Reasons to have vaginal rejuvenation
Written in association with:Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term for vaginal corrective treatments. Recently, celebrity Jada Pinkett Smith openly shared her journey with vaginal rejuvenation on her Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk. She claims that she underwent the procedure for her: “bladder issues, which completely went away after three treatments.”
Whether it’s to tighten the vagina post-childbirth, stop urinary incontinence or eliminate the vaginal dryness felt during the menopause, women of all ages can benefit from the procedure.
Want to know how it works? We’ve asked consultant gynaecologist Dr Fakher Gendy to explain everything you need to know about the procedure.
What is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation is a virtually painless non-surgical procedure that lasts for about 30 minutes. The procedure does not require any special preparation but any infection must be excluded first with an examination and a swab made by your doctor.
The procedure is performed with the introduction of a small radiofrequency or laser probe into the vagina to act on its walls directly. It has a multiple and precisely-located effect in the vaginal wall, which leads to the formation of new young cells and glands. This rejuvenates the wall by activating collagen biosynthesis and restoring the appropriate water levels in the extracellular matrix.
After the procedure, the patient may return to their daily activities but should not undertake any sexual activity for a few days.
What tests or conditions are performed before the treatment?
To make sure that there is no pre-existing infection, your doctor will perform a normal cervical smear, a urine test, a vaginal swab and a full gynaecological examination.
Under what medical circumstances is vaginal rejuvenation recommended?
There are multiple reasons for vaginal rejuvenation. These may include:
- After childbirth
The vagina does not return to its initial position and remains wider. Stimulation of vaginal walls during sexual intercourse decreases, which may affect both yours and your partner's satisfaction. After taking a bath or going swimming, water may stay in the vagina.
- Urinary tract problems
Some women experiencing early-stage disorders of the urinary tract will also benefit from vaginal rejuvenation. These symptoms include difficulty urinating, a sudden urge to urinate with or without incontinence or stress urinary incontinence.
These problems can appear at any age but are often associated with childbirth and menopause. The underlying cause is the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
During the procedure, the probe acts on the bladder outlet to strengthen its valve. The treatment contracts the vaginal walls and stimulates collagen fibres, which therefore improves the position of the urethra.
- Menopause
During the menopause, many women often complain of insufficient moisture of the vagina as a result of lower oestrogen production. It is also a time when the vagina loses elasticity. These symptoms may decrease the quality of sex, which leads to a sensation of dryness and pain during intercourse.
Vaginal rejuvenation helps the vaginal walls regain their elasticity and moisture. After the procedure, women are less prone to infection caused by small trauma, which is a common complaint of women during the menopause. The procedure leads to restoration of pH levels and bacterial flora, to prevent infections. Once tissue levels are restored, the unpleasant sensation of dryness disappears.
- Sex life
The procedure is ideal for women who want to improve the quality of their sex life as the radiofrequency waves improve vaginal elasticity and moisture. This alleviates any pain felt during sexual intercourse.
Is this a safe treatment for women?
Radiofrequency is completely safe for women and their internal organs. It operates in a short depth from the vaginal walls and does not affect the cervix, uterus or the ovaries.
If you are interested in having the procedure, do not hesitate to book a first consultation with Dr Gendy now.