WOMEN'S SERVICES
Vaginal Tightening Procedures-Nonsurgical
Your vagina is elastic. This means it can stretch to accommodate things coming in (think: a penis or sex toy) or going out (think: a baby). But it won't take long for your vagina to snap back to its previous shape.
Your vagina may become slightly looser as you age or have children, but overall, the muscles expand and retract just like an accordion or a rubber band.
'Tight' vagina meaning
Your vaginal muscles naturally relax when you're aroused. If you're not turned on, interested, or physically prepared for intercourse, your vagina won't relax, self-lubricate, and stretch.
Vagina changes over time
Only two things can affect your vagina's elasticity: age and childbirth. Frequent sex - or lack thereof - won't cause your vagina to lose its stretch.
Over time, childbirth and age could potentially cause a slight, natural loosening of your vagina. Women who've had more than one vaginal birth are more likely to have weakened vaginal muscles. However, aging can cause your vagina to stretch slightly, regardless of whether you've had children.
Age
You may begin to see a change in your vagina's elasticity starting in your 40s. That's because your estrogen levels will begin to drop as you enter the perimenopausal stage.
A loss of estrogen means your vaginal tissue will become:
» thinner
» drier
» less acidic
» less stretchy or flexible
These changes may become more noticeable once you reach full menopause.
Childbirth
It's natural for your vagina to change after a vaginal delivery. After all, your vaginal muscles stretch in order to let your baby pass through the birth canal and out of your vagina's entrance.
If you've had multiple childbirths, your vaginal muscles are more likely to lose a little elasticity. If you're uncomfortable with this, there are exercises to strengthen your vaginal floor muscles before, during, and after pregnancy.
How to strengthen your vaginal muscles
Pelvic exercises are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are part of your core and help support your:
» bladder
» rectum
» small intestine
» uterus
When your pelvic floor muscles weaken from age or childbirth, you may :
» accidentally leak urine or pass wind
» feel the constant need to pee
» have pain in your pelvic area
» experience pain during sex
Although pelvic floor exercises can help treat mild urinary incontinence, they aren't as beneficial for women who experience severe urinary leakage. Your doctor can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that suits your needs.
Exercises
Interested in strengthening your pelvic floor? Here are some exercises you can try:
Kegel exercises
First, you need to identify your pelvic floor muscles. To do so, stop midstream while you're peeing. If you succeed, you figured out the right muscles.
Once you do, follow these steps:
Pick a position for your exercises. Most people prefer lying on their back for Kegels.
Tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the contraction for 5 seconds, relaxing for another 5 seconds.
Repeat this step at least 5 times in a row.
As you build strength, increase to 10 seconds. Try not to tighten your thighs, abs, or butt during Kegels. Just focus on your pelvic floor.
Pelvic tilt exercises
To strengthen your vaginal muscles using a pelvic tilt exercise:
Stand with shoulders and butt against a wall. Keep knees soft.
Pull bellybutton in toward your spine. When you do this, your back should flatten against the wall.
Tighten your bellybutton for 4 seconds, then release.
Repeat several times a day.
Vaginal cones
You can also strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by using a vaginal cone. This is a weighted, tampon-sized object that you put in your vagina and hold.
To do this:
Insert the lightest cone into your vagina.
Squeeze your muscles. Hold it in place for about 15 minutes, twice a day.
Increase the weight of the cone you use as you become more successful in holding the cone in place in your vagina.
Vaginal cones may be helpful with urinary incontinence after childbirth. However, more research is needed.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
NMES can help strengthen your vaginal muscles by sending an electric current through your pelvic floor using a probe. The electrical stimulation will cause your pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax.
You can use a home NMES unit or have your doctor perform the treatment.
HIFU-
HIFU(high intensity focused ultrasound) can help tighten the vaginal canal and has become one of the leading intervention done in a noninvasive manner. It is highly effective and lasts 2 years.
Diode and Co2 Laser vagina tightening -Both lasers are very effective and done in patients who do not respond to HIFU.
Nonsurgical methods of vaginal rejuvenation
Nonsurgical methods of vaginal rejuvenation are noninvasive with a short recovery time. They help tighten and tone your vaginal area without needles or surgery. Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation involves heating the top layers of vaginal tissue. This causes the underlying tissue to create extra collagen and new, firmer tissue.
Nonsurgical treatment includes:
» CO2 laser treatment: The laser heats the upper layers of the tissue in your vagina, causing the tissue in the lower layers to make more collagen. This makes the skin firmer and tighter. Brand names of laser devices include MonaLisa Touch, FemTouch and FemiLift.
» RF (radio frequency) treatment: RF treatment uses electromagnetic waves, similar to the waves used in a microwave (but to a lesser extent). RF waves heat the vaginal tissue, encouraging blood flow and collagen production. Brand names of RF devices include Viveve, Emsella and ThermiVA.
RF and laser treatments are done in an office setting. Little, if any, local anesthetic is used during the procedure. You can typically continue with your day without needing any recovery time.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How do they do surgical vaginal rejuvenation?
It depends on the type of surgery. First, you'll meet with a surgeon to discuss your symptoms and what you hope to achieve with surgery. Use this time to ask questions and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Most vaginal rejuvenation surgeries last one to two hours, but it depends on the procedure, the level of work involved and the method the surgeon uses. In most cases, surgical vaginal rejuvenation is done under general anesthesia in an outpatient facility. Once you're asleep, the surgeon makes incisions (cuts) on your vulva or in your vagina and the surrounding tissues and muscles. The location of the incisions varies depending on the type of surgery. Finally, they close the incisions with dissolvable stitches.
Your surgeon will give you post-operative instructions, including a list of restricted activities (like sex). You'll be allowed to use ice packs and pain relievers for discomfort. Since you're asleep, you won't experience pain during the surgery.
Before consenting to surgical procedures, make sure you understand the treatment method and risks. As with any surgery, there are post-operative instructions you need to follow to prevent infection and injury.
How do they do laser vaginal rejuvenation?
With this type of vaginal rejuvenation, tightening and toning occur when a probe (or wand) is inserted into your vagina or guided across your external genitals. The probe has a light-like top, which heats the tissue. Your surgeon or provider rotates the wand or uses gentle strokes to distribute the heat in the affected areas.
Laser (or RF) vaginal rejuvenation treatment lasts anywhere from five to 30 minutes, depending on the type and intensity of the laser or RF waves and the procedure you're having.
Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation is painless and requires no anesthesia. Your provider may use a topical anesthetic if discomfort occurs. The treatment area may feel warm or like a bee sting during the procedure. You'll need to refrain from sex or using tampons for three to five days. Follow all of your provider's post-procedure instructions for the best results.
You may experience some redness or swelling after treatment, but this should subside within 24 -48 hours. You may need several treatments before you reach your desired outcome.
RISKS / BENEFITS
What are the benefits of vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation can:
» Improve the tightness of your vagina.
» Help with incontinence (leaking urine).
» Increase lubrication and moisture.
» Increase vaginal sensitivity and sensations.
» Strengthen weak vaginal and pelvic muscles.
» Improve painful intercourse.
» Enhance the appearance of your vulvar area (labia, clitoris or vaginal opening).
Are there any complications associated with vaginal rejuvenation?
Not all vaginal rejuvenation treatment has been proven safe or effective. There are several risks associated with vaginal rejuvenation (with increased risk for surgical treatments):
» Pain.
» Bleeding.
» Infection.
» Scarring.
» Painful sex (dyspareunia).
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
Does vaginal rejuvenation work?
Like most cosmetic surgeries, individual results will vary. Some vaginal rejuvenation treatments are questionable and lack scientific proof.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned some companies marketing vaginal rejuvenation procedures. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns against these procedures, calling the marketing practices "deceptive." They recommend that you go through a careful evaluation with your gynecologist and understand the risks and complications before proceeding with vaginal rejuvenation procedures.
How long should I wait to have sex after vaginal rejuvenation?
If you have a nonsurgical treatment, you should wait at least three to five days to have sex. Check for signs of infection or bleeding before engaging in sexual intercourse. You should also refrain from using a tampon or inserting anything into your vagina during the recovery period.
Surgical treatment may require abstinence from sex for several weeks until the area has healed and stitches have dissolved. Talk to your surgeon or provider about specific recovery instructions.
How long does vaginal rejuvenation last?
It depends. Laser and RF treatments usually need to be repeated over several sessions. Results are not permanent. Surgical procedures may last longer, but there is no guarantee that the results will last forever.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you're struggling with sexual dissatisfaction, pain or lack of confidence over issues with your vagina. There may be things they can do to help you, like physical therapy or medication. It's important to talk to a trusted medical professional before proceeding with surgeries or treatments to make sure you understand the risks and what other options are out there to help you.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Does my insurance cover vaginal rejuvenation?
Most insurance plans don't cover vaginal rejuvenation because it's considered cosmetic (not medically necessary). However, there are exceptions like childbirth injuries or trauma. Contact your insurance provider for questions regarding coverage.
How much does vaginal rejuvenation cost?
It depends. Several factors determine how much vaginal rejuvenation costs. Some of these factors include:
» Where you live.
» The type of procedure (surgical or nonsurgical).
» How extensive treatment is.
» If your insurance will cover any portion of the cost.
For example, a vulvoplasty in New York City will be substantially more than laser or RF treatment in Ohio. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 or more.