What Causes Vaginal Laxity?

Vaginal laxity is a condition when trauma and stretching to the vagina cause a loss of vaginal tightness.

Not only can this cause self-esteem issues in women due to negative body image, but it can lead to decreased genital function, such as decreased sensation, decreased sexual satisfaction, or even incontinence.

The condition is often, but not always, the result of childbirth through vaginal delivery. Increased risk factors for vaginal laxity include having a large baby, bearing multiple children, or bearing children at an older age.

What Can Be Done About Vaginal Laxity?

Traditionally, Kegel exercises meant to raised the pelvic floor have been the go to treatment for vaginal laxity, but the empirical evidence for these exercise’s effectiveness hasn’t been shown.

Rather, certain cosmetic procedures have proven to be effective. Women have, essentially, surgical and non-surgical options.

Women opting for the surgical route would receive a surgical vaginoplasty, which reduces the gap between the stretched vaginal muscles.

The non-invasive route, meanwhile, uses either laser treatment, like the fractional CO2 laser FemiLift which is offered at Cosmetic Dermatology Center, or radiofrequency treatment in order to stimulate collagen production.

Which Treatment Is Better for Me?

Will surgery can be effective, the downtime is downside for many. Laser treatments on the other hand have shown to be effective in treating sexual dysfunction associated with vaginal laxity, and even helping with mild urinary incontinence, without the lengthy recovery.

Laser treatments have also shown to sometimes be effective in increasing lost vaginal lubrication, by facilitating blood flow to the area.

However for more extreme cases, a vaginoplasty may be necessary. Surgical vaginoplasties have high satisfaction rates as well.

If you’re worried you might suffer from vaginal laxity, it’s important to have a frank talk with your physician to talk about your genital health.

If you want to know more, call Cosmetic Dermatology Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicole Hayre.