Genital laser treatment: how it works and where it is used

Published: 24 June 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay

How CO2 and Er:YAG laser treatment acts on vaginal tissue, the conditions it is used for, what the procedure involves and who it is not suitable for.

As medical technology has developed, laser treatment of the genital area — carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG lasers — has come into use for a number of problems that affect women's health and quality of life directly. Age, childbirth and hormonal change all alter the structure of vaginal tissue. Laser treatment supports the renewal of that tissue and offers a non-surgical option for several gynaecological complaints.

How it works

Laser devices act by delivering controlled heat energy beneath the surface of the tissue. That energy causes aged or loosened collagen fibres in the vaginal tissue to contract, and triggers the production of new collagen and elastin. It also increases blood flow to the area, helping the tissue regain its elasticity, moisture and health.

Where genital laser treatment is used

It has a wide range of uses in gynaecology, both functional and aesthetic.

• Vaginal laxity. The vagina can lose elasticity with age, after the menopause, through genetic factors or after vaginal births. Laser treatment tightens the tissue and supports the canal in regaining its former form.
• Stress urinary incontinence. In women who leak urine involuntarily when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising — particularly those without advanced prolapse — it strengthens the tissues supporting the bladder neck and urethra and helps reduce the complaint.
• Menopausal complaints. It is effective for vaginal dryness, burning, itching and painful sex (dyspareunia) arising from the fall in oestrogen. The laser restores the tissue's moisture and pH balance.
• Recurrent vaginal infections. By creating conditions suited to the regrowth of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vaginal flora, it restores pH balance and increases the tissue's resistance to frequently recurring infections.
• Lichen sclerosus. In this chronic skin condition, marked by severe itching and thinning of the tissue in the genital area, laser is one of the options used to ease symptoms.
• Genital warts and lesions. Laser surgery is also used to vaporise (ablate) warts, moles and certain skin lesions in the genital area.
• Lightening of pigmentation. For cosmetic purposes it can be used to soften the darkening of colour that develops in the external genital area with age or for genetic reasons.

What the procedure involves

• No surgery. It requires no surgical incision and no stitches.
• Comfortable. The patient is awake throughout, and local or general anaesthesia is generally not needed.
• Short. It takes on average 15-20 minutes, and patients return to daily life immediately afterwards.
• Short recovery. It does not restrict daily life. Until tissue healing is complete — about 7-10 days — it is advised to avoid sex and environments carrying a risk of infection, such as public baths and swimming pools.

Who it is not suitable for

Vaginal laser treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or the first three months after birth, in the presence of active genital herpes (HSV) or warts (HPV), in severe pelvic organ prolapse, or during an active vaginal infection. The right decision follows from an examination by a specialist.