The uro-genital syndrome of menopause refers to all the manifestations linked to hormonal deficiency, particularly in oestrogens, which affect the intimate and urinary sphere of women from menopause onward. It results in progressive changes of the vaginal mucosa, the vulva, the urethra and sometimes the bladder, causing functional discomfort, pain, loss of sexual comfort as well as an alteration of quality of life. Uro-genital syndrome remains largely underdiagnosed even though it affects more than half of menopausal women, and it naturally tends to worsen in the absence of treatment. It is not merely an intimate discomfort but a true clinical condition that can benefit from appropriate therapy. Current therapeutic solutions help restore tissue integrity, improve symptoms and regain lasting comfort.
At menopause, ovarian secretion of oestrogens decreases significantly and durably. This hormonal deficiency induces structural and functional changes in the vaginal, vulvar and urinary tissues. The mucosa becomes thinner, less supple and less vascularized. It loses its natural ability to hydrate and to defend itself against external aggressions, leading to irritation, dryness and discomfort. The connective tissue diminishes, fibroblasts produce less collagen and elastin, which further worsens tissue fragility. The vaginal flora changes, partly losing its protective lactobacilli, leading to an increase in pH and greater susceptibility to infections. These changes are not sudden but progressive, which explains the slow appearance of symptoms, sometimes several years after the onset of menopause.
The manifestations vary from one woman to another but follow a comparable progression. Vaginal dryness is often the first sign, causing discomfort, burning sensations, discomfort or pain during intercourse, sometimes interpreted as dyspareunia. Some women describe a feeling of tightness or increased fragility in the vulvar area. Others notice chronic irritation, itching or a burning sensation. The mucosa becomes more vulnerable to microtraumas and local infections. On the urinary side, the uro-genital syndrome may manifest as frequent urges to urinate, sometimes accompanied by burning sensations, as well as an increased tendency to recurrent cystitis. Involuntary urine leakage may appear due to relaxation of the supporting tissues, particularly during exertion, coughing or laughing (stress urinary incontinence). Added to this is the atrophy of the labia majora : losing their volume, they protect the vulva and labia minora less effectively, leading to chronic irritation, increased sensitivity and recurrent yeast infections. The loss of vaginal tone (vaginal laxity) may also cause a sensation of vaginal looseness, decreased sensations and reduced sexual satisfaction.
These symptoms, often considered “normal” or “inevitable”, can however be effectively alleviated with modern therapeutic approaches.
The uro-genital syndrome of menopause does not cause only physical discomfort. It can have a significant impact on quality of life, self-confidence and psychological balance. Pain or discomfort during intercourse can affect a couple’s intimacy, sometimes leading to a decrease in libido or an avoidance of sexuality. Some women express feelings of embarrassment, even shame, regarding the changes in their intimate anatomy. Urinary problems, such as leakage or repeated infections, can create a feeling of loss of control and, in some cases, affect social life. Medical consultation helps reopen dialogue, provide objective explanations and offer appropriate solutions. Early management generally restores a satisfactory quality of life.
The diagnosis is based on a detailed discussion, a careful analysis of symptoms and a clinical examination of the vulvo-vaginal area. The examination assesses the quality of the mucosa, its hydration, suppleness and the presence of lesions, redness or irritation. The evaluation of urinary symptoms may require a urine test or, in some cases, a urodynamic assessment. The aim of the diagnosis is to determine the degree of tissue atrophy, identify possible complications (infection, persistent irritation, fissures) and choose the most appropriate treatment. This evaluation is personalized, as each patient presents a specific combination of symptoms. This diagnosis is made during a specialized consultation with a gynaecologist.
Non-invasive therapeutic approaches represent the first line of treatment in many cases. Local moisturizing and lubricating care temporarily relieves dryness and reduces irritation. They improve comfort but do not act on the hormonal cause.
Tissue biostimulation — whether based on PRP, hyaluronic acid or the vaginal laser — is now both a preventive and restorative approach. It acts on the structure, function and quality of the tissues, with the aims of restoring intimate comfort, preserving anatomical balance and sustainably improving quality of life.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a tissue regeneration technique using growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood. Once injected into the vaginal or vulvar mucosa, these factors stimulate collagen production, improve vascularization and promote cellular regeneration. This approach has the advantage of being biocompatible, with no risk of reaction. PRP is combined with other techniques to optimize results. Tissue biostimulation is now an effective method in the treatment of atrophic mucosa. These treatments offer visible improvements in intimate comfort, hydration and overall tissue quality.
Injections of hyaluronic acid represent another important approach. In an adapted form, this substance deeply hydrates the vaginal mucosa, improves its quality, restores its natural protective function and improves vaginal dryness. When injected into the labia majora, it corrects their atrophy, restores volume and reinstates their role as a mechanical barrier, which reduces irritation, sensitivity and recurrent infections. In some cases, it can also be used in the G-spot area to enhance intimate sensitivity and sexual comfort. Hyaluronic acid thus acts as a structural, hydrating and protective support. The anatomy and function of the vulvo-vaginal area are preserved.
The vaginal laser represents a major advancement in non-hormonal treatments for the uro-genital syndrome. Through controlled thermal stimulation, it promotes collagen production, improves tissue firmness and restores mucosal elasticity. It thus helps to tone the vagina, strengthen tissue cohesion and preserve the integrity of the vaginal canal. Moreover, it provides an effective solution against vaginal dryness by improving vascularization, natural lubrication and daily comfort. Finally, its effects on the supporting tissues around the urethra can help treat certain cases of stress urinary incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor.
The prices of intimate treatments vary according to the nature of the management, the product used and the desired objective, whether it is functional improvement, tissue regeneration or anatomical correction.
Hyaluronic acid injections are offered at 600 CHF per syringe. The number of syringes required is determined during the initial consultation, depending on the indication, the degree of atrophy or dryness and the desired result. The effects are immediate and last on average one year.
The vaginal laser is billed at 600 CHF per session. The treatment protocol generally includes three sessions spaced about six weeks apart, followed by an annual maintenance session to preserve the results on tonicity, lubrication or stress urinary incontinence.
PRP, a regeneration technique using autologous growth factors, is offered at 500 CHF per session. The initial protocol usually includes two sessions one month apart, followed by an annual session to maintain the regenerative effect and results on tissue quality. Each treatment plan is established in a personalized manner after a medical consultation, making it possible to adapt therapeutic choices to the needs, clinical indication and intimate anatomy of each patient.
Perineal rehabilitation may be offered as a complementary treatment, particularly in cases of incontinence or perineal relaxation. It aims to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve tonicity and stabilize the uro-genital area. Medical follow-up makes it possible to assess the progression of symptoms, adjust the treatment and ensure good tolerance. Follow-up is especially important because the uro-genital syndrome evolves over time. Therapeutic approaches can be combined depending on the needs and objectives of each patient.
Even though uro-genital syndrome may appear several years after menopause, preventive monitoring is recommended. Maintaining good hydration, regular gynaecological follow-up and attention to any intimate discomfort make it possible to intervene before tissue degradation occurs. The specialized consultation offers the opportunity to address these symptoms confidentially, obtain reliable information and consider a personalized management plan.
Speaking about these symptoms can sometimes feel delicate. Yet they are common and entirely legitimate to discuss during a consultation. The role of the doctor is also to provide psychological support by explaining the mechanisms, solutions and evolution of the syndrome. Dialogue helps better understand expectations, restore confidence and offer appropriate care that respects the patient’s integrity and comfort.
Today, treatments for uro-genital syndrome no longer focus solely on relieving symptoms. They aim to restore tissue structure, improve function and preserve intimate well-being over the long term.
Vaginal dryness can be improved with specific hyaluronic acid injections designed to deeply rehydrate the mucosa, restore its suppleness and enhance its protective function. Vaginal laser is also indicated : it stimulates collagen production, improves vascularization and contributes to long-lasting natural lubrication, without the use of hormones.
Yes. Vaginal laser is a technique that stimulates collagen synthesis, improves the quality of elastic fibers and strengthens the structure of the mucosa. It helps improve vaginal firmness, local sensitivity and intimate comfort, without surgery or interruption of daily activities.
Hyaluronic acid injections make it possible to restore the volume of the labia majora and strengthen their protective role. The result is natural and long-lasting.
In cases of mild to moderate stress urinary leakage, vaginal laser is a relevant solution. It works by improving the tone of the supporting tissues of the perineum and regenerating the structures around the urethra. This reinforcement helps better support the urethral canal and thus reduces involuntary urine leakage, without requiring surgery or invasive devices.
Most treatments, whether hyaluronic acid injections or vaginal laser, are not very painful and are well tolerated. A numbing cream or local anaesthesia can be used if necessary. The sensations felt are generally moderate and temporary.
One to three sessions may be sufficient, depending on the nature of the treatment and the initial condition of the tissues. Vaginal laser often requires two to three sessions spaced several weeks apart. For hyaluronic acid injections, a single session may provide visible and lasting results, with possible maintenance after 12 to 18 months.
No. Although performed within the framework of aesthetic-oriented medicine, these treatments also have a functional benefit. They can improve hydration, tissue quality, intimate comfort, vulvar protection, the quality of sexual intercourse and reduce certain urinary disorders.
Depending on the indication and after medical evaluation, it is entirely possible to combine several treatments during the same session, such as vaginal laser and hyaluronic acid injections, in order to obtain a global correction of intimate discomfort, volume or tone.
Hyaluronic acid injections offer an immediate result, particularly when treating the labia majora. In contrast, the effects of the vaginal laser appear progressively over the course of several weeks, giving the tissues time to regenerate, produce collagen and gain firmness.
