Tightening is the reason many women ask about FemiLift, and one of the uses with the least controlled evidence, so we give what exists on both sides. The laser studies for tightening have no sham group. A 2024 review of 38 studies reported that sexual function improved in observational studies but not in randomised trials. Every treatment is given by Dr Marie Duggan, GMC 7488383, at Femilift Clinic London, 130 Harley Street, London, W1G 7JU, after a free consultation and examination.
What the studies measured
- A 2026 retrospective series of 176 women: significant improvement in all its sexual function and symptom scores after the first course, and 33.5% needed more laser within two years.
- A 2024 review of 38 studies: sexual function improved in observational studies but not in randomised trials.
- The sham-controlled trials on pain during intercourse and sexual function: split. A 2021 trial of 58 women found a gain over sham on dryness and sexual function; trials of 30, 72 and 34 women found no gain over sham on their main measures.
- NICE: vaginal laser for stress incontinence and for dryness after the menopause "should only be used in the context of research". Its menopause guideline says: "Do not offer vaginal laser treatment for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause unless as part of a randomised controlled trial." Its rationale adds: "The evidence showed that laser treatment was effective for all outcomes. However, the committee agreed that, despite some promising results, the evidence base was too small."
What the regulators say about the claim
In July 2018 the FDA said: "The safety and effectiveness of energy-based devices for treatment of these conditions has not been established." It added that it had not "cleared or approved for marketing any energy-based devices to treat these symptoms or conditions, or any symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function". The FemiLift laser is FDA-cleared in the US as a surgical laser, not for these conditions. In our practice Dr Marie Duggan gives you these statements at the consultation.
The first-line option
NICE names supervised pelvic floor training as the first-line treatment for stress incontinence, and in our practice pelvic floor training continues whatever you decide about the laser. In our practice, anyone with a prolapse or a symptom that needs a diagnosis first is referred for it. The laxity page sets out the use in full, the how long it lasts page the duration, and the full guide the rest. The price is in writing at a free consultation, with a price match on any comparable written quote.
