BRAVA!
BReast cAncer VAginal Health Access
Northwestern Medicine
Complimentary Laser Treatments for Eligible Women Living with Breast Cancer to Restore Vaginal And Vulvar Health
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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:
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Despite the use of lubricants or long-acting vaginal moisturizers, many women are still unable to have intercourse. While local vaginal estrogen or DHEA in the form of a cream, suppository or vaginal ring can often alleviate symptoms, most women with breast cancer have either been advised to avoid hormones or prefer to do so.
CO2 laser treatments are a non-hormonal 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. Unfortunately, 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 post-menopausal women living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
All procedures will take place in the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause at 259 East Erie Street in Chicago, Illinois.
CO2 laser treatments are a non-hormonal 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. Unfortunately, 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 post-menopausal women living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
All procedures will take place in the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause at 259 East Erie Street in Chicago, Illinois.
FAQs:
Who would benefit from laser treatments?
Post menopause women who have symptoms of and have been diagnosed with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Who is eligible for the BRAVA program?
All of the following criteria must be met to be eligible for consideration in the BRAVA program:
How do I apply for treatments through the BRAVA program?
Simply click the BRAVA link below and you will be contacted by the program coordinator who will 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 desire 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, as would 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 in 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.
Simply click the link for The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause and request an appointment to be evaluated for laser treatment. You may also call 312.472.0502 to speak to our laser coordinator.
Who would benefit from laser treatments?
Post menopause women who have symptoms of and have been diagnosed with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Who is eligible for the BRAVA program?
All of the following criteria must be met to be eligible for consideration in the BRAVA program:
- Current or past diagnosis of breast cancer
- Post menopause
- Symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- Pre-screen evaluation in The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause
- Inability to pay out of pocket for CO2 laser treatment
How do I apply for treatments through the BRAVA program?
Simply click the BRAVA link below and you will be contacted by the program coordinator who will 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 desire 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, as would 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 in 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.
Simply click the link for The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause and request an appointment to be evaluated for laser treatment. You may also call 312.472.0502 to speak to our laser coordinator.
Important Links
Make a BRAVA appointment
The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause
Information about CO2 Laser Treatments
To make a donation to the Northwestern Medicine Foundation to support the BRAVA program.
Make a BRAVA appointment
The Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause
Information about CO2 Laser Treatments
To make a donation to the Northwestern Medicine Foundation to support the BRAVA program.
Thank you to the following foundations and individuals who have made this program possible.
The Bill Bass Foundation
Mary Jo Basler Foundation
Lauren Streicher, MD
Pat Handler, APN
The Bill Bass Foundation
Mary Jo Basler Foundation
Lauren Streicher, MD
Pat Handler, APN