Thinking about vaginal rejuvenation treatments? Here are 10 things you should know

Gynecologist stock image | Photo by YakobchukOlena/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

FEATURE – Let me preface this by saying that I have no dog in this fight. I do not oppose vaginal rejuvenation treatments, nor do I encourage them. But as a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist, I am qualified to give you what I hope is an unbiased expert opinion in case you’re interested.

Here are the top things you should know about vaginal rejuvenation treatments:

1. What is it, exactly?

It is basically a noninvasive therapy using laser or radio frequency energy directed at the sub-vaginal tissues that is intended to stimulate more blood flow and to improve connective tissue, leading to vaginal tightening, improved lubrication and, in some cases, improvement of urinary incontinence.

2. Is it safe?

There is not a lot of long-term data on it, but it is the same technology that dermatologists have used on the skin for decades. It’s likely to be very safe.

3. Is it effective?

This is hard to answer because it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. I would liken it to getting laser on your face versus getting a face-lift. It’s actually a very good comparison. It really depends on your expectations and what your starting situation is.

4. Is it covered by insurance?

Almost never. It typically costs between $2,000-$4,000, depending on how many treatments you need.

5. Is it painful?

No. It takes about 30 minutes and really should be painless.

6. There are lots of different systems from different companies. Which is best?

I can’t answer that because there is simply no data comparing any of them to each other. It’s really hard to get unbiased answers on these procedures because first, there aren’t any, and second, if someone has an economic stake in this, you are simply not going to get an unbiased answer from them most of the time. I will say I have no information that any one is vastly superior or inferior to any of the others.

7. Who does this procedure?

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons and OBGYNs. Who should do them? I firmly believe that only an OBGYN should be offering these because only an OBGYN has the experience to be able to counsel a woman about all of her options and to be able to offer all of those options. It has nothing to do with the technical ability to do the procedure; it has everything to do with having all of the tools to help a woman choose what is right for her.

8. How many treatments does it take?

Most women are satisfied after two or three treatments. That being said, there is not much long term-data to know how long the effects last.

9. Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure?

The ideal candidate is actually a postmenopausal woman who is not a good candidate for vaginal estrogen, has occasional leaking from her bladder with coughing and sneezing or has some but not significant vaginal laxity. All of these criteria are not necessary. There is no objective data that quantifies how much “tightening” goes on, but subjectively, most women have been satisfied.

10. Why don’t you offer this procedure?

I have colleagues that jump on any new technology that comes out. I have always been more cautious. I need to see more solid long-term data on things and see some unanimity among the experts in my field first. It has served me well through my career.

But I am reminded of all of the devices that came out when the popularity of endometrial ablation started. I held off for a bit until it became clear what the best methods are and the procedure would be truly beneficial for my patients. So I am holding off on this issue until I see more data. I’m not criticizing those who do it. It is just how I do things.

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16 Comments

  • ladybugavenger July 8, 2018 at 8:59 am

    Of all the things I think about, this is not one of them ?

  • comments July 8, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    blasting your vagina with radio waves (microwaves?) and lasers… what could possibly go wrong?

    • Real Life July 8, 2018 at 5:39 pm

      Somebody needs to blast Dumpster with these radio waves and lasers.?

      • comments July 8, 2018 at 7:03 pm

        The poor little thing needs to be blasted with something. it’s worth a try. hahahaha

  • ladybugavenger July 9, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Haha Bob! I saw your comment before it was deleted. Dont be jealous ???

    • comments July 9, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Whatever was said it was not I. It was this new, more vindictive, LDS version of Dumpster called “ipfreely”. 😉

      • ladybugavenger July 9, 2018 at 3:14 pm

        Nice! It was a good impression

      • ladybugavenger July 9, 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Hopefully, st George news will ban the imposters

        • comments July 9, 2018 at 5:37 pm

          I’m confident that it’s just the one idiot. He’s one of these video game addicted 20-somethings living in mom’s basement is my guess. He and our sweet little Dumpster should pool their “mental resources” and help eachother find jobs. 😉

  • Mike P July 9, 2018 at 10:08 am

    I was really hoping for more amusing comments on this one. I’ll check back later !

    • theone July 9, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      The first thing that came to mind was the song by the Go Go’s “My Lips are Sealed”.

      • comments July 9, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        you’re a strange boy theone.

  • HerePliggyWiggy July 11, 2018 at 8:06 am

    Sorta like oiling up the ol’ catcher’s mitt as a kid! It’s used and abused and needs to be tightened up, cleaned and oiled – ready for years of service. Give it a new life, so to speak!

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