What you need to know about Vaginal Laxity

Vaginal laxity refers to looseness in the vagina. It commonly occurs after pregnancy and vaginal delivery and has been reported to affect more than 50% of postnatal women. Due to its effects on sexual function and body image, the condition can introduce unnecessary stress and decline to a woman’s quality of life.

Symptoms of vaginal laxity include:
● Loss of sensation and satisfaction in sexual intercourse
● Decreased libido
● Expulsion of air during sex or certain exercises/ movement

What causes Vaginal Laxity?

The body’s collagen production naturally decreases with age. Along with the reduced collagen level in the vaginal skin and tissue, the trauma and stretching of pregnancy and vaginal delivery also cause it to lose its tightness and elasticity. Postnatal women commonly experience laxity not just in the vagina but also in the skin (Skin Laxity) such as the stomach or thighs.
Other factors include age, hormonal changes, genetics and lifestyle.

How is Vaginal Laxity treated?

Vaginal laxity can be treated surgically or through less invasive options such as radiofrequency and physical therapy. Non-surgical methods are ideal for mothers who still plan on having more children, or women who wish to avoid surgical risk altogether.

Radiofrequency Therapy
Radiofrequency technology tightens the skin by remodeling collagen in the treated target tissue. At Orchard Clinic, our Vaginal Laxity Treatment​ utilises a combination of radiofrequency with ultrasound to bring the internal and external vaginal tissues to a temperature of over 40°C, effectively increasing their elastin and collagen levels.

The increased levels of collagen and elastin will result in tightening of the vaginal opening, vaginal canal and the perineum. Because of the strengthened vaginal muscles, the therapy is also often effective in treating Stress Urinary Incontinence.

The vaginal area also experiences increased blood flow due to the heat generated by radiofrequency. This results in increased clitoris sensitivity and vaginal lubrication, elements that make for better sexual satisfaction and intimate health.

Physical Exercises
Exercises focused on the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are beneficial for women struggling with vaginal laxity and bladder incontinence, and are especially effective when complemented with radiofrequency therapy. Orchard Clinic offers Clinical Yoga and Pilates to our patients as part of their treatment plan for authentic and effective recovery. Here are a few exercises we recommend!

Kegels
While relaxing your abdominals and thighs, squeeze the pelvic floor as if stopping your urine flow midstream. Try to hold each contraction for 5–10 counts initially and slowly increase the number of repetitions or length of hold.

Tip: Counting aloud helps to ensure you’re not holding your breath or using your abdominals. This makes for better PFM isolation.

Lunge Pose

Lunge Pose strengthens the quadriceps and gluteus muscles while stretching the psoas and the hips, opening up the pelvic floor. Align your front knee with the ankle and draw your tailbone down, lengthening your lower back and engaging your core muscles.

Locust Pose

Locust Pose strengthens the muscles of the spine, buttocks, and backs of the arms and legs while stretching the shoulders, chest, belly, and thighs.
Begin lying on your stomach. Firming your buttocks and abdominals, lift up the head, arms and legs. Reach strongly through your legs and consciously draw them inwards or squeeze a ball between them to engage your PFM.

Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose stretches the spine, neck, thighs and hip flexors while opening the chest and shoulders.
Begin lying on your back. Walk your feet towards your buttocks and keep them pointing forward and at hip width distance. Engage the abdominals to lift up and draw the shoulder blades together. Lengthen your tailbone toward the backs of your knees. Consciously keep the knees and feet parallel or squeeze a ball between them.
Tip: Practise Kegels with Bridge! Contract your PFM while lifting up and relax when lowering.

Reclined Butterfly Pose

Reclined Butterfly Pose stretches the inner thighs, groins, and knees.
Lay all the way down onto the mat, and bring the soles of your feet to touch. Rest the arms to the sides or on the chest and belly. As you exhale, close the knees together and squeeze your PFM. Hold for up to 15 seconds, then release the legs and contraction for 5-10. Repeat this for at least 5 times.

Is Vaginal Laxity interfering with your daily life? Feel free to book a consultation with us today!