Review the latest information on visitor policies, safety procedures, vaccines and more in the COVID-19 Resource Center.
BRAVA Program (BREAST CANCER VAGINAL HEALTH ACCESS)
|
Complimentary Laser Treatments for Eligible Women Living with Breast Cancer to Restore Vaginal and Vulvar Health
Many women with a breast cancer diagnosis develop vaginal dryness and thinning of the tissue, a condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause can include any of the following vulvar, vaginal or urinary symptoms:
Despite the use of lubricants or long-acting vaginal moisturizers, many women are still unable to have intercourse. Local vaginal estrogen or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the form of a cream, suppository or vaginal ring can often treat symptoms, but many women with breast cancer have either been advised to avoid hormones or prefer to do so. CO2 laser treatments are a nonhormonal option to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause Laser program has successfully treated hundreds of women who are now pain-free and able to have pleasurable sexual activity. While CO2 laser treatments are not covered by insurance, through the generosity of donors to the Northwestern Medicine Foundation, the Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause is proud to offer complimentary vaginal and vulvar laser treatments for eligible postmenopausal women living with a breast cancer diagnosis. All procedures take place in the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause at 259 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois.
FAQs Who would benefit from laser treatments? Postmenopausal women who have symptoms of and have been diagnosed with genitourinary syndrome of menopause may benefit from having CO2 laser treatments.
Who is eligible for the BRAVA program? You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for consideration in the BRAVA program:
How do I apply for treatments through the BRAVA program? Fill out the Request an Appointment form on the Contact Us page. You will be contacted by the program coordinator to schedule an appointment in the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. During that visit, you will be informed about all treatment options. Eligible patients who want laser treatment may then fill out an application for complimentary CO2 laser treatments. Will there be any out-of-pocket costs to me? The initial evaluation and any visits to the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause will be billed the same as any Northwestern Medicine clinic visit. You will be responsible for all co-pays, your deductible and any costs not covered by your insurance other than the cost of the laser procedure. What if I am already a patient at the Northwestern Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause? Women who have already been seen in the center for this condition do not need to be evaluated again. Simply fill out a BRAVA application. I do not require funding through BRAVA but would like to schedule a CO2 laser treatment or an evaluation in the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. What should I do? Request an appointment to be evaluated for laser treatment. You may also call 312.472.0502 to speak to the program coordinator.
Important Links Thank you to the following foundations and individuals who have made this program possible.
|
TREATING VAGINAL DRYNESS AFTER BREAST CANCER
Non-hormonal treatment for vaginal dryness is especially helpful for women who have had treatment for breast cancer. Request an Appointment
To request an appointment, fill out the form on the Contact Us page or call 312.694.9676 for more information. |
