The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called laser treatments used for “vaginal rejuvenation” dangerous and deceptive. It announced on Monday that it has warned several companies to stop selling laser treatments for any such rejuvenation purposes.
The agency had earlier approved the laser devices for treatment of serious conditions, like cancer, genital warts, or surgery including hysterectomies. But companies are promoting the devices for several unapproved treatments for vaginal atrophy, menopause, urinary incontinence and sexual function.
There are several clinics in India offering these “laser vaginal rejuvenation” treatments as well. They claim benefits like tightening of vagina, removing dryness, itching or other vaginal issues. However, the FDA disagrees and hadn’t approved the marketing of laser devices for any of these treatments.
Here’s the catch though. It’s not illegal for doctors to use approved devices for off-label conditions in US.