Changes in vaginal tightness are a common concern for women, particularly after childbirth, hormonal changes, or ageing. Some women notice decreased vaginal tone or laxity, which can affect confidence, sexual comfort, and overall wellbeing.
This page provides informational guidance on vaginal laxity, including causes, symptoms, non-surgical and surgical options, and surgical techniques such as vaginal repair with or without sacrospinous colpopexy. It is designed to help women make informed decisions in consultation with Dr Sharon Li
What is Vaginal Laxity?
Vaginal laxity refers to a decrease in vaginal tightness or elasticity. It is a natural physiological change and does not always indicate a medical problem. Women may notice decreased sensation, a feeling of looseness during sexual activity, or minor pelvic floor weakness.
Causes of Vaginal Laxity
- Factors that can contribute to vaginal laxity include:
- Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can stretch muscles and tissues.
- Ageing: Reduced oestrogen levels after menopause affect tissue elasticity.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause can alter vaginal support.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant gain or loss may impact pelvic floor strength.
- Genetic factors: Connective tissue elasticity varies between women.
Symptoms of Vaginal Laxity
Women may experience:
- A feeling of looseness or reduced vaginal support
- Decreased sexual sensation
- Discomfort or friction during intercourse
- Occasionally, minor pelvic floor symptoms or prolapse
- Not all women with vaginal laxity experience functional problems, but many report emotional or sexual concerns.
Non-Surgical Vaginal Tightening Treatments
For mild symptoms, non-surgical options may help:
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strengthen vaginal and pelvic muscles
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Targeted programs for tone and support
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining healthy weight, exercise, and avoiding smoking
- These approaches are low-risk, supportive, and may improve vaginal support over time.
Surgical Vaginal Tightening and Vaginal Repair
For women with more pronounced symptoms, or those who prefer a permanent solution, surgical vaginal repair may be considered. Surgical options are performed by a qualified gynaecologist under general anaesthetic only.
Vaginoplasty and Vaginal Reconstruction Surgery
Vaginoplasty or vaginal reconstruction surgery restores vaginal tissue tone and elasticity.
Key points:
- Performed under general anaesthetic
- Involves tightening vaginal muscles and removing excess tissue
- May be combined with posterior vaginal repair to tighten the vaginal opening and perineal tissues
- Can be performed with or without sacrospinous colpopexy, depending on pelvic support needs
- Sacrospinous colpopexy is a procedure that provides additional support to the vaginal vault in cases of vaginal prolapse
Recovery:
- Mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising are common initially
- Avoid sexual activity, tampon use, and strenuous exercise for 6–8 weeks
- Pain relief, rest, and supportive underwear improve comfort
- Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing
- Potential risks:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising
- Infection (rare)
- Bleeding
- Temporary changes in vaginal sensation
- Scar tissue formation
Dr Li will discuss all risks and benefits at your initial consultation to help you make an informed decision.
Why General Anaesthetic is Recommended
General anaesthetic is preferred for vaginal repair because:
- You are completely asleep and unaware during the procedure
- It allows precise repair of vaginal muscles and supportive tissues
- Reduces anxiety and discomfort for longer or more extensive surgery, including cases involving sacrospinous colpopexy
Vaginal Prolapse Repair
Vaginal repair surgery may be performed as part of a vaginal prolapse repair, either alone or combined with posterior vaginal repair or sacrospinous colpopexy.
Posterior vaginal repair: Tightens the vaginal walls and perineal tissues
Sacrospinous colpopexy: Supports the vaginal apex in prolapse cases
These procedures aim to restore vaginal support and function while addressing symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
Vaginal laxity and surgical repair can affect self-esteem, sexual confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Women may feel anxious or embarrassed discussing these issues.
A patient-centred, trauma-informed approach ensures privacy, dignity, and support throughout assessment, treatment, and recovery.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Speak to a gynaecologist if you experience:
- Discomfort, pain, or repeated infections
- Urinary or bowel symptoms related to vaginal changes
- Emotional or sexual distress due to vaginal laxity or prolapse
- A gynaecologist can assess whether your symptoms are due to vaginal laxity alone or require vaginal prolapse repair, posterior repair, or reconstruction surgery.
- Summary
As these treatments are individualised procedures, we’re unable to provide a quote through the website enquiry form or over the phone. If you would like a quote, please call us on 07 3219 6868 to book a consultation with Dr Li. Following examination and discussion, if the procedure is suitable for you, a personalised quote will be provided. A GP referral is required for the consultation.
To find out more about vaginal tightening treatments and to book in your initial consultation with Dr Sharon Li, please call us at 07 3219 6868 or contact us via our website form.
All gynecological treatments come with potential risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding. The photos and videos on our website and social media are shared with patient consent. Individual outcomes, including risks and recovery times, vary based on factors such as genetics, health, and lifestyle. As a result, these images do not guarantee similar results for everyone. The information on our page is general and should not be taken as medical advice. For more specific guidance, please contact us directly.
It’s important to note that deciding to undergo exosome/morpheus8V treatment is a personal choice and should involve thorough consideration and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes should be discussed thoroughly before proceeding with any surgical procedure.
At your initial consultation, Dr Sharon Li will discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, and make every effort to ensure your concerns are fully understood. An examination will be performed during this consultation, and please note that you must be aged 18 or over to proceed with this procedure.
Please bring a GP referral, prior to attending your initial consultation, as this allows Dr Li to access information regarding your general health, past medical history, psychiatric history and suitability for the surgery.
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please give us a call on 07 3219 6868.