How Does Vaginal Aesthetics Affect Sex Life? Realistic Expectations
Vaginal aesthetics is a general term covering procedures in the genital area such as vaginal tightening (vaginoplasty), inner lip surgery (labiaplasty) and repair after a birth tear. Some people consider these procedures because of physical complaints that affect their sex life. This article looks at what these procedures can and cannot change in sex life.
Genital Complaints That Can Affect Sex Life
- A noticeable feeling of width or looseness in the vagina after childbirth
- Pinching, friction or pain during intercourse because of the size of the inner lips
- Scarring, tightness or pain at the vaginal opening after a tear or cut during birth
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse related to menopause
- The womb, bladder or bowel bulging into the vagina (prolapse) and urinary incontinence
The causes and treatments of these complaints differ from one another. For example, dryness related to menopause is generally treated with medication and moisturising treatments, while prolapse and urinary incontinence are treated after a gynaecological assessment.
What Can Aesthetic Procedures Change?
In suitable people, vaginal tightening aims to reduce the feeling of looseness after childbirth, and labiaplasty aims to reduce the friction and pain caused by the inner lips. A reduction in physical discomfort may help some people feel more at ease in their sex life.
What Can They Not Change?
Sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and harmony in a relationship depend on many factors such as hormones, general health, psychological state and the relationship itself. For this reason, it cannot be guaranteed that genital aesthetic procedures will increase sexual satisfaction, and these procedures do not solve relationship problems on their own. Excessive tightening can also cause pain during intercourse.
Assessment First
Before deciding, the cause of the complaint should be clarified through a gynaecological examination. For mild laxity and urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle exercises may be recommended as a first step. For complaints such as low sexual desire or pain in intercourse, support from a sexual health specialist or couples therapy may be helpful if needed. Genital aesthetic procedures are considered in adults whose genital development is complete.
Recovery and Risks
The doctor decides when it is possible to return to sexual intercourse after the procedure; following this period is important for healing. Like any surgical procedure, genital aesthetic procedures have risks: bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scar tissue, changes in sensation and painful intercourse may occur. For vaginal tightening you can read our article Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty): Who Is It Suitable For?, and for other procedures Genital Aesthetics: Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty and Other Procedures.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın