Understanding Vaginal Laxity: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Vaginal laxity is a common condition many women experience, particularly after childbirth, ageing, or due to hormonal changes. It refers to a loss of tightness or firmness in the vaginal tissues, which can lead to discomfort, reduced sensation, and sometimes even pelvic organ prolapse. This blog will explore the causes of vaginal laxity, its associated symptoms—including conditions like gaping introitus, cystocele, and rectocele—and non-invasive treatments like Morpheus8V, VTone, FormaV, and Aviva.

What Causes Vaginal Laxity?

Several factors contribute to vaginal laxity, including:

• Childbirth: Vaginal deliveries can overstretch the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues, leading to a wider vaginal opening and a condition known as gaping introitus.
• Ageing and Menopause: Hormonal changes, particularly a drop in oestrogen levels, cause thinning and loss of elasticity in the vaginal tissues.
• Pelvic Floor Weakness: Over time, the muscles that support the vagina and other pelvic organs may weaken, leading to prolapse conditions such as cystocele and rectocele.

Common Symptoms of Vaginal Laxity

The symptoms of vaginal laxity can vary but often include:

• Gaping Introitus: A widened vaginal opening, often after childbirth, which may contribute to discomfort, a lack of sensation, or feelings of looseness.
• Cystocele: When the bladder drops and bulges into the vaginal wall, causing a sensation of heaviness, urinary leakage, or incomplete bladder emptying.
• Rectocele: When the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina, leading to issues with bowel movements, including difficulty emptying the bowels or a sensation of pressure.

These symptoms can impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting sexual function, bladder or bowel control, and overall comfort.

How Can Morpheus8V, VTone, FormaV, and Aviva Help?

Several advanced treatments are available to improve vaginal tissue quality, strengthen pelvic muscles, and address the symptoms of vaginal laxity:

1. Morpheus8V:
   This cutting-edge radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatment stimulates collagen production and improves vaginal tissue quality. It can help reduce symptoms of vaginal laxity, such as a gaping introitus, and enhance sensation and elasticity. Additionally, it treats cystocele and rectocele by tightening and strengthening the vaginal walls.
2. VTone:
   VTone uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in supporting the vagina and preventing prolapse. It is ideal for women experiencing stress incontinence or muscle weakness due to vaginal laxity, especially when combined with Kegel exercises. VTone is a non-surgical way to enhance muscle tone and control in the pelvic region.
3. FormaV:
   FormaV delivers controlled thermal energy to the vaginal tissues, stimulating collagen production and tissue tightening. This treatment tightens and rejuvenates the vaginal walls, making it an alternative for women dealing with mild to moderate laxity, gaping introitus, and early signs of prolapse like cystocele and rectocele. FormaV offers a gentle solution for vaginal tightening without discomfort or downtime. The combination of Forma V and VTone has been shown to achieve improved results in enhancing vaginal tissue quality and strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
4. Aviva:
   Aviva is indicated for women seeking minimally invasive solutions  for labial and vulvar skin laxity. Aviva utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten tissues in the vaginal and vulvar regions. It is particularly useful for more advanced cases of vaginal laxity, including gaping introitus and laxity in the labia minora and majora. Aviva offers results similar to a labiaplasty but without the need for incisions, providing a scar-free alternative with minimal recovery time. This makes it a suitable option for women seeking to restore vaginal firmness and alleviate symptoms of prolapse.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your personal goals. For women experiencing mild vaginal laxity or early signs of prolapse, non-invasive treatments like Morpheus8V, VTone, or FormaV may provide benefit. If symptoms are moderate to severe, patients may need surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Vaginal laxity, gaping introitus, and conditions like cystocele and rectocele can affect a woman’s confidence, comfort, and quality of life. Fortunately, modern treatments like Morpheus8V, VTone, FormaV, and Aviva offer non-surgical, minimally invasive options for improving vaginal tissue quality, enhancing pelvic floor strength, and reducing symptoms of prolapse. By consulting with a qualified health professional, you can find the best treatment option to restore your vaginal health and overall well-being.

We appreciate your interest and hope to meet with you soon!

If you have any questions or concerns about vaginal laxity, please give us a call on 07 3219 6868 or schedule a consultation.

 

-Dr Sharon Xian Li

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Registered Medical Practitioner (MED0001402739)

Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)