Sexual health of many more women can be improved
An obstetrician and gynecologist explains that changes in the body can impact a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life as well as her sexual health and confidence.
“The physical changes brought on by ageing and childbirth are among the most common, yet least talked about experiences for many women.”
This is according to Dr Taheera Hassim, an obstetrician and gynaecologist practicing at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. She explained that the relaxation of vaginal tissue, incontinence, vaginal dryness, and a decrease in sexual pleasure can in many cases be improved without the need for surgery.
“The changes in the body can impact a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life as well as her sexual health and confidence. It is important to discuss these everyday healthcare issues, as many women are not aware of the non-invasive solutions available,” said Hassim.
Hassim said non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation can boost the production of collagen, which is important for providing strength and support to one’s skin, muscles, connective tissue, and bones. “This increase in collagen production has the effect of tightening vaginal skin and tissue and can have tremendous benefits in addressing functional concerns such as incontinence and atrophic vaginitis, or dryness, as well as improving the feeling of pleasure during sexual intercourse.”
She said energy-based forms of vaginal rejuvenation therapies, which make use of thermal or non-thermal energy, are increasingly gaining ground globally. “By using radiofrequency and ultrasound technology to gently heat up and shrink collagen fibres, natural collagen production in the vaginal tissue is stimulated. The treatments are administered by a doctor in their consulting rooms, offering an advanced, safe, and effective non-invasive alternative to surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as labiaplasty and vaginoplasty.”
Hassim explained that each treatment session is eight to sixteen minutes long and involves the insertion of a vaginal probe into the vaginal canal, as well as passing the probe along the outer lips of the vagina.
The probe has different form-fitting applicator tips and is designed to account for women’s different vaginal canal sizes and shapes. “This ensures that treatment is in no way painful, although the probe may feel warm. The temperature used is adjusted to suit individual patients’ heat tolerance and the heat is distributed evenly across the probe, minimising any discomfort.
“Treatments are carried out once a week for a recommended three sessions and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure, as any redness or mild swelling will dissipate within a few hours. Patients can even resume sexual activity the same day.”
The benefits of a non-invasive form of vaginal rejuvenation are many, with results including improved skin texture, tightness, and sensation.
Hassim said that such treatments are well worth considering for menopausal women and women who have given birth. “When women age, they also have to deal with the drop of oestrogen levels, which can also cause the thinning and dryness of vaginal walls and, ultimately, vaginal atrophy. As a consequence of vaginal atrophy, women can experience vaginal discomfort and infections, urinary incontinence, and pain during sexual intercourse among other issues.”
She concluded, “It is important that you are in good health and not currently pregnant to undergo this treatment modality. An open and honest conversation with your doctor is essential to finding the best possible treatment option for your individual needs, and in order to rule out whether a surgical approach may not be a better solution.”
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