What are some common misconceptions women have about vaginal health?

That vaginal dryness and painful intercourse is part of aging and nothing can be done about it, that nothing can be done for urinary leakage after childbirth, that douching is necessary for vaginal hygiene and that lack of sexual gratification after menopause and childbirth cannot be treated. The list goes on.

What do you wish more women knew about vaginal rejuvenation? 

Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause or breast cancer treatment often causes symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, painful intercourse, recurrent bladder infections and decreased sexual sensation. Unfortunately, many women aren’t aware that something can be done about it.  

The treatment of these symptoms is often referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation,” but more accurately, it involves regenerative medicine that treats both the function and aesthetics of the female reproductive tract. This new era of regenerative gynecology can have a profound impact on a woman’s self-esteem, self-confidence and, ultimately, her feelings of sexuality.   

What is innovative about your approach at Hawaii Beauty & Wellness Center?

As board-certified gynecologists, we are thoroughly trained to understand the functional aspect of women’s health. We thoroughly evaluate each patient’s clinical situation and formulate an individualized treatment plan—often a combination of the newest noninvasive energy technologies—to improve function as well as aesthetics.

A beautiful woman is someone who is confident and nurtures herself through the aging process. Hawaii Beauty & Wellness Center empowers women with the knowledge they need to enhance and reclaim their femininity.  

What inspired you to pursue this line of work?

I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, but it wasn’t until my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during my first year of medical school that I decided to focus my medical career in the field of women’s health. My journey to medicine came with tremendous challenge, but it made me appreciate what a privilege it is to be a physician.

You’re the first woman and first Native Hawaiian to hold the position of department chair at Kapi‘olani Medical center.  What advice do you have for aspiring trailblazers?

This is an exciting time for women as they achieve social, economic, cultural and political advancement. We still have long way to go, but I am fortunate to be reaping the benefits of the efforts of those who came before me. Finding passion and fulfillment in whatever arena you have chosen can definitely help you blaze a trail and make huge inroads in whatever inspires you. As a Native Hawaiian, I spent many of my early years in practice in medically underserved areas and enjoy blending Western medicine with non-traditional healing.