Obstetrics · Gynecology · Waco, Texas
Women's Intimate Health · Understanding Your Condition
Understanding
Vaginal Atrophy
& the MonaLisa Touch
A complete guide for women experiencing vaginal dryness, painful intimacy, or urinary changes — and what can now be done about it.
Cura Della Donna
FDA Cleared · Clinically Proven
"An estimated 50% of post-menopausal women experience vaginal atrophy. Fewer than 25% ever seek treatment. Most believe nothing can be done. That belief is wrong — and this guide is your first step to something better."
“An estimated 50% of post-menopausal women experience vaginal atrophy. Fewer than 25% ever seek treatment. Most believe nothing can be done. That belief is wrong — and this guide is your first step to something better.”
- ✦ No Hormones Required
- ✦ In-Office Procedure
- ✦ Minimal Downtime
- ✦ FDA Cleared Technology
- ✦ Results in 3 Sessions
- ✦ No Hormones Required
- ✦ In-Office Procedure
- ✦ Minimal Downtime
- ✦ FDA Cleared Technology
- ✦ Results in 3 Sessions
5 min
About the Technology
What is Cura Della Donna?
"A gentle, proven laser treatment that restores vaginal health from the inside out."
The Cura Della Donna is a fractional CO₂ laser system specifically designed for vaginal and vulvar tissue. Developed by DEKA — a world leader in medical laser technology — it delivers controlled microablative laser energy to stimulate collagen production and tissue remodeling.
The procedure is performed in our office in just minutes, requiring no anesthesia and no recovery time. Most patients experience meaningful improvement after just three treatments spaced six weeks apart.
- Clinically proven with over 15 years of research and thousands of published studies
- Non-hormonal option suitable for breast cancer survivors and women who cannot use estrogen
- Outpatient procedure with virtually no downtime — return to daily activities immediately
- Long-lasting results with once-yearly maintenance treatments
- Gentle enough for sensitive tissue — most patients report only mild sensation
Understanding Your Body
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy — also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — is a condition in which the vaginal walls thin, dry out, and become inflamed due to declining estrogen levels. It is a natural consequence of menopause, surgical removal of the ovaries, or any condition that reduces estrogen production — including cancer treatment.
Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining the health of vaginal tissue. When estrogen levels decline, collagen production decreases, the vaginal lining thins, natural lubrication diminishes, and the pH of the vaginal environment changes — creating a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms that are entirely treatable.
Recognizing Your Symptoms
Common Signs
01
Vaginal Dryness
Persistent dryness, itching, or burning that doesn't resolve with standard moisturizers.
02
Painful Intimacy
Dyspareunia — pain during or after intercourse — is one of the most common and most underreported complaints.
03
Urinary Changes
Increased urgency, frequency, stress leakage, or recurrent urinary tract infections.
04
Tissue Thinning
Thinning and fragility of vaginal tissue — visible during gynecologic examination.
50% of post-menopausal women experience vaginal atrophy symptoms
Yet fewer than 1 in 4 ever seeks treatment — primarily because of embarrassment, stigma, or the belief that nothing can be done. The MonaLisa Touch was designed for exactly this gap: a clinically proven, hormone-free, in-o ce treatment that restores vaginal tissue health at the cellular level.
| Treatment Option | Hormone Free | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Topical Estrogen | No | Low-dose vaginal estrogen applied locally — cream, ring, or tablet. Effective but requires ongoing use. Not appropriate for all women. |
| Oral HRT | No | Systemic hormone replacement therapy. Treats whole-body menopause symptoms but carries contraindications for many women. |
| DHEA (Intrarosa) | No | Vaginal DHEA suppository that converts to estrogen and testosterone locally. Prescription-only. Daily use required. |
| Lubricants & Moisturizers | Yes | Over-the-counter options that manage symptoms temporarily. Do not address the underlying tissue condition. |
| MonaLisa Touch ★ RECOMMENDED | Yes | Fractional CO₂ laser stimulates collagen and restores vaginal tissue health at the cellular level. Three 5-minute in-office treatments. Results last 12–18+ months. |
Conditions We Treat
What To Expect — Your Treatment Journey
01
Consultation
Meet with your physician. Review symptoms & medical history. Confirm candidacy.
02
Treatment Day
5 minutes. No anesthesia. Gentle vibration only. Resume normal activity same day
03
Weeks 2–6
Collagen remodeling begins. Most patients notice improvement within 2 weeks.
04
Full Results
After 3 treatments. Restored moisture, comfort, and intimacy. Lasting 12–18 months.
Survivorship Care · Cura Della Donna
You survived cancer. You deserve to thrive.
A guide for breast cancer survivors experiencing vaginal dryness, painful intimacy, or urinary changes — and a hormone-free treatment option your oncologist can support.
Hormone-free Treatment · Fda-cleared · Zero Estrogen
“The treatment saved your life. But no one told you what it would do to your body a erward. e vaginal symptoms, the intimacy challenges, the urinary changes — they are real, they are common, and there is now a safe, hormone-free answer.”
Why This Happens
Cancer Treatment & Vaginal Health
Breast cancer treatment — chemotherapy, hormone blockers, and oophorectomy — often induces sudden, severe estrogen deficiency. The vaginal tissue, which depends on estrogen to maintain its thickness, elasticity, and naturallubrication, deteriorates rapidly without it. For many survivors, this creates distressing symptoms that aect quality of life, relationships, and self confidence — yet go unaddressed because the priority was survival, not comfort. You no longer have to choose
1
Chemotherapy Induced Menopause
Chemo often damages or destroys ovarian function — inducing sudden, severe menopause with no gradual adjustment period.
2
Aromatase Inhibitors (e.g., Letrozole)
These medications, taken for 5–10 years post-diagnosis, suppress estrogen to near-zero levels systemically — creating severe atrophy in many survivors.
3
Surgical Oophorectomy
Removal of the ovaries as a preventive or therapeutic measure immediately eliminates the primary estrogen source.
The Solution
Why MonaLisa Touch Is Right for Survivors
Non-Hormonal Treatment
No estrogen, no hormones of any kind. The laser works mechanically stimulating your own body's collagen production.
FDA Cleared
FDA-cleared for vaginal atrophy and studied specifically in breast cancer survivor populations at Stanford and other institutions.
5 Minutes
Three treatments, five minutes each, spaced six weeks apart. No anesthesia. No downtime. Resume normal activity same day.
No Conflict
Does not interfere with aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, or other ongoing cancer treatments. Discuss with your oncologist.
Real Results
Clinically demonstrated improvement in dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary symptoms in breast cancer survivor studies.
OB/GYN Led
Performed by board certified OB/GYNs with specialized training in women's intimate health and survivorship care.
A Note For Your Oncologist
The MonaLisa Touch is a fractional CO₂ laser system (DEKA SmartXide² DOT/RF) that works through photothermal stimulation of vaginal mucosal tissue — triggering endogenous collagen and elastin remodeling without any hormonal component. It has been studied in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitor therapy with no evidence of systemic estrogen absorption. For clinical references and physician consultation, please contact Cura Della Donna at (254) 000-0000
Preparing For Your Appointment
What to Bring & What to Ask
- A list of all current medications — including aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, and supplements
- Is the MonaLisa Touch safe with my current treatment regimen?
- What results are realistic for someone at my stage of treatment?
- Your oncologist's name and contact information (we may coordinate care
- How soon after completing chemotherapy can I begin treatment?
- How many treatments will I need, and what is the maintenance protocol?
Cura Della Donna
Your MonaLisa Touch Appointment Guide
PRE & POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Before Your Appointment
- 3 days before: Avoid vaginal lubricants, creams, or products inside the vagina
- Day of: Light bladder — use the restroom before your appointment
- Wear: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid: Treatment if you have an active vaginal infection — reschedule if needed
- Notify us: If you have started or changed any hormonal medications since your last visit
After Your Appointment
- 2–3 days: Abstain from sexual intercourse
- Normal: Minor spotting, light discharge, or mild discomfort for 1–2 days
- Resume: All other normal activities immediately, including
Monalisa Touch · Treatment Protocol
Three Treatments. Life Changing Results.
01
Treatment 1
Day 1. First treatment — 5 minutes. You may notice improved moisture within 1–2 weeks.
02
Treatment 2 — 6 Weeks Later
Collagen remodeling accelerates. Most patients experience noticeable symptom improvement by this point.
03
Treatment 3 — 12 Weeks from Start
Final treatment in the series. Full results typically experienced 6–12 weeks after this appointment.
Annual Maintenance
One treatment per year maintains optimal tissue health and sustains your results long-term.
Monalisa Touch · Treatment Protocol
Three Treatments. Life Changing Results.
01
Treatment 1
Day 1. First treatment — 5 minutes. You may notice improved moisture within 1–2 weeks.
02
Treatment 2 — 6 Weeks Later
Collagen remodeling accelerates. Most patients experience noticeable symptom improvement by this point.
03
Treatment 3 — 12 Weeks from Start
Final treatment in the series. Full results typically experienced 6–12 weeks after this appointment.
Annual Maintenance
One treatment per year maintains optimal tissue health and sustains your results long-term.
Conditions We Treat
Relief from The Symptoms That Affect Your Life
01
Vaginal Atrophy (GSM)
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) causes vaginal dryness, thinning, and inflammation due to declining estrogen. Cura Della Donna Touch restores vaginal moisture, elasticity, and tissue health — providing lasting relief without hormones.
02
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Thinning vaginal walls and loss of lubrication can make intimacy painful or impossible. Laser therapy rebuilds the vaginal mucosa and stimulates natural lubrication, dramatically reducing discomfort and restoring intimacy.
03
Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Stress urinary incontinence — leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise — affects millions of women. By strengthening the urethral support structure and tightening vaginal tissue, Cura Della Donna significantly reduces urinary leakage.
04
Lichen Sclerosus
This chronic skin condition causes significant vulvar discomfort, itching, and scarring. Fractional CO₂ laser therapy has shown promising results in reducing symptoms and improving tissue quality in patients with this challenging condition.
05
Post-Cancer Vaginal Changes
Breast cancer survivors and women undergoing chemotherapy or anti-estrogen therapy often experience severe vaginal atrophy. As a non-hormonal treatment, Cura Della Donna is a safe, effective option even for women who cannot use estrogen.
06
Post-Partum Recovery
Childbirth can alter vaginal tone and sensation. Cura Della Donna promotes tissue regeneration and collagen remodeling, helping women restore vaginal tone and address laxity following delivery — as a complement to pelvic floor therapy.
The Process
What To Expect
1
Consultation
Meet with one of our OB-GYNs for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. We'll determine whether Cura Della Donna is right for you and create a personalized treatment plan.
02
Treatment
The laser probe is gently inserted and delivers precise CO₂ energy in a 360-degree pattern. Each session takes approximately 5 minutes. No anesthesia is needed — most patients feel only a gentle warmth.
03
Recovery
There is virtually no downtime. You may experience minor spotting or discharge for 2–3 days. We recommend avoiding intercourse for 2–3 days following each session.
04
Results
Many patients notice improvement after the first treatment. Optimal results are typically achieved after 3 sessions, 6 weeks apart. An annual maintenance treatment sustains your results long-term.
Conditions We Treat
Relief from the Symptoms That Affect Your Life
Katherine A Haynes, MD
Obstetrics | Gynecology in Waco, TX
Dr. Erin Wait
MD, FACOG · Urogynecology Lead
Dr. Erin Wait specializes in urogynecology and pelvic floor disorders. With advanced fellowship training and a passion for non-surgical solutions, she focuses on treating urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse using the latest laser technologies.
Dr. Makenzie Kothmann
MD, FACOG · Oncology Wellness Specialist
Dr. Makenzie Kothmann brings a unique focus on oncology-related women’s health, helping breast cancer survivors and women on anti-estrogen therapy reclaim their quality of life. She has completed specialized training in non-hormonal therapies for treatment-related menopause.
Conditions We Treat
Experienced, Compassionate Leaders Dedicated To Cura Della Donna
Katherine A Haynes, MD
Obstetrics | Gynecology in Waco, TX
Katherine A. Haynes, MD, is an obstetrician and gynecology (ob-gyn) with Ascension Providence in Waco, TX. She listens to understand you and your preferences as a woman. Dr. Haynes also specializes in female reproductive health conditions, menopause care, emotional health, breast health and more. Dr. Haynes is a Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner.
Education
- Medical Education: University OF ARKANSAS FOR Medical SCIENCES
- Residency: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Qualifications
- Hospital affiliations: Ascension Providence
- Certifications: The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Erin N Wait, MD
Obstetrics | Gynecology in Waco, TX
Erin Wait, MD, is a board-certified, experienced obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) at Ascension Medical Group Providence Women’s Health in Waco, Texas. Dr. Wait completed her residency training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and is a medical graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She is also a former Baylor Bear, completing her undergraduate studies here in Waco.
Education
- Medical Education: University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center
- Residency: University of Alabama Hospital
Qualifications
- Hospital affiliations: Ascension Providence
- Certifications: The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Makenzie M Kothmann, MD
Obstetrics | Gynecology in Waco, TX
Education
- Medical Education: University of Texas Medical Branch
- Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch
- Undergraduate: Tarleton State University
Qualifications
- Hospital affiliations: Ascension Providence
- Certifications: The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Conditions We Treat
Relief from the Symptoms That Affect Your Life
Dr. Katherine Haynes
MD, FACOG · Founding Physician
Dr. Katherine Haynes is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience in women’s health. A pioneer in laser gynecology, she has been offering MonaLisa Touch since its FDA clearance and has treated hundreds of women with life-changing results.
Dr. Erin Wait
MD, FACOG · Urogynecology Lead
Dr. Erin Wait specializes in urogynecology and pelvic floor disorders. With advanced fellowship training and a passion for non-surgical solutions, she focuses on treating urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse using the latest laser technologies.
Dr. Makenzie Kothmann
MD, FACOG · Oncology Wellness Specialist
Dr. Makenzie Kothmann brings a unique focus on oncology-related women’s health, helping breast cancer survivors and women on anti-estrogen therapy reclaim their quality of life. She has completed specialized training in non-hormonal therapies for treatment-related menopause.
Patient Stories
Words from the Women We've Had the Honor to Serve
When to Call Us
You Deserve to Feel Comfortable in Your Body
Significant bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection: fever, unusual
discharge, or worsening discomfort after 48 hours. Call (254) 600-4842 or your nearest urgent care.