Have you ever heard of vaginal rejuvenation?
Recently, at the 2018 AASECT Conference, I attended a presentation entitled “Vaginal Rejuvenation: A New Technology for Vaginal Health and Improved Intimacy” presented by my fellow online sex therapist colleague Lisa Thomas, LCSW, LMFT, CST-S and Susan Schroeder, M.D.
This technology has been around for several years but about two years ago, we started using it in the vaginal area and have been finding impressive results. While more short and long-studies need to be done, this might be a helpful option for some women as long as they consult their health care professional and do the research necessary to understand all the risks, benefits, and unknowns.
What is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal Rejuvenation consists of interventions (surgical and nonsurgical) aimed at improving vaginal laxity, stress urinary incontinence, vaginal lubrication, erotic sensation and/or external appearance.
The field of non-surgical female genital rejuvenation is growing as the changes women experience with age are receiving greater attention.
This is a newer technology that can be LIFE CHANGING for women and many people aren’t aware of this technology.
Three Reasons Why Women Choose Vaginal Rejuvenation
- It’s not just about better sex. There are numerous reasons women choose to undergo vaginal rejuvenation which can include loose tampons, scar tissue in the vaginal, experience a “popping’ sound during yoga class or when walking, urinary stress incontinence and problems passing bowel movements.
- But the sex will be better. Because surgical vaginal rejuvenation results in vaginal tightening, friction during intercourse is increased which means greater stimulation and pleasure during sex. Studies report that 83% – 90% of vaginal rejuvenation patients experience successful results and an improved sex life following surgery. It has been reported to increase sensation and the patient sex life is enhanced by resulting self confidence and increasing libido.
- It’s a long lasting investment. Thought it’s normal that all parts of the body relax slightly as we age, the vaginal areas should never return to the degree of relaxation experienced after the intervention.
What Causes Vaginal Change?
- Aging (Atrophy, decreased lubrication, vaginal laxity)
- Childbearing (urinary stress incontinence, decreased sensation, laxity, and trauma)
- Hormonal Changes
- Chronic Inflammatory Disease (Vulvar Lichen Planus)
Do you have any of the above related concerns? Here are some of the options:
What are some Behavioral Options if I have some of the above issues?
- Kegel Exercises- minimally effective but often recommended
- Pelvic Floor Therapy- Ben Wa Balls or working with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
- Biofeedback- a treatment to help patients learn to strengthen or relax their muscles in order to improve bowel or bladder function
What are some of the short-term fixes if I have some of the above issues?
- Vaginal Tighteners (topical): V-Tight Gel, Acano Essential Oil (non prescription)
- Lubricants and Moisturizers (topical): Replens or KY Liquid Beads (non prescription)
- Topical hormones- estrogen (prescription)
What are some of the Surgical Procedures if I have some of the above issues?
Vaginoplasty, Labiaplasty, Perineoplasty
- Vaginoplasty- any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction of the vagina
- Labiaplasty- a plastic surgery procedure designed to alter the appearance of the labia
- Perineoplasty- a plastic surgery procedure used to correct clinical conditions to the perineum
What are some Emerging Options if I have some of the above issues?
Lasers
- not new technology, just new applications
- Definition of a laser: single wavelength of light absorbed by a specific target or chromophore (color). Laser energy is converted to heat energy when absorbed by the target
- Mechanism of Action: Tissue Remodeling
- Three types of laser Technology: Radiofrequency, noablative lasers (Erb: YAG), Ablativ Lasers (Fractional COS)
Some Current Lasers on the Market
According to Dr. Schroeder, the average patient will do 3 treatments, one to start, then the second one month after the first, then 6 weeks after that. She states that the companies often advise an annual treatment but Dr. Schroeder doesn’t see evidence for the need for this. Down time varies on the laser technology that is used, but Dr. Schroeder says that the laser she uses frequently (CO2) is 3-days without intercourse with minimal pain or discomfort.
External Treatments using Lasers
Medical Indication: Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus (inflammatory condition that causes tissue paper like quality of the skin)
Labia Minora Remodeling: Shrinkage
Hyperpigmentation (Dyschromia)
A different procedure but something to note and learn more about that can be an effective treatment for:
Women with decreased libido.
Women who are anorgasmic or struggle to orgasm.
women who desire a heightened sexual experience.
Where to go for treatment:
Board Certified: Dermatologist, Gynecologists, and Urologists. Do your research, this is a new technology and doesn’t have a lot of information about the long-term effects over.
Costs
If you are doing it in a package of 3, depending on the part of the country that you are in, it can cost between $2000-$4000. Insurance does not cover the treatment at this time.
A few caveats:
There aren’t long-term studies on the effects of this procedure so we don’t know EXACTLY the long term effects of this so do your research and speak to your doctor(s) and sexual health team. We DO know the long term effects of this technology on other areas of the body which may inform your decision.
When this was presented, it activated some of the members in the audience, showing that there might be some controversy around the technology. But as a sex therapist, it is important that I have as much information as possible about possible treatment options for clients that come to me for a myriad of issues.
If you are struggling with this issue, or other sexual issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and we can set up a time to meet to discuss this in further.