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Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures: Successful Or Pointless?
Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD
"Vaginal rejuvenation" is an umbrella term—often used in marketing—to refer to various surgical and nonsurgical treatments that change the aesthetics (look, function, or feel) of the female genitalia. While there is some overlap with medically necessary procedures, vaginal rejuvenation is typically an elective cosmetic procedure.
This article reviews nonsurgical and surgical vaginal rejuvenation, why someone might consider these procedures, their effectiveness, estimated cost, potential side effects, and types of healthcare providers who perform these procedures.
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What's Meant by Vaginal Rejuvenation?Marketing professionals may broadly use the term "vaginal rejuvenation" to include procedures that address medical issues in the vaginal area. This is misleading because it blurs the line between cosmetic and medical procedures.
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Vaginal rejuvenation refers to various cosmetic procedures that modify the appearance of female genitalia, including the vagina and vulva (external female genitalia surrounding the vagina).
Female genitalia includes the:
Vagina: The tube leading to the uterus (womb), where you would insert a tampon
Labia majora: Large "lips," or skinfolds, outside the vagina
Labia minora: Small "lips" that sit just inside or extend slightly past the labia majora
Mons pubis: Fleshy area on the front of the pelvic bone (between the hips) where pubic hair typically grows
Clitoris: Spongy shaft (covered by a skinfold) that sits above the urethra (where urine leaves the body) and below the mons pubis. Its function involves sexual arousal and pleasure
Perineum: Area between the vaginal opening and anus (where stool exits the body)
Female genitalia varies and often changes during puberty, age, pregnancy, or menopause. There is no standard for "normal" or "attractive."
Vaginal rejuvenation is elective, and the decision to have this type of procedure is personal. If it helps you feel more confident and content, it's a valid choice. Don't let external pressures dictate what makes you feel sexually desirable.
Before deciding to have elective vaginal rejuvenation, research, talk with trusted loved ones, and consult with healthcare providers. The decision should align with what is suitable for you.
Nonsurgical TypesNonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures are minimally invasive procedures that healthcare providers perform to improve the appearance of the female genital area. They include:
Laser or radiofrequency (RF) therapy uses controlled energy that stimulates collagen (a protein that maintains elasticity and strength in tissues and muscles) to tighten and firm the skin in the vaginal area.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an injection of your own blood platelets into vaginal tissues. Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that help with healing and tissue repair. PRP aims to promote tissue repair in the vaginal area, potentially improving appearance and enhancing sexual pleasure. These injections are also known as "O (orgasm) shots" when given in the clitoris and "G (Grafenburg) shots" when given in an erogenous zone within the vagina.
Dermal fillers are injectable dermal fillers can enhance the volume and shape of the labia majora, giving it a more youthful appearance.
The following are examples of female genitalia surgery:
Labiaplasty: Reshaping or reducing the size of the labia minora, a common choice for those with an enlarged or uneven labia
Vaginoplasty: Tightening the vaginal canal by repairing or removing excessive vaginal tissue to form a more narrow vaginal canal
Perineoplasty: Reconstructing the perineal area (between the vagina and anus)
Clitoral hood reduction: Removing excess tissue over the clitoris
Mons pubis reduction: Removing excess skin and fat tissue from the mons pubis
Related: Why Some People Get a Labiaplasty
Effectiveness of Vaginal RejuvenationThe effectiveness of nonsurgical and surgical vaginal rejuvenation depends on the individual and their goals. Some people experience positive results with nonsurgical treatments, but scientific evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness is still evolving.
Preliminary studies show that O shots and G shots enhance orgasm for some but are unlikely to help those who have never achieved orgasm. Nonsurgical options also typically require multiple treatments for ongoing maintenance or to achieve desired results. For example, the G shot requires repeat injections every three to five months.
With laser and RF therapy, the timing of the results depends on the procedure. Some see tightening in the labia majora immediately with RF, but it can take a month to see results with laser therapy.
Surgical options like vaginoplasty and labiaplasty tend to have long-lasting cosmetic results. For example, a surgical vaginoplasty is highly effective if you aim to achieve vaginal tightness. But, there is no guarantee that genital cosmetic surgeries will improve your libido (sex drive) or sexual pleasure.
When Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Medically Necessary?Vaginal rejuvenation may be medically necessary to restore structural or functional problems or reduce pain. If you experience irritation from excess labial tissue, you may be a candidate for medically necessary labiaplasty. If you experience discomfort or are experiencing sexual arousal dysfunction, you may choose to have a clitoral hood reduction. A vaginoplasty may also be part of gender affirmation surgery.
Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore or repair structures, tissue damage, or scarring after trauma. Trauma could result from sexual assault, self-harm to the genitals, accidents, injuries, athletic activities, childbirth, or surgery.
Pelvic Floor Reconstruction vs. Vaginal RejuvenationPelvic floor (muscles that support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum) damage can occur with childbirth, hormonal changes, or aging. It can cause incontinence (leakage of pee or poop), urinary tract infections, painful sex, or pelvic organ prolapse (organ shifts into the vagina).
Pelvic floor reconstruction overlaps with vaginal rejuvenation as vaginoplasty and perineoplasty are commonly part of the surgery. But pelvic floor reconstruction is medically necessary, not cosmetic.
Those with vaginal tightness or pain, urinary incontinence, or painful sexual intercourse may wish to consider the following at-home treatments:
Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises (squeezing and releasing the muscle you use to stop the flow of pee) are a simple and natural way to give the pelvic muscles a workout. You can perform them discreetly anywhere, anytime. This can help improve vaginal muscle tone, urine (pee) control, and sexual satisfaction.
Dilator therapy: This is a gentle, nonsurgical approach to help reduce vaginal tightness and painful intercourse. Dilator therapy can be helpful after childbirth, some cancer treatments, surgery, radiation, a hysterectomy, or menopause. It involves using smooth plastic or silicone cylinders to stretch and relax the vaginal muscles gradually.
Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and estrogen creams: Moisturizers are preventive treatments meant for long-term, consistent use. Lubricants are more appropriate to use right before sexual intercourse. They help reduce vaginal dryness and discomfort, especially during sex.
Vaginal estrogen: Postmenopausal people may benefit from a prescription vaginal estrogen cream or ring. It helps restore moisture and lessens dryness and soreness in the vagina and vulva (area outside the vagina).
Related: Vaginal Pessary: Uses, Benefits, Downside
Financials: Estimated Cost of Vaginal RejuvenationThe cost of vaginal rejuvenation depends on the area or geographic location and the provider. According to the Aesthetic Society, the average price of nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation is $1,236 per session. However, nonsurgical treatments may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Surgical options like vaginoplasty or labiaplasty can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more. The average costs are as follows:
These costs may not account for anesthesia, lab work, the surgical facility, or other expenses.
Most insurance plans do not cover vaginal rejuvenation because it is an elective cosmetic procedure. But it may be covered if it's part of a medically necessary procedure. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance company before any procedure.
Related: How to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won't Pay
Side Effects to KnowSome temporary discomfort and swelling are common after nonsurgical and surgical treatments. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about specific laser devices and products, noting they can cause the following side effects:
As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring. Risks of female genital cosmetic surgery also include:
Chronic (long-lasting) pain
Decreased sensation (temporary or chronic)
Painful sex
Need for additional surgeries
A plastic surgeon or obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) performs vaginal rejuvenation procedures. It's important to find someone with experience who explains risks and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your goals. They should take the time to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
SummaryVaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term used to describe various nonsurgical and surgical procedures to change the look, function, or feel of the vagina. While some of these procedures may be necessary due to medical concerns, they are typically considered elective and cosmetic. When considering these procedures, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in female genital surgery.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Drug Name Indication Type User ReviewsWhat Causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Most women's uterus sheds less than five tablespoons of blood during every menstrual cycle.However, some women experience bleeding between menstrual periods or excessive menstrual bleeding and this is referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding. This abnormality can affect a woman's reproductivity.The womb (or uterus) is a very important part of the female reproductive system. It is the organ where the baby grows. Abnormal dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the foremost symptom related to uterine disease. Congratulations!You have successfully cast your vote
Login to view result According to Dr. Manish Bansal, Joint Managing Director, RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital, "Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common problem that is seen in gynaecological practices. This interferes with a woman's daily activities and can also cause anaemia. Generally, a woman bleeds less than 80 ml when she is menstruating, but excessive bleeding is abnormal. The causes can be cysts or uterine fibroids, thyroid problems, uterine infection, uterine cancer, cervical cancer or even polyps."Uterine fibroids are "benign tumors" of the uterine wall that affect approximately 20-25% of women in the childbearing age group. Also known as myomas, they are the most common tumours that affect women of reproductive age. The problem of uterine fibroids is one that is often ignored for reasons ranging from embarrassment to lack of knowledge about the magnitude of the problem. In every ten women, one suffers from uterine fibroids.
Endometriosis is another cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. According to MayoClinic, endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, bowel or the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond your pelvic region. Between 20% and 40% of women who are infertile have endometriosis. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. Other women have symptoms that range from mild to severe.The symptoms include pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during passing motions and low backache Another condition that causes abnormal uterine bleeding is Adenomyosis, in this condition the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus grows into a muscular layer. This generally happens after childbirth. This can lead to heavy bleeding and pressure in the lower abdomen. "Abnormal vaginal bleeding is an important symptom of different types of gynaecological cancers like cancer of the mouth of the uterus, cancer of the uterine cavity, cancer of the ovaries or even cancer of the inner lining of the uterus," adds Dr. Manish.Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.Healthmeup.Com
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