Can vaginal laser treatment reach or damage an IUD ?
Vaginal laser treatment treats the vaginal mucosa, whereas the IUD is inside the uterine cavity.
The vagina and uterus are separated by the cervix. During intravaginal treatment, the handpiece is introduced into the vagina and energy is delivered to its wall.
The laser beam is not directed into the uterine cavity. It therefore does not come into contact with the IUD.
This anatomical difference explains why the presence of an IUD is not a contraindication to treatment.
Can vaginal laser treatment displace an IUD or coil ?
No. Vaginal laser treatment cannot displace an IUD correctly positioned in the uterus because treatment acts locally on vaginal tissues.
The laser does not enter the uterine cavity and exerts no traction on the device. The IUD therefore remains away from the treated area.
However, IUD threads pass through the cervix and extend slightly into the upper vagina. The presence of the IUD must therefore be reported to the doctor before the session so that it can be taken into account when introducing and manipulating the handpiece.
Is there a difference between a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD ?
No. For vaginal laser treatment, the difference between a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD does not change their position relative to the treated area.
In both cases, the IUD is positioned in the uterine cavity, whereas the laser acts in the vagina. Only the device's threads pass through the cervix and extend slightly into the upper vagina.
The hormonal IUD releases a progestogen locally, whereas the copper IUD contains no hormone. This difference concerns their contraceptive mechanism, but does not change their anatomical location relative to the laser-treated area.
Should your IUD or coil be removed before vaginal laser treatment ?
A correctly positioned IUD should not routinely be removed for vaginal laser treatment.
Unnecessary removal would interrupt contraception and, if the patient wished to continue this contraceptive method, require insertion of a new device.
The presence of the IUD simply needs to be reported to the doctor before treatment.
You should therefore never have your IUD removed solely in preparation for vaginal laser treatment without a specific medical indication.
When should the IUD's position be checked before vaginal laser treatment ?
A check is necessary when symptoms may suggest a gynaecological problem or incorrect IUD positioning. In these situations, the problem must be assessed before laser treatment is performed.
Medical advice should be sought in particular for :
- Unusual pelvic pain.
- Abnormal or unexplained bleeding.
- Suspected IUD expulsion or displacement.
- IUD threads becoming unusually long, short or impossible to locate.
- Suspected gynaecological infection.
Does bleeding with an IUD prevent vaginal laser treatment ?
Bleeding of unknown origin must be investigated before vaginal laser treatment is performed.
IUDs, particularly during the first few months after insertion, may change menstrual bleeding. A hormonal IUD may cause irregular bleeding, whereas a copper IUD may increase menstrual bleeding in some women.
However, bleeding must not automatically be attributed to the IUD. Unusual, new or unexplained bleeding requires its cause to be determined before a laser session.
Can vaginal laser treatment be performed immediately after IUD insertion ?
No. It is preferable to wait approximately two months after IUD insertion before having a vaginal laser session.
After IUD insertion, cramping and bleeding may occur. Performing vaginal laser treatment during this period could complicate interpretation of pain or bleeding appearing after the session.
This waiting period also allows recovery after IUD insertion to be checked as normal before vaginal laser treatment is performed.
What should be reported to the doctor before vaginal laser treatment with an IUD ?
The patient simply needs to inform the doctor of her IUD and report any unusual gynaecological symptom.
It is useful to specify the IUD type and, if known, its insertion date. Pelvic pain, unexplained bleeding, unusual discharge or suspected displacement must be assessed before the session.
In the absence of an IUD-related problem or another contraindication to laser treatment, having a copper or hormonal IUD does not require its removal before vaginal laser treatment.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient with a comprehensive approach to the aesthetics of the face, body and intimate areas, and to skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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