One problem that we don't hear women complaining about too often is vaginal relaxation. Most stoically suffer in silence because they are too embarrassed to reach out for help or too self-conscious to even acknowledge the problem.
Commonly known as a "loose vagina", it is caused by an increase in the diameter of the vagina when the pelvic muscles become stretched or weakened due to ageing, especially when hormone changes also result in weakened muscles. Pregnancy can also cause the condition. This can happen after a difficult childbirth overstretches or tears the pelvic muscles or when a woman gives birth to several babies within a very short time span.
Damage to the pelvic muscles can also be caused by long-term straining from chronic constipation, obesity, excessive exercise and even severe coughing. In very extreme cases a doctor may advise a sufferer to undergo a vaginoplasty. This is a reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure for the vaginal canal, so it can be invasive, very expensive and may even result in some slight scarring, though the surgeons will be careful to keep it to a minimum and where it is least visible.
A new non-invasive vaginal tightening treatment that offers optimal results without any downtime is the FemiLift. The procedure uses a probe that is rotated in a 360-degree pattern to cover the entire vaginal wall. It harnesses the power of fractional CO2 laser technology to achieve a deep thermal effect for vaginal collagen remodelling without the need for aggressive ablation, so there's no need for numbing cream or anaesthetics.
The treatment causes a greater feeling of tightness due to a decreased vaginal diameter and also results in an increase in vaginal lubrication. The procedure is virtually painless so there is no need for an anaesthetic or even numbing cream. A warm sensation is experienced during the procedure but otherwise easy enough to be done during a lunch hour so a patient could even return to work afterwards. One to three treatments every four weeks may be required to achieve the desired result, after which touch up may be needed one or two years later. Other options are available but unfortunately there's no guarantees that they will result in any significant results.
Yoga, Pilates and other pelvic floor exercises can also help to tighten the pelvic muscles, as they incorporate working on the pelvic floor muscle and strengthening the core muscles, which together will help keep the pelvic floor muscles tighter.
Many believe that diet can also help improve the problem. A healthy diet full of wholegrain organic carbohydrates, organic lean animal protein (an excellent muscle builder) and organic fruits and vegetables is recommended to keep vaginal muscles healthy and strong.
Plants have been used for centuries for their beneficial properties specific to human health. Some plants have very strong astringent properties that have the ability to tighten the pelvic floor muscles. The best-known and most used natural herbal ingredient for this purpose is a flowering plant that's found in Thailand called Labisia pumila. It is used in many vaginal tightening products, like creams, gels, pills, tablets, capsules, essential oils, sticks, wands, soaps, washes, suppositories and many other forms.
Finally, if you are one of the many women that suffer from vaginal relaxation you should take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Nearly half of all women who have had vaginal childbirth have some level of concern over vaginal looseness. A worldwide study, conducted by obstetrics and gynaecology experts, recently revealed that vaginal laxity is the number one concern of women after childbirth, even more so than weight gain and stretch marks. So don't succumb to any feelings of shame or stigma associated with the condition, either be happy in yourself or take some decisive action. If there's a concern about vaginal laxity, it's time to start the conversation with your doctor and find out which treatment is right for you.
Dr Nantapat Supannachart, a founder of Apex Profound Beauty, is an American Board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon. Tel 085-000-2001.
