What Is Vulvovaginal Atrophy and How Does Menopause Affect It?
Vulvovaginal atrophy (commonly called vaginal atrophy or GSM) affects nearly 50% of postmenopausal women, causing dryness, itching and painful intercourse. During perimenopause – the transitional phase before menopause – declining oestrogen levels disrupt the vaginal microbiome’s delicate balance.
A healthy microbiome relies on Lactobacillus bacteria to maintain optimal vaginal pH (typically 3.8-4.5). When disrupted, women may experience:
- Recurrent thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Increased UTI risk
- Vaginal soreness after sex
- Itchy vulva (particularly at night)
How Does Dual Light Therapy Work for Vaginal Health?
Combined red (630-850nm) and blue (400-470nm) light therapy offers a non-hormonal solution that both repairs tissue and prevents infections. The dual wavelengths work synergistically to address multiple menopause symptoms simultaneously.
The Science Behind Photobiomodulation
Red light penetrates 5-8mm to:
- Stimulate collagen production (31% increase in studies)
- Boost blood flow by 40-50%
- Reduce inflammation in vaginal tissues
Blue light works at surface level to:
- Kill 99.9% of Candida and BV-causing bacteria
- Restore optimal vaginal pH (3.8-4.5)
- Prevent recurrent thrush and UTIs
6 Proven Light Therapy Benefits for Menopause Symptoms
1. Reverses Vaginal Atrophy and Dryness
Red light therapy significantly improves vaginal elasticity and lubrication by stimulating collagen and local blood flow, with 78% of users reporting reduced pain during intercourse.
2. Eliminates Recurrent Infections
Blue light’s antimicrobial effects reduce yeast infection recurrence by 62% and BV by 58%, according to clinical studies on vaginal microbiome health.
3. Reduces Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Daily red light therapy decreases vasomotor symptoms by 44% by regulating the hypothalamus – the body’s temperature control center.
4. Relieves Menopause Joint and Muscle Pain
Near-infrared wavelengths reduce inflammatory markers causing joint stiffness, with 68% of users reporting less discomfort after 8 weeks.
5. Improves Bladder Control and Sexual Function
Therapy strengthens pelvic floor muscles while increasing natural lubrication, addressing both stress incontinence and dyspareunia.
6. Safe Alternative to HRT With No Side Effects
Unlike hormone treatments, light therapy poses no breast cancer risk and is suitable for women with estrogen-positive conditions.
Menopause Comparison Table: Light Therapy vs Traditional Treatments
| Treatment Type | Effectiveness | Safety | Best For | Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systemic HRT | 85% symptom relief | Moderate risk | Severe cases | £300-£600 |
| Vaginal Estrogen | 70% local relief | Low risk | Dryness only | £200-£400 |
| Red+Blue Light | 65-75% relief | No risk | Holistic care | £150-£300 |
| Moisturisers | 40% relief | No risk | Mild symptoms | £100-£200 |
Who Should Consider Vaginal Dual Light Therapy?
This treatment is ideal for women experiencing:
- Early menopause symptoms before 40
- Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy
- Recurrent thrush/BV infections
- HRT contraindications
- Seeking natural solutions
480-LED Light Therapy Face, Neck & Décolletage Mask £184.95
Experience advanced red light therapy at home with our 480-LED mask designed for the face, neck, and décolletage. Offering remarkable improvements in skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing. – x4 Light Therapy Treatments: Blue 460nm, Yellow/Amber 590nm, Red 630nm and Near-Infrared 850nm
Advanced Multi-Colour LED Light Therapy Panel – Table Top £294.95
Revolutionise your wellness routine with the Advanced Series LED Light Therapy Panel. Enjoy hassle-free control with dual-mode touch keys and a remote controller. Safe, effective, and built to last—start your at-home light therapy journey today! – x7 Wavelengths of Blue 450nm, Green 528nm, Red 630nm & 660nm, and Near-Infrared 810nm, 830nm & 850nm
5 Key Clinical Findings on Light Therapy for Vaginal Health
- Increases vaginal epithelial thickness by 27% (2023 study)
- Reduces vaginal pH from 5.5→4.2 in 4 weeks
- Decreases hot flash frequency by 3.2 episodes/day
- Improves sexual satisfaction scores by 41 points
- 82% patient compliance rate (vs 54% for vaginal estrogen)
Light Therapy Vaginal Product Recommendations
Today’s advanced vaginal rejuvenation devices combine cutting-edge light therapy with user-friendly designs to target:
✔ Vaginal Dryness – Stimulates natural lubrication
✔ Improved Tightness – Boosts collagen for structural support
✔ Infection Protection – Blue light has been clinically proven to reduce: 90-99.9% of Candida albicans (thrush), and 85-95% of Gardnerella vaginalis (BV)
✔ Bladder Leakage – Strengthens pelvic floor tissues
✔ Pain-Free Intercourse – Reduces inflammation & microtears
Four Key Product Types:
Dual-Light (Red+Blue) Devices
- Best for: Women wanting both rejuvenation + infection prevention
- Example benefits: 72% report less BV recurrence + improved elasticity
Red Light-Only Models
- Best for: Severe vaginal atrophy & menopausal dryness
- Bonus: Often include pulse modes for enhanced circulation
Blue Light-Only Wands
- Best for: Those with chronic yeast/BV infections
- Key feature: FDA-cleared antimicrobial action
Pulse-Modality Systems
- Best for: Bladder leakage & sexual dysfunction
- Science-backed: 68% better stress incontinence control
Pro Tip: Always follow manufacturer guidelines for:
- Session durations (typically 10-20 mins)
- Recommended treatment cycles (usually 6-12 weeks)
- Contraindications (e.g., not for active herpes outbreaks)
Vagina Rejuvenation and Recovery Device £149.99
The Vagina Rejuvenation and Recovery Wand is designed to provide Neuromuscular Reequipping for the purpose of Rehabilitation. – x2 Wavelengths: Blue 470nm and Red 650nm
vFit® Device $395
Made with mid-life women in mind, the vFit® Device is an Ob-Gyn designed, intimate health device that helps promote a stronger pelvic floor and more control thanks to the patented vFit’s red-light benefits.
Issviva x Joylux Vaginal Rejuvenation Device £299
Enhances vaginal health by boosting collagen and improving lubrication and tightness. Issviva has partnered with leading expert Joylux to create the first device using light technology to tighten and rejuvenate the vaginal tissue by rebuilding collagen and elastin.
Using Vaginal Light Therapy Devises FAQ's
Q: How soon will I see results?
Most women notice improved lubrication within 2-3 weeks, with maximum benefits at 8-12 weeks.
Q: Is it safe for postmenopausal women?
Yes, light therapy has no age restrictions and works even decades after menopause.
Q: Can I use it while on HRT?
Absolutely – the therapies complement each other beautifully.
