If you have a vagina, you may notice that at certain times in your life, such as during menopause or after having a baby, it might lose some of its function. The lining of the vagina may become thinner and drier, causing painful sex, urinary tract problems and other issues. But, vaginal rejuvenation can help. This is an umbrella term for several vaginal corrective treatments aimed at improving the function of the vagina and sometimes the appearance of the vulva. “When we talk about vaginal rejuvenation, we’re thinking about restoring function, but there are parts of it that can improve appearance as well,” says Dr. Jessica Wright, MD,owner and medical director of Rejuvenate Austin, a med-spa in Austin, Texas. “But by and large, I think 90% of vaginal rejuvenation is to restore function that’s been lost after childbirth, perimenopause or post-menopause, those sorts of situations.” So, what exactly is vaginal rejuvenation and how does it work? We asked experts to explain and discuss its benefits, any side effects and everything else you should know about vaginal rejuvenation.
What is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation broadly refers to treatments to correct problems like a lack of tightness in the vagina, urinary incontinence or lack of lubrication, according to Cleveland Clinic. Specific treatments include:
Laser treatments, such as MonaLisa Touch or FemiLift, which use heat to stimulate collagen production in vaginal tissues. Radiofrequency treatments where electromagnetic waves heat up and regenerate the tissues in the vagina. Viveve and ThermiVa are some brand names of this type of treatment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, also known as an O-Shot, involve a concentration of platelets from your own blood injected into the vaginal walls.
Many people seek out vaginal rejuvenation during menopause or perimenopause, which causes estrogen levels to drop, says Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, DO, a board-certified urogynecologist and head of the Pelvic Health Institute at Greenleaf Health and Wellness in Howell, New Jersey. Estrogen can also decrease after childbirth. “When that happens, our vaginal tissue starts to thin out because it responds to that hormone, and we lose moisture and we lose elasticity,” she says. “The effects can become very painful because now the tissue becomes very dry and it doesn’t stretch as well.” Vaginal rejuvenation can also include surgical procedures such as a vaginoplasty, which tightens the vagina, and labiaplasty to reshape and reduce the size of the inner labia.
How do laser vaginal rejuvenation treatments work?
The type of vaginal rejuvenation that you need depends on your symptoms. Laser treatments are often used when someone lacks natural lubrication or sensation during sex, experiences painful sex or has urinary incontinence. “Some women just need the inside of the vagina lasered,” Greenleaf says. “Some women need the vulva lasered also, so the labia, the inner labia.” The actual laser treatment for inside the vagina takes just about five minutes; lasering the outside can take 10 to 15 minutes. And, it’s usually not painful and doesn’t require anesthesia. The outside of the vulva is more sensitive, she explains, so the area must be numbed before being lasered, which can take an extra 15 to 30 minutes. Otherwise, it could be painful. Lasers use light energy to penetrate the tissue and create a microscopic injury, she explains. The body responds by boosting collagen production and restoring the vaginal tissue back to its thicker, moister, more elastic state.
How does PRP vaginal rejuvenation work?
The O-Shot treats urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor weakness or pain. It involves drawing a patient’s blood and isolating the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the blood, Wright says. PRP has regenerative properties. “We inject PRP in strategic places like the clitoris and behind the G-spot to proliferate that tissue,” she says. “We use O-Shot by and large for sexual dysfunction. So, when patients are having an issue with sensation or reaching climax, O-Shot is a really great procedure, and it works well as a standalone treatment.” But, depending on their symptoms, sometimes patients need the O-Shot and laser treatment to treat the entire vaginal canal along with the G-spot and the clitoris.
What are the benefits of vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation can help:
Improve vaginal drynessImprove urinary incontinence Promote sexual health Reduce pain during sex Make tissues more elasticRestores tightness and functionalityIncrease sensation
Wright says she’s seen patients have more desire and sexual drive after vaginal rejuvenation. Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation doesn’t affect your ability to have children in the future. However, many doctors suggest waiting to have surgical procedures until after you’re finished having children.
How much does it cost?
Insurance typically doesn’t cover vaginal rejuvenation procedures. Laser treatments can cost between $1,500 to $5,000 for three treatments. O-Shots can be $800 to $1,500 per shot.
What are the risks and side effects of vaginal rejuvenation?
Treatments marketed for vaginal rejuvenation have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for that purpose. However, Wright said they’re safe and have few risks. But, it’s crucial to find a clinic experienced in providing vaginal rejuvenation and that’s owned and overseen by a physician. It’s a good idea to talk to your gynecologist before having a procedure done, too, Greenleaf suggests, and if they don’t offer the treatment, they can likely recommend someone who does. People with a history of abnormal pap smears, who are immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding might not be good candidates for vaginal rejuvenation. Some patients may experience cramping and light discharge for a couple of days, Greenleaf says. And, you’ll need to avoid sexual activity and soaking in a tub or pool for a week or so. There’s always a risk of infection or injury from the lasers, but she says it’s rare.
How long can you expect results to last?
The results of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation aren’t permanent. You often need multiple treatments, depending on your symptoms. Greenleaf says three laser treatments four to eight weeks apart is ideal. Results typically last for about a year, and many patients get a new O-Shot or laser treatment each year to keep up those results. “We can’t stop the aging process, so it starts to wear off after a year, and then you just maintain it and get lasered once a year to maintain that tissue,” Greenleaf says. Next, read about 12 menopause symptoms.
Sources
Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, DO, a board-certified urogynecologist and head of the Pelvic Health Institute at Greenleaf Health and WellnessDr. Jessica Wright, MD, owner and medical director of Rejuvenate AustinCleveland Clinic: Energy-Based Treatments and Vaginal RejuvenationFDA: Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on efforts to safeguard women’s health from deceptive health claims and significant risks related to devices marketed for use in medical procedures for “vaginal rejuvenation”
