The Gynaecologist's Guide to Aesthetic Gynaecology

The principle of RM lies in applying non-surgical techniques to stimulate the regenerative cells of the body to rejuvenate a certain area by improving circulation and enhancing new tissue formation, which subsequently leads to improvement in function as well. Hence, Aesthetic Regenerative Gynaecology non-surgical procedures were developed and are increasingly growing because of the successful results. These procedures are considered a brand-new category of treatment options placed between the surgical and conservative.

In my opinion: Gynaecologists are best qualified and suited to perform Regenerative Gynaecology procedures for the following reasons:

2) It is essential to undertake proper Gynaecological history and examination prior to any procedure. The right standards of assessment can be performed by the Gynaecologist (including performing screening tests for infection or cervical smear etc).

3) Gynaecologists are acquainted with the complicated conditions that affect this particular area. S/he is the ultimate referral specialist to be implored to deal with these difficult conditions.

4) There are rules (and standards) set by both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the General Medical Council (GMC) about who is permitted to and the prerequisites before conducting the “Intimate Gynaecological examination” and assessment to ensure best practice. ^{[3,4 and 5]}

5) The feminine area’s dysfunctions have usually compounded factors and are notorious for their negative impact on women’s family life, self-esteem and sense of well-being. Women confide in Gynaecologists because they are best suited to appreciate the multifactorial aspects of the problem and are fully trained to manage the complex nature of feminine areas’ dysfunctions.

6) Gynaecologists have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the various dysfunctional conditions. They are in a privileged position to select the most remedial procedure that is likely to obtain the most successful outcome.

7) Gynaecologists are capable to deliver a holistic approach including understanding, explaining and counselling the condition and various options of treatments with the likelihood of success, side effects, pros and cons of each based on their expertise.

8) The public does trust and in fact prefers to have a specialist to treat them; “The more you know what you are doing, the more you can get the best possible results without risks”.

10) Using energy-based devices is promoted by the manufacturers as safe to handle, however, long-term effects remain, in my opinion, to be monitored and confirmed ideally by the most unbiased specialists who act as the standing guards to women’s health. ^[7]

On July 30, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about energy-based devices used to treat vaginal conditions and symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. Currently, no vaginal laser device or procedure is cleared or approved by the FDA for any of these vaginal issues.

The FDA is concerned that the safety and effectiveness of these devices haven’t been proven in scientific studies and that using the devices could lead to serious side effects, including vaginal scarring and burns.

“We’ve recently become aware of a growing number of manufacturers marketing ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ devices to women and claiming these procedures will treat conditions and symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence or sexual function,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., in a statement. “The procedures use lasers and other energy-based devices to destroy or reshape vaginal tissue. These products have serious risks, therefore, case selection and procedures should be performed by highly experienced gynaecologists.

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/fda-issues-warning-on-vagina-laser-tx

^References:

^{1. General Medical Council: “Good Medical Practice”-Revised Guidance. April 29th 2014.}

^{2. Anthony Tarantino, Governance, Risk, and Compliance Handbook, ISBN 978-0-470-09589-8(2008-02-25).}

^{3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. “Standards for Gynaecology; Report of a Working Party”. London: RCOG 2008.}

^{4. General Medical Council. “Intimate Examinations: Guidance for Doctors”. London: GMC; 2006.}

^{5. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. “Improving Patient Safety: Risk Management for Maternity and Gynaecology”. Clinical Governance Advice No.2, September 2009.}

^{6. Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on efforts to safeguard women’s health from deceptive health claims and significant risks related to devices marketed for use in medical procedures for “vaginal rejuvenation” [news release]. Silver Spring, MD; July 30, 2018: FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm615130.htm. Accessed July 30, 2018.}