Do you feel reluctant to get intimate with your partner, worried about the shape, color, or tone of your vulva?
You’re not alone. Whether it’s due to aging, childbirth, natural defects, or pure personal preference, women everywhere seek ways to tighten the skin around their vulva or inside the vaginal canal.
But there are a lot of myths floating around – and many women feel reluctant to ask their doctor for help.
So, what is vaginal rejuvenation, and how does it work? Keep reading to find out.
In Brief: What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Simply put, vaginal rejuvenation improves the aesthetic and functional attributes of the vagina. It can be done with both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Pelvic floor exercises and hormone therapy are common non-surgical options. Many women already experiment with pelvic floor exercises on their own time. They’re a great way of taking baby steps toward improved sexual health.
Surgical options include vaginoplasty and labiaplasty.
We’ll discuss all of these options in detail below. But first, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all procedure. Vaginal rejuvenation is highly personalized.
It’s tailored to meet your specific needs.
For many women, the desire to undergo such a procedure is deeply personal, motivated by many factors. It could be to restore one’s own self-confidence or to enhance sexual satisfaction. Sometimes it can address specific medical issues like urinary incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction.
It’s common for young women to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their vulvas – and yes, the fleshy part around your vaginal opening is called the vulva. Sadly, women are sensitive and stigmatized when talking about their sexual health – around 73% of women aren’t taught their own anatomy.
Whatever the reason, communicating openly with your healthcare provider will help you understand the benefits, risks, and costs associated with these procedures.
Understanding Female Anatomy and Aging
The female body is remarkable and intricate, capable of undergoing immense change throughout a woman’s life.
From the onset of puberty to the miracle of childbirth and the transition into menopause, each transformative stage brings changes in the structure and function of the vagina. During puberty, the body’s hormonal changes develop secondary sexual characteristics. The reproductive system grows and matures.
This includes the vagina and the vaginal tissue, which change.
They change in size, shape, and elasticity, which is crucial for intimate relations. Post puberty, a woman’s body is prepared for sexual activity and childbirth. Such changes are entirely normal.
Childbirth is another pivotal stage in a woman’s life.
Having kids isn’t for everyone – that’s your decision to make. But for the women who give birth, the vaginal canal must stretch to allow the baby to pass through. It’s common and expected for this to lead to temporary changes to the vaginal tissue.
The menopause is a natural biological transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During this time, the body reduces its production of hormones, leading to another period of change. Estrogen, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues.
The decline in estrogen levels can cause dryness, thinning, and decreased elasticity of the vaginal walls. This can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse. It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Understandably, such changes are often unwelcome.
Vaginal rejuvenation empowers women to make informed decisions about their bodies.
Common Concerns Related To Vaginal Changes
Vaginal changes, whether due to aging or childbirth, can lead to a host of concerns. Women may experience:
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Discomfort during sex
- Lower sexual desire
- Urinary incontinence
- Loss of vaginal tightness
- Lower self-esteem
- Problems in intimate relationships
None of these problems is anything to feel embarrassed about. All such concerns are valid and shared by women worldwide. So, if you’re experiencing any of these issues, know that you’re not alone.
Medical solutions like vaginal rejuvenation can help you regain control over your body and your sexual health.
Types of Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures
Vaginal rejuvenation encompasses a variety of procedures. Some are surgical, others are not. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of these treatments.
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options offer a less invasive way to address common concerns.
Also known as Kegels, pelvic floor exercises strengthen the vaginal muscles. Over time and with consistent practice, this can tighten the vaginal walls and improve sexual satisfaction. It can also help to address urinary incontinence.
Kegels reinforce the muscles that support the bladder. Here’s a brief explanation of how to perform them:
- Identify the pelvic floor muscles
- Find a comfortable position
- Relax and contract the muscles
- Hold and release
- Establish a routine and practice regularly
You can identify the pelvic floor muscles because they’re the same ones you would use to stop the flow of urine midstream or stop yourself from passing gas. You should aim to hold them for at least 5 seconds initially, gradually increasing the amount of time you hold as you strengthen the muscles.
Ten or more repetitions per session are enough to get started. Your healthcare provider can give you more insight into how to perform Kegels effectively.
Hormone therapy is the other non-surgical option for vaginal rejuvenation.
Estrogen-based treatments are the most regular non-surgical solution. Taken orally, or through patches, gels, or sprays, systemic estrogen therapy releases hormones into the bloodstream. Local estrogen therapy instead focuses specifically on the vaginal area.
In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend a combination of hormonal therapy and non-hormonal treatments. Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and other non-hormonal medications are all examples.
Surgical Options
Surgical options, on the other hand, offer more dramatic and long-lasting results. In some instances, surgical procedures may be combined with non-surgical hormone therapy for the best results.
The two core surgical options available are:
- Vaginoplasty
- Labiaplasty
Vaginoplasty focuses on tightening the vaginal canal and the surrounding muscles. The nature of the procedure will vary depending on a woman’s needs. It’s common for women seeking to repair childbirth defects. In rare cases, women with congenital abnormalities also seek vaginoplasty.
Such abnormalities exist since birth.
Labiaplasty targets the labia minora. These are the skin folds that surround your vaginal opening. Excess skin can cause discomfort during physical exercise and sexual intercourse. Labiaplasty either increases or reduces the size of the labia.
Some women undergo the procedure as a form of gender-affirming surgery. Like laser hair removal, skin peels, and teeth whitening, it can be a cosmetic choice that makes you feel more feminine. Even so (and in spite of popular myth), there is no “correct” way for the labia to look.
Why Women Seek Vaginal Rejuvenation
The reasons to opt for rejuvenation vary greatly. Every woman is different, with differing desires, medical needs, and insecurities. Often, vaginal rejuvenation encompasses a mix of medical and cosmetic motivations.
Medical Reasons
Many women consider vaginal rejuvenation for medical reasons.
These are often related to conditions that affect the pelvic floor, urinary incontinence, and vaginal prolapses. Each has a profound impact on health, well-being, and self-confidence. Discomfort, pain, and various daily challenges result.
The impact on a woman’s sexual health and confidence creates additional emotional distress. Seeking vaginal rejuvenation offers relief from these symptoms and improves a woman’s overall well-being.
Cosmetic Reasons
Cosmetic reasons generally revolve around improving self-esteem and body image.
A common scenario is post-pregnancy.
Many women choose vaginal rejuvenation to restore the appearance and tightness of their vagina to its pre-childbirth state. This helps them regain confidence and feel more at ease with their bodies and their partners.
Whether it’s about sexual fulfillment or personal confidence, the goal of rejuvenation is to empower women and support their overall well-being.
Potential Risks and Benefits
Like any medical procedure, vaginal rejuvenation comes with potential risks. It’s important to understand them before deciding to proceed with treatment.
The best way of making an informed decision is to speak with a healthcare provider about vaginal rejuvenation. They will happily impart unbiased advice about your situation.
Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Safe?
When performed by a qualified, experienced professional, the procedure is generally considered safe. However, in rare instances, it can lead to some post-surgical complications.
It’s the same with any kind of surgery.
These can include infection, bleeding, and changes in sensation. It’s important to discuss these potential risks openly before proceeding.
Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation
We’ve touched on these benefits of rejuvenation already – so we’ll be brief. Every woman differs, but most seek out the procedure for one or more of these benefits:
- Help with incontinence
- Increase the vagina’s tightness
- Increase moisture and lubrication
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
- Enhance the appearance of your labia, clitoris, or vulva
- Improve sexual satisfaction
Crucially, vaginal rejuvenation goes beyond physical comfort.
It can reignite the spark in intimate relationships. And it can open up an entirely new realm of sexual satisfaction. In other words, it can be a way to nurture your sexual health and enhance your quality of life.
Ultimately, vaginal rejuvenation is a pathway to taking control of your body.
Post-procedure Care and Recovery
The recovery period following vaginal rejuvenation depends on the nature of the treatment. Some procedures, such as EmpowerRF treatment, have little downtime.
Like Botox injections, you can expect to recover almost instantly.
This is because the treatments are simple and minimally invasive. That means you’re free to go about your day normally after the procedure, which takes only a couple of hours. In such cases, it’s advisable to approach sexual intimacy with care in the following weeks.
But otherwise, you’re good to go.
However, more invasive procedures can and do require longer recovery times. If you’re opting for invasive vaginoplasty, then you’ll need to stick to your doctor’s orders. Post-procedure recovery in such cases will involve plenty of rest and medication.
You’ll probably need to avoid sexual intercourse entirely in such instances.
After undergoing a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-procedure care and recovery.
This usually involves rest, avoiding sexual intercourse for a certain period, and using prescribed medications as directed.
Can Vaginal Rejuvenation Help With Endometriosis?
Vaginal rejuvenation can address many concerns related to the vagina’s appearance and function. However, it’s not a cure for conditions like endometriosis. If you’re dealing with such a medical disorder, you will need to speak with a specialist.
They will help you explore the best treatment options available for you.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Post-Pregnancy
Rejuvenation can be the perfect option for women who want to restore their vagina to its pre-pregnancy state. The vaginal tissues are very stretchy. But pregnancy can cause micro-tearing.
These tears weaken the vaginal muscles.
The result is lower tightness and tone of the tissue in that area. The good news is that rejuvenation procedures can restore the vagina to its previous state. Usually, the results are best when combined with regular pelvic floor exercises.
How Much Does Vaginal Rejuvenation Cost?
Each woman will be presented with their own customized treatment plan. The ultimate cost depends largely on the type and extent of the procedure you choose.
Typically, invasive surgery costs more. It’s always best to first identify your options. Then you can work with a healthcare provider to choose the best one for your budget.
Non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation procedures happen over the course of multiple sessions. In these instances, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a 3-session treatment series.
Revitalize Your Femininity
Vaginal rejuvenation is an affordable treatment that helps women across the nation feel more at ease in their most intimate moments. It can fix post-pregnancy complications. It can fight back against the aging process and revitalize your sex life.
What is vaginal rejuvenation – really?
It’s the freedom to feel comfortable and confident being yourself.
St. Pete Wellness Med Spa offers a diverse range of cosmetic treatments. Whether you feel uncomfortable in your own skin or simply want to enhance your natural beauty, we offer everything from Botox to micro-needling and vaginal rejuvenation. Book an initial consultation here.