Dr Sue Ho: Is Vaginal Rejuvenation Solely Done for Bedroom Intimacy?

Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome (VRS) is a common challenge faced by many women, especially after childbirth when the vaginal wall can get stretched beyond its limits. Other factors like connective tissue weakness and the natural decrease in collagen production contribute to VRS.

One treatment that can help women facing VRS is vaginal rejuvenation. However, it’s a sensitive topic in Singapore and is sometimes surrounded by misconceptions. In this article, we aim to dispel these misconceptions, so that women can make an informed choice.

Misconception 1: “It’s Only About Aesthetics”

The first misconception about vaginal rejuvenation is that women do it only for aesthetic purposes. Here’s the truth.

Functional Benefits of VRS

Women who have given birth experience persistent bladder leaks and incontinence (commonly associated with VRS), affecting their day-to-day lives. Simple tasks like crouching down, working out, or tending to their children can cause discomfort. Vaginal rejuvenation can help to treat these issues.

Vaginal Tightness

Vaginal rejuvenation can help tighten a woman’s vagina after birth, improving her sex life and the confidence she feels in herself.

Other issues

Vaginal rejuvenation goes beyond aesthetics to tackle a range of pressing concerns, including:

• Loose skin around the vagina
• Occasional urinary leakage during activities like jumping, sneezing, or laughing
• Difficulty in controlling urinary flow
• Reduced libido
• Excessive dryness
• Pain during intercourse
• Low sensation and sexual satisfaction

Misconception 2: “It’s Only for Older Women”

VRS isn’t age-exclusive. While vaginal looseness can affect older women more during menopause, it can still affect younger women, especially after pregnancy. As such, vaginal rejuvenation is helpful across age groups.

Young women, like older women, may also have concerns about the appearance of their vagina, which can affect their self-esteem and body image. Vaginal rejuvenation can help in this area, too.

Misconception 3: “It’s Only for Women Who Have Given Birth”

Hormonal changes, especially those linked to menopause, play a significant role in causing vaginal relaxation. Thus, VRS isn’t exclusive to women who have given birth.

Vaginal rejuvenation doesn’t just address changes associated with childbirth. It’s a versatile non-surgical procedure that benefits women of all ages and life stages, whether or not they have children.

Misconception 4: “It’s a Single Procedure”

Many people mistakenly assume that vaginal rejuvenation follows a standardised approach, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every individual’s anatomy and needs differ. Typically, two treatments done a month apart can provide good results.

For long-lasting results, maintenance treatments may be scheduled on a yearly basis. As always, consult your doctor for a thorough assessment to minimise potential complications and ensure the suitability of the procedure.

Misconception 5: “It Guarantees Sexual Satisfaction”

While vaginal rejuvenation enhances comfort and confidence during sex, it’s not the be-all-end-all solution. It’s best to approach this aspect of vaginal rejuvenation with realistic expectations.

A fulfilling sexual relationship also involves emotional, psychological, and physical factors that extend beyond anatomy.

Misconception 7: “It’s a Permanent Solution”

Vaginal rejuvenation provides long-lasting results. This is achieved through the use of Er:YAG laser, a non-ablative laser. The thermal heat from this laser stimulates, remodels, and synthesises new collagen fibres in the vaginal mucosa and collagen-rich endopelvic layer.

Laser treatment also promotes the overall health of vaginal tissue. It increases blood flow and reduces inflammation, resulting in enhanced sexual function and relief from menopausal symptoms.
While vaginal rejuvenation provides long-lasting results, factors like ageing and hormonal fluctuations influence the treatment’s long-term effectiveness. Results are noticeable after the first session if you have mild VRS, and after two to three sessions if you have severe VRS.

What To Expect With Vaginal Rejuvenation

Other than a pap smear, no additional preparations are needed prior to treatment. There is no downtime post-treatment. However, you will need to refrain from intercourse for a 72-hour period. Patients experiencing VRS are also recommended to avoid:

• Engaging in heavy lifting (if unavoidable, ensure to engage your core).
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Participating in high-impact exercises.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
• Smoking.
• Enduring prolonged bouts of constipation.
• Holding in urine.
• Wearing excessively tight clothing.

Vagina Rejuvenation Treatment at SL Aesthetic Clinic

At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we provide laser vaginal rejuvenation treatments, including Fotona RenovaLase and Fotona IntimaLase. These procedures are safe and non-invasive for VRS symptoms. Our vaginal rejuvenation treatments also come with pap smears.

Our experienced female doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic perform these treatments with minimal discomfort. To explore the benefits of vaginal tightening treatments, book an appointment with us.