What is Vaginal Laxity?
Vaginal laxity, also termed vaginal flaccidity, is a common concern among women, which can negatively affect their health, quality of life and self-confidence.
It can occur due to several factors such as aging, vaginal birth, hormonal changes and loss of tissue elasticity.
At Living Clinic, we understand the importance of a woman feeling comfortable with herself. In this way, we offer safe and effective treatments to help regain vaginal firmness and elasticity.
Causes for Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity can occur due to a number of factors, including:
Aging: Just like the skin on other parts of the body, vaginal tissues can also lose collagen and elastin with aging, which leads to loss of firmness and elasticity;
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Pregnancy and vaginal birth are significant factors that can cause vaginal laxity. During pregnancy, the muscles and tissues are stretched to accommodate the growing fetus, and vaginal birth can cause excessive stretching, leading to a loss of muscle tone;
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those associated with menopause, can negatively affect the health and elasticity of vaginal tissues. Decreased oestrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness, thinning and loss of elasticity;
Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition can also influence a person’s tendency to develop vaginal laxity over time;
Obesity: Excess weight and obesity can place additional pressure on the pelvic muscles and tissues, contributing to loss of firmness.
Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a nutrient-poor diet can harm the health of skin and tissues throughout the body, including the vaginal region;
Trauma or Injuries: Injuries to the genital area, previous surgeries or trauma can lead to tissue damage, affecting its elasticity;
Significant Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can affect the tissues in the vaginal region, leading to sagging.
Environmental Influences: External factors such as inadequate sun exposure or excessive use of chemical products can harm the health of the skin and vaginal tissues.
Consequences of Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity can have several physical and emotional consequences, impacting women’s quality of life and general well-being.
Physical Consequences
Decreased Sexual Pleasure: The loss of firmness and elasticity of vaginal tissues can lead to a decrease in sexual pleasure, both for the woman and her partner. This is because sagging can affect sensitivity and sexual response.
Urinary Incontinence: Weakness of the muscles in the pelvic region, often associated with vaginal flaccidity, can contribute to urinary incontinence. This occurs when the muscles that support the bladder and uterus are not strong enough to control the flow of urine.
Discomfort: Lack of firmness in vaginal tissues can lead to increased friction during sex, which in turn can cause irritation, discomfort, and even pain. In addition to discomfort during sex, some women may also experience discomfort or sensitivity in the vaginal area after sexual activity;
Aesthetic Changes: Vaginal flaccidity can also lead to aesthetic changes in the genital region, which can impact a woman’s self-esteem;
Vaginal dryness: Vaginal laxity is often associated with hormonal changes, such as menopause, which can cause vaginal dryness. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable and painful due to the lack of natural lubrication.
Emotional consequences
Low Self-Esteem: The perception of changes in the appearance and sensation of the vaginal region can lead to low self-esteem and self-confidence in women;
Anxiety and Embarrassment: Women with vaginal flaccidity may feel more anxious and embarrassed about their body and possible reactions from their partner;
Decreased Sexual Desire: The discomfort and pain associated with vaginal flaccidity can lead to a decrease in sexual desire, as sexual activity becomes associated with negative sensations;
Depression: In more serious cases, dissatisfaction with the appearance and function of the vaginal region can contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It is important to highlight that the emotional consequences of vaginal flaccidity can vary from person to person. However, it is vital that women understand that they are not alone in their concerns and that there are treatment and support options available to help deal with these issues. Consulting a physician can provide information about treatment options and strategies to improve vaginal health and emotional well-being.
Treatments for Vaginal Laxity
The following treatments are carried out by physicians (gynaecologists) and promote vaginal rejuvenation (increased firmness of the vaginal walls), also solving problems of vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, pain during sexual intercourse, among others.
The Gyneco fractional CO2 Laser is effective in treating vaginal and urinary tract problems, sagging, darkened skin, small benign lesions, vaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, among others.
The fractional CO2 laser acts extremely gently on the vaginal walls, creating absolutely imperceptible microlesions that will lead to the production of collagen and act to humidify, reaffirm and restore the entire vaginal structure, restoring all its flexibility and shape;
Vaginal radiofrequency is common in women who have given natural birth and who present, to a greater or lesser extent, stretching of the vaginal tissue. It is, therefore, a widely used treatment for postpartum rejuvenation, as well as for urinary incontinence, vulvovaginal flaccidity, orgasmic dysfunction, among others.
It is done using Forma V Radiofrequency (Votive), through which radiofrequency waves stimulate the contraction of collagen fibers, promote wound healing and thus provide the missing firmness.
Schedule an appointment to hear the recommendation from Living Clinic’s physicians (Dr. Maria Manuel Sampaio or Dr. Manuela Montalvão) for your particular case and clarify all your doubts.
We are on Av. da Boavista, in Porto!
