Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity is the complaint of “excessive vaginal looseness” and is thought to be caused by the vaginal introitus streching during childbirth.
About 80% of women underreport vaginal laxity, which is most frequently interpreted as diminished feeling during sexual intercourse.
Vaginal rejuvenation is frequently recommended to women who experience vaginal laxity, in order to improve the vaginal tone and hence increase sexual friction.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is previously known as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).
Symptoms:
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginal dryness, bleeding, irritation
- Itching, burning
- Sexual dysfunction
- Recurrent urinary infection
- Urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria
A recent study showed that vaginal rejuvenation has a genuine positive impact on GSM and urinary incontinence.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Throughout The Years
Western countries have seen an increase in the popularity of female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) procedures in recent years, particularlyvaginal rejuvenation.
All these procedures are carried out primarily for aesthetic concerns or, in some cases, to improve sexual function.
There is proof that women’s desire for a standardized, pre- pubic genital apperance—the“Barbie doll look”, where the labia minora are small and the vagina opening seems to be extremely tight.
Types of Treatment
Surgical
- Vaginal tightening
- Labia minoraplasty
- Labia majoraplasty
- Clitoral hood reduction
- Hymenoplasty
Non-surgical
- Radiofrequency (RF) devices
- Lasers
- Fillers
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Arnold Kegel initially proposed Kegel exercises in 1948 as a way to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. According to Dr. Kegel’s study, the exercises may aid in the prevention of cystocele, rectocele, and urinary incontinence.
Mechanisms of Vaginal Rejuvenation
Laser-Based Devices
RF-Based Devices
Noninvasive Modalities
Combination Treatments
- Energy-based devices with platelet-rich plasma
- Energy-based devices after surgery
- Energy-based devices and fillers
- Combination of energy-based devices
Unquestionably, energy-based devices hold significant promise for improving the aesthetics and functionality of women’s intimate areas, especially vaginal rejuvenation.
To reach definitive conclusions, including accepting these devices as standard, preventive, or first-line treatments, larger, double-blinded, randomized control trials are needed.
References
1.Barbara G, Facchin F, Buggio L, Alberico D, Frattaruolo MP, Kustermann A. Vaginal rejuvenation: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:513-519.
2.Campbell P, Krychman M, Gray T, Vickers H, Money- Taylor J, Li W, Radley S. Self-Reported Vaginal Laxity —Prevalence, Impact, and Associated Symptoms in Women Attending a Urogynecology Clinic. J Sex Med. 2018;15(11):1659-1660.
3.Desai SA, Dixit VV. Audit of Female Genital Aesthetic Surgery: Changing Trends in India. J Obstet Gynecol India. 2018;68(3):214-220.
4.Desai SA, Kroumpouzos G, Sadick N. Vaginal rejuvenation: From scalpel to wands. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5:79-84.
5.Dietz HP, Stankiewicz M, Atan, IK, Ferreira CW, Socha M. Vaginal laxity: what does this symptom mean? Int Urogynecol J. 2017;29(5):723-728.
6.Dodero D, Frascani F, Angelucci M, Bernabei G, Merlo E, Locatelli F, Murina F. Solid State Vaginal Laser for the Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Preliminary Report. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;8:113-121.
7.Huang YC, Chang KV. Kegel Exercises. [Update 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls. [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.
8.Karcher C, Sadick N. Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2016;2(3):85-88.