Hi Friend!
We’re going to get a little personal today, if you don’t mind. I don’t know of a way to ease into the conversation, so let’s just jump right in…
How many times have we heard the saying ‘change is inevitable’?
It’s true, after all, right?
Your vagina and vaginal health are not exempt from change, unfortunately.
That escalated quickly, I know.
Aging and motherhood are two of the most influential agents of change on the vagina. Some women may not notice much change, while others may notice multiple changes impacting daily life. Things like vaginal dryness, urinary leakage, painful intercourse, labia darkening or drooping, to name a few, can all be part of the changes you may notice in your nether regions.
You may become increasingly self-conscious and anxious about what is happening to your most intimate parts.
Understandable.
Tell me if this sounds familiar…
One night after a glass of wine and yet another emergency trip to the bathroom to pee, you pull out your laptop, go to Doctor Google, and try to find something, anything, that may help your *situation*. You’re not interested in surgical options, but that seems to be the only solution you find during your search for vaginal rejuvenation.
But then you start questioning what is vaginal rejuvenation, anyway?
I feel like the term ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ is somewhat of a misnomer. I would argue that most people associate vaginal rejuvenation with a cosmetic/aesthetic surgical procedure that is done primarily for vanity purposes. And while that is part of it, there is so much more to it. Perhaps ‘pelvic rejuvenation’ would be a more accurate name?!
Regardless of what you call it, vaginal rejuvenation offers a wealth of physiological benefits, in addition to aesthetic ones. The good news is that treatment doesn’t always have to be surgical to be effective!
why this?
As a women’s health practitioner, I can assure you that non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation offers a range of solutions that address both functional and aesthetic concerns. These in-office procedures allow patients to improve their quality of life by alleviating symptoms and addressing changes affecting their physical and emotional well-being.
I want to make very clear that I am not advocating for anyone to avoid surgical vaginal rejuvenation options. I simply want to present alternative treatments that, in my experience, many patients don’t even realize exist. Like any other health concern, discussing your circumstances with your physician should be the first step in determining a treatment plan.
Offering non-surgical, less invasive, more affordable treatments for vaginal health concerns is an integral part of my practice. I’ve watched countless women suffer in silence because they were unsure the changes they were experiencing were normal, and were embarrassed to talk about them.
I’ve watched women believe they had to live with troubling symptoms because they assume those symptoms are just a given after childbirth. You know, like a consolation prize that no one asked for.
I’ve watched women struggle with relationships as they withdraw from their partners because intimacy is no longer enjoyable, and they don’t know how to bring it up because they aren’t even sure what’s causing the issue to begin with.
As a mother, wife, and physician, I’ve experienced firsthand how our bodies change during pregnancy, childbirth, and as we age. This medical and personal understanding allows me to empathize with what you’re going through, because I’m living it, too.
Offering treatment options that will help restore your sense of self, revitalize your confidence, help mend intimate relationships, and improve your quality of life is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
There are some conditions for which non-surgical intervention is not appropriate, but there are many for which it is appropriate. I want you to have all the information to make a confident and informed decision when you are ready to take the next step in reclaiming your confidence!
symptoms be like.
There are various reasons that you may be considering non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation. When a patient is considering treatment, there are some common symptoms that I see:
- Urine leakage – especially while jumping, sneezing, or laughing
- Loose skin surrounding the vagina
- Urgency of urination
- Decreased libido
- Pelvic wall weakness
- Painful intercourse
- Loss of sexual sensation
- Lichen sclerosus
- Increasing vaginal dryness
- Diminished orgasm capability
- Overactive bladder
- Lack of confidence or self-esteem that impacts intimate relationships
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body and situation are different, so this list is not exhaustive. You may be experiencing other symptoms, so just know that your unique experiences and concerns are valid, and we are here to help you address them, regardless of whether they are listed.
non-surgical treatment options.
FormaV
FormaV is a non-invasive skin and tissue remodeling device that utilizes a subdermal heating applicator. Electrodes conduct radiofrequency waves to improve vaginal and labial elasticity or sagging, sensitivity, dryness, and low blood flow. FormaV helps to tighten the vaginal canal and improve collagen restructuring by encouraging the body to produce new collagen. FormaV can help improve women’s physical discomfort, appearance, and self-esteem by addressing concerns about the lack of tone.
During a session, ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area. The power level is set to gradual heating according to patient tolerance. The probe is positioned at the end of the canal without RF application to determine the correct depth before the process starts. The optimal therapeutic temperature for collagen contraction is set.
You will feel general warmth during the treatment, but it should not be uncomfortable. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, and patients can resume daily activities afterwards, without downtime or aftercare. You may notice some immediate results, but the full benefits of the treatment will be seen over the following weeks as your body continues to produce new collagen.
The number of treatments needed depends on the degree of vaginal laxity and the patient’s concerns. Many women will notice a difference in how they look and feel after two to three weeks of the first session. Some women even report some degree of tightening within hours of the first treatment.
While there are positive results after the first treatment, most women choose additional treatments to get the best results as each subsequent session improves the vaginal tissues. Three sessions are recommended to receive the full benefits of FormaV. Maintenance is easy since patients can return to daily activities without pain or discomfort. Annual treatments can maintain the results for the long term.
VTone
VTone is an FDA-approved technology that provides electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles. This device can be used to treat stress and urge incontinence and can also improve vaginal tightness, appearance, and sexual function.
VTone is a non-invasive treatment that tones and trains the muscles in the pelvis by using a single use electrostimulator that is placed in the vaginal canal to trigger involuntary muscle contractions (like Kegel exercises do) which tone and tighten the pelvic floor. In just one 20-minute session, it delivers the equivalent of hours of Kegel workouts.
This treatment works exceptionally well for postpartum prevention of urinary issues and can be performed as soon as six weeks postpartum, with prior clearance from your obstetrician. VTone is also an excellent option for loss of tone or laxity after childbirth.
During treatment, a small electrostimulator is placed inside the vaginal opening, causing muscle contractions that tighten and strengthen the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. Patients may feel tingling (non-painful) with contractions. Sessions are quick and painless, usually performed within 30 minutes without any downtime afterwards.
Some women report minimal soreness that resolves within 24 hours after treatment. Most patients experience better urinary control, less leakage, and improved sexual sensation. Some patients will notice a difference after just one or two sessions, but most patients receive 6-8 treatments over several months as the results are cumulative. Annual maintenance treatments are recommended and for even better results, VTone can be combined with other vaginal rejuvenation treatments.
Morpheus8 V
Morpheus8 V is an effective radiofrequency technology that remodels vaginal tissue. Morpheus8 V is a revolutionary technology that rejuvenates the vagina to improve sexual drive, comfort, and enjoyment and to restore a youthful appearance to a woman’s vaginal area.
Subjecting the body’s tissues to radiofrequency (RF) at a certain level provokes the production of heat, which can cause an increase in the production of collagen and elastin (the building blocks of skin and connective tissue). This remodeling enhances, tightens and rejuvenates the vaginal skin tissue to a depth of 3-4 millimeters. RF is well known in the medical community as an instrument for tightening skin tissue.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. The tiny wounds cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heal and make your skin more youthful and pliable.
With Morpheus8 V, when the ultra-fine needles penetrate the vaginal walls, RF energy is delivered through them into the dermis for optimal cellular repair and regeneration. Targeting tissue with RF waves can help tighten and restore vaginal and vulvar tissue. The tightening of the vaginal canal strengthens the anterior vaginal wall, helping to lift the bladder and urethra, dramatically improving urinary incontinence. Morpheus8 V can also extend these skin rejuvenating benefits to the genitalia, for tighter, smoother, and less prone to drooping labia.
Some patients may experience sensations of stinging, pinching, and warmth. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, so the level of discomfort during the procedure will differ based on your tolerance. Topical numbing minimizes pain, though some sensitivity may still be present. Typically, any discomfort ends immediately after the treatment is completed.
Many patients see dramatic improvement after just one treatment, while others receive up to three treatments. Results last 18 months or longer; annual maintenance treatments can help extend the effects.
change is coming.
As we get older, the effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and/or menopause can damage vaginal and vulvar tissues. This damage can cause concerns ranging from vaginal laxity to urinary incontinence and reduce sexual satisfaction. Any of which can dramatically affect your quality of life.
The good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to these changes. You have options that can make a big difference relatively quickly. With short treatment times, little to no downtime or recovery needed, the non-surgical treatment options available in my clinic have the potential to help even the busiest woman.
Do you have an hour for lunch? Grab a Chic-fil-A sandwich and come get some vaginal rejuvenation before heading back to the office for the afternoon.
Seriously.
It takes longer to watch an episode of your favorite Netflix show than it does for a treatment to help you stop tinkling when you jump on the trampoline with your kids.
Humor aside, it’s time for you to prioritize your physical and emotional health. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t need to be embarrassed to ask questions. Vaginal health changes are something almost every woman will experience but few will discuss openly.
Will you help me normalize these conversations?
Will you empower yourself and the women in your life to take action and live your best life again?
You don’t have to navigate this season of life on your own.
If you or someone you know may benefit from one of the non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments available in my office, please call us at 405-701-6717.
I look forward to meeting you!
With love,
Dr. Ronni Farris
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