In This Review
Overview
Pregnancy, childbirth and advancing age affect a woman’s sexual life. There are visible changes in her intimate appearance and she often experiences sexual dysfunction. Vaginal laxity is a commonly reported problem. The issue is quite troublesome as it negatively affects her self-esteem and relationship with her partner.
Types of Therapies
There are many ways to counter these unwanted effects of childbirth and ageing.
1. Kegels exercises
Kegels exercises are directed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, urethra, large bowel and vagina. Vaginal birth can lead to the weakening of these muscles. This can lead to vaginal laxity, stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Learning to squeeze and relax these muscles can improve their resting tone and help counter vaginal laxity[1].
Identify your pelvic floor muscles by imagining you are trying to prevent yourself from passing gas or holding your pee midway. The muscles you contract in such situations are your target muscles. Once you have located them, start by squeezing and holding them for 3 seconds and then relaxing. Repeat this exercise 10 times in one set. Aim for 3 sets a day while gradually increasing the number and duration of each kegel.
2. CO2 laser vaginal tightening/FemiLift®.
In this nonsurgical vaginal tightening procedure, a laser-emitting probe is inserted into the vagina. The energy shots delivered to the vagina work by heating up the vaginal walls and thus stimulating collagen synthesis. This leads to improved vaginal tone and vaginal tightening.
This is a quick, outpatient, painless procedure with no downtime required. Improvement is observed in vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction and bladder control after treatment. An initial round of 3 sessions is required for optimal results. The treatment can then be repeated every few years to maintain the effects[2].
3. Radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation/ThermiVA®
In this nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation, a handpiece is inserted into the vagina and the radiofrequency waves emitting from it heats up the vaginal walls. The vaginal tissue is stimulated to produce more collagen. This will improve the vaginal tone, thereby enhancing sexual function and helping with the symptoms of bladder leakage.
Just like laser vaginal tightening, this is an outpatient procedure requiring no downtime. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal outcome, and maintenance treatments are required for long-lasting results.
4. Vaginoplasty
This is a vaginal tightening surgery that involves the removal of excess tissue along the length of vaginal walls. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of vaginal length is tightened from the inside towards and including the vaginal opening[3].
The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia and lasts one to two hours. The patient can be discharged after a one-night stay. Post-procedure pain and discomfort are common and full recovery may take a couple of weeks.
The results are more marked compared to nonsurgical methods. Improvement in vaginal tone, sexual arousal and gratification, as well as help with urinary incontinence, is observed by patients. For optimal outcome, the procedure is combined with other intimate functional and aesthetic procedures like perineoplasty.
5. Perineoplasty
Perineoplasty is the surgical restoration of a loose vaginal opening and disfigured perineum, the visible area between the vagina and anus. The cosmetic surgeon will remove scarring and excess skin from this area, followed by an approximation of muscles and overlying skin with absorbable sutures. This tightens the vaginal opening and helps in the improvement of sexual function.
Benefits of vaginal tightening
- Enhanced vaginal sensations
- Increased vaginal lubrication
- Gratifying intimacy
- Improved bladder control
- Positive impact on body image and self-esteem
Frequently asked questions
Q: How much is it to tighten your Vigina?
A: The cost depends on many factors, including the type of procedure, location and expertise of your provider and extent of the procedure. The usual cost range is 3000 to 10,000 USD for different treatments.
Q: When can I resume sex after vaginal tightening procedures?
A: For nonsurgical vaginal tightening procedures, abstinence is advised for a couple of days. For surgical procedures like vaginoplasty, wait is recommended for a few weeks until the sutures are absorbed and the area is healed.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: Laser and radiofrequency vaginal tightening results last relatively less, and repeated sessions are needed for an optimal outcome. The surgical procedures are relatively longer lasting but not guaranteed to be effective life-long.
Conclusion
Vaginal laxity and the resulting sexual dysfunction are commonly reported intimate symptoms by women as they age or give vaginal births. Many ways are available to tighten up the vagina and counter these effects. What procedure best suits you depends upon your individual requirements. Choose a qualified aesthetic surgeon for consultation and discuss your options. The results of a carefully chosen procedure in expert hands are rewarding.
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3 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] From Leaking Urine to Sudden Urges to Go: An Ob-Gyn Talks Bladder Control Problems: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/from-leaking-urine-to-sudden-urges-to-go-an-ob-gyn-talks-bladder-control-problems
[3] Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation NYC: https://labiaplastynewyorkcity.com/vaginal-rejuvenation-nyc/