SYMPTOMS
Vaginal Laxity: It’s Time to Talk about It
Vaginal laxity is a health and self-esteem issue for many women, although not many want to talk about it. The term refers to a “looseness” in the vagina. Women with this problem often lose sexual satisfaction because there is less vaginal sensation during intercourse. Some women then lose confidence, concerned that a compromised sex life will have a negative impact on their relationships.
Even though it’s a very common health issue, many women are reluctant to discuss it. Even fewer explore treatment options with their healthcare providers. But there are some tried-and-true traditional solutions and high-tech treatments that can greatly improve most cases of vaginal laxity.
Causes of Vaginal Laxity
- Vaginal childbirth, or vaginal delivery, which stretches muscles, tendons and vaginal walls.
- A drop in estrogen levels caused by menopause
- Decreased estrogen production caused by health issues
- Aging muscles and tendons creating a weakened pelvic floor
- Genetics that determine the physical structure of the vagina
A drop in estrogen production causes the vaginal muscles to become thinner and less elastic, causing laxity as the vaginal canal and tissues around the vaginal opening lose their strength and structure.
As we age, muscles and tendons in the pelvic area weaken and offer less support to the vagina and other pelvic organs, which is why vaginal laxity is often accompanied by urinary incontinence and even constipation issues.
Of course, vaginal childbirth can cause vaginal laxity and pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues. Even women who have C-section deliveries can experience changes to their vagina and other pelvic organs caused by the strains of pregnancy.
Less common causes are inherited disorders, such as lowered collagen production, excess body weight and vaginal trauma unrelated to childbirth.
Symptoms of Vaginal Laxity
Women may realize vaginal laxity is an issue but may not know that other symptoms they are experiencing are related to a weakened and loose vaginal canal.
Symptoms can include:
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Insufficient lubrication
- Loss of confidence
- Loss of sensation during sexual intercourse
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary incontinence
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of vaginal laxity, the Coyle Institute can help you find a treatment that will work for your goals and lifestyle.
First Steps to Treatment
Some of the most simple and effective treatments that increase vaginal tightness include the use of herbal creams and sprays or Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These easy options can also help relieve symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Treating with diVa®
diVa® laser vaginal therapy can provide drastic improvement for women suffering from vaginal looseness.
diVa® treats the structures and surfaces of the vaginal walls with dual laser technology. One laser stimulates new collagen and elastin production in the deeper, structural tissues of the vagina and form thicker, stronger vaginal walls. This new tissue provides better support for the vagina and other pelvic organs as it tightens and “plumps” the vaginal canal. The second laser resurfaces the vaginal walls for new cell growth that is more resilient and able to produce natural lubrication, improving overall vaginal function.
The painless and minimally invasive diVa® laser therapy takes only a few minutes to treat the entire vaginal canal in your provider's office. It has zero recovery time and women can immediately return to normal daily activities, except you must abstain from intercourse for five days.
To optimize results, you will need three treatments over the course of a few months. Your provider will also recommend treatments every 12 months to maintain your results.
Treating Vaginal Laxity with Surgical Solutions
For women who have issues that will not respond to laser treatments, there are surgical options that can improve vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence. Your urogynecologist may suggest surgery such as labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, hymenoplasty, or perineoplasty to tighten the structure of the vagina and surrounding supportive structures.
Don’t hesitate to discuss vaginal laxity or any intimate health issues with the supportive and expert team at Coyle Institute. Treatment may be far easier than you think. Our greatest goal is for you to live your happiest, most confident and fulfilling life. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about vaginal laxity treatment options.