Treating Postpartum Vaginal Laxity
If you’ve given birth, you know all the physical and emotional distress associated with the process! And if you’ve given birth vaginally, you know it can be difficult to bounce back to normal “down there,” which can have a major effect on your sex life.
Vaginal Laxity, or “looseness” as it relates to vaginal childbirth occurs when the muscles in the walls of the vagina are over-stretched as you push that bowling-ball sized baby’s head through it. The vagina naturally relaxes in response to sexual arousal, but regular sexual activity will not contribute to the vagina “loosening” because the vaginal will naturally re-tighten itself afterwards. The relaxing of the vaginal wall also naturally occurs during childbirth, but there are limits to its elasticity. You can stretch out a waistband or a sock in the same way – over-stretch it, and it will never be the same… or will it?
Sometimes Vaginal Laxity sorts itself out along with a host of other post-partum body complaints that new moms have once their babies have transitioned over to solid food and stopped breast feeding. But, Vaginal Laxity can also persist, and can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Not everyone who experiences Vaginal Laxity has complaints about their sex life, but it can reduce pleasurable sensation during intercourse and result in less sexual satisfaction for you and your partner, which of course contributes to less sexual intimacy. Add Vaginal Laxity to the list of other life-altering changes that baby brings and it can seem like your love life is over!
The good news is, you do not have to live with Vaginal Laxity! There are many ways to treat it. Talk to your OB/GYN about it at your next appointment, try pelvic floor physical therapy, and keep up with your Kegel exercises, but your vaginal walls might still need a little extra help. That’s where we come in! IntimMedicine Specialists is host to several ongoing clinical trials, and we are excited to offer a free treatment in a study on a new technology to help with vaginal tightening! If you’ve given birth vaginally at least six months ago and are experiencing sexual dysfunction related to vaginal laxity, you may qualify. Medical insurance is not required for study participation and compensation for time and travel is provided.
If Vaginal Looseness is keeping you from enjoying sex, it’s time to treat it! Space is limited, so call to schedule your appointment with Laura Barbee at 703-242-6362.