy can be used to treat cervical erosion by removing the damaged cells.

01 How laser procedures are performed in Switzerland

Gynaecological laser procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis. This means the patient comes in for the treatment and goes home the same day. The body is spared any burden from medication or other stress, so a hospital stay is unnecessary.

An intravaginal laser therapy session proceeds as follows: the patient sits in a gynaecological examination chair, the doctor sets the required parameters, inserts the laser tip into the vagina and treats the tissue with pulses of light. A session lasts 5 to 30 minutes. Once the procedure is complete, the device is switched off and the tip removed; the patient either stays briefly under the doctor’s observation or leaves straight away. Beforehand, the doctor agrees with her the time of the next procedure or follow-up examination. Laser therapy is usually given as a course of at least 2 procedures.

For several days after laser treatment (3 to 7), it is advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse, strenuous exercise and heat treatments. If the doctor expects the patient may feel discomfort or mild pain for 1–2 days after treatment, a painkiller may be prescribed, although as a rule this is unnecessary.

Gynaecology also uses another form of laser treatment — extravaginal: the uterus and adnexa are treated through the anterior abdominal wall. This is used for certain gynaecological conditions, such as chronic salpingo-oophoritis. A combination of intravaginal and extravaginal laser therapy is also used.

It is worth noting that, among the many gynaecological procedures, laser therapy receives the most positive feedback. Not a single case of side effects, complications or other undesirable effects has been recorded.

Laser therapy in gynaecology in Switzerland is performed by experienced gynaecologists of international renown, such as Prof. Ossi R. Köchli. The procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, and the patient can return home the same day. CorSwiss offers first-class treatment of gynaecological conditions at leading private Swiss clinics. We are official partners of clinics specialising in gynaecology, such as Privatklinik Bethanien, Clinique de Genolier and Privatklinik Obach.

02 Advantages of laser therapy in gynaecology

Laser therapy offers a number of advantages over other treatments for gynaecological conditions. These include:

• A non-invasive procedure. Laser therapy requires no incisions or surgical stitches, which makes it safer and more comfortable for patients.
• A short recovery period. After laser therapy, patients can return to normal life within a few days.
• High effectiveness. In most cases, laser therapy provides effective treatment of gynaecological conditions.
• Free of infection risk.
• Painless.
• Laser treatment of chronic conditions extends the period of remission by at least 50%.
• A lighter medication burden on the body.
• Free of side effects.
• A rapid therapeutic effect, noticeable after the very first procedure.
• A long-lasting therapeutic effect.

Laser treatment is virtually painless, so neither anaesthetic injections nor, still less, general anaesthesia are required. “Virtually” means that sometimes there may be unpleasant sensations at the treatment site, such as tingling or a mild burning. This is easily resolved with local anaesthetic gels, ointments or sprays.

03 Laser therapy in gynaecology is used for the following indications

• chronic inflammatory conditions: colpitis, cervicitis, salpingo-oophoritis, endometritis, bacterial vaginosis;
• papillomas and condylomas of the external genitalia;
• cervical and endometrial polyps;
• cervical erosion;
• menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhoea, algomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea);
• adhesions in the area of the uterine adnexa;
• recurrent miscarriage and infertility — as part of combined therapy.

Swiss clinics also offer laser rejuvenation of the vagina and vulva, indicated for:

• vaginal (vulvovaginal) atrophy;
• mild urinary incontinence caused by vulvovaginal atrophy, birth trauma to the genital tract or stress.
• Laser rejuvenation of the genital tract is also performed for aesthetic purposes: to tighten lax labia and to increase the sensitivity of the vulva and vagina, improving the quality of sexual life.

Contraindications

Gentle and safe as it is, laser gynaecology has a list of contraindications:

• acute inflammatory illnesses (acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, etc.);
• any condition accompanied by a raised body temperature;
• severe endometriosis;
• fibroids;
• fibrocystic breast disease;
• cancer;
• severe endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus);
• any disease in a decompensated stage.

Laser therapy is an effective and safe treatment for a range of gynaecological conditions. In Switzerland, it is widely used in gynaecology, and patients can access the procedure at the country’s leading medical institutions, which have extensive experience in laser therapy for gynaecological conditions.

CorSwiss can help patients arrange their trip and laser therapy in Switzerland. We offer a wide choice of medical services and experienced staff who will help patients receive the best possible treatment.