Vaginal Laxity
What is vaginal laxity?
Vaginal laxity is the loosening of vagina. Loosening of vagina is typically caused due to vaginal child birth, loosening of pelvic muscles and age. Vagina is stretched to a large extent when a woman is giving birth to a baby. The muscles and tissues that are stretched will not return to the original position or tightness before the child birth. If there are multiple deliveries or if the head of the baby is larger or if the delivery is done using forceps, the loosening will be even more.
Symptoms associated with vaginal laxity or loosened vagina
Once vagina becomes loose, the woman cannot feel the sensation of penis during the intercourse like she felt before. This results in decreased sexual pleasure. For some, this leads to loss of interest in sex and takes a toll on their quality of life, personal relationships and causes trauma. Though many women around us go through this condition, they do not report it.
Treatment options for vaginal laxity:
Loosened vagina can be tightening either surgically or non-surgically. Surgical vaginal tightening involves suturing the loosened tissues of the vagina. Read more about ‘Surgical Vaginal Tightening’ by clicking that link.
Non surgical vaginal tightening involves usage of laser or Radio Frequency treatment. They both work by stimulating (by heating up) the tissues around the vagina to release more collagen which tightens it. One Radio Frequency technology uses ‘Surface Cooling’ mechanism, which cools the surface of the tissues after heating them up from the inside. This cooling protects the vaginal skin from burning/charring up. This method of tightening has been found to improve vaginal tightness, sensation and female sexual functioning.
Laser is also used to heat up the tissues but compared to RF treatment, laser heats up the superficial portions of the tissues. (RF heats up the tissues that are deeper).
Which is better – Surgical or Non Surgical Tightening of Vagina?
Surgical tightening of the vagina is kind of permanent or long lasting. But that involves the risk of surgery, admission into the hospital. Non surgical vaginal tightening is done as a day care procedure, with minimal to no blood loss. Patient can go home the same day and get back to work in 3 days. However, she must avoid intercourse for a period of 2 weeks at least until the gynaecologist gives her a go. Non surgical procedure is not permanent, the tightness lasts for 6 to 12 months and the procedure must be repeated to maintain the tightness.
What other problems can be treated with Radio Frequency devices and Lasers?
Because of vaginal child birth, vaginal and pelvic muscles become loose. For some women, this may result in Stress Urinary Incontinence – lack of control on urine leakage. Simple activities such a jumping, laughing or coughing may leak urine and this dents the confidence in women. RF and lasers can treat mild Stress Urinary Incontinence. However, if the problem is severe, the person may have to go for a surgery.
Vaginal lubrication – usually happens with age, can also be treated with these devices.
