Let’s talk about vaginas. More specifically, we want to get the conversation around Vaginal Rejuvenation started. Whether it’s due to concerns about sexual intimacy or leakage, there’s no reason any woman should feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about a subject that might impact her enjoyment of day-to-day life. While we always recommend visiting our team for a complimentary consultation, we asked our Functional Medicine RN Tammy Glenn to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about vaginal rejuvenation.
What exactly is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term for treatments to help tighten and support the vagina and its structures. It’s typically pursued because of concerns with loss of sexual function as a result of vaginal laxity or for women experiencing stress urinary incontinence. The treatments for these concerns are called IntimaLase and IncontiLase, respectively.
How does it work?
At Papillon, we use the Fotona Gynecological laser for both IntimaLase and IncontiLase. The laser promotes the building and production of collagen to tighten the inner and outer canal of the vagina.
It takes about six to eight months for full collagen to be produced in the body.
How many treatments are required?
Most patients typically require just two treatments, each one month apart, followed by maintenance appointments to prolong the effects. In some cases, a patient might require a third treatment before moving on to this maintenance schedule.
How long does vaginal rejuvenation last?
We’re always losing collagen in our bodies, so we advise an annual treatment after the initial two to maintain results.
How long do the treatments take?
Each treatment takes anywhere from 20 minutes to half an hour, at the very most.
Are vaginal rejuvenation treatments painful?
Most people are concerned about pain when they come in for a vaginal rejuvenation treatment; however, it is, in fact, not painful. At most, patients may feel a bit of mild heat towards the end of the treatment. This is generally well tolerated by the body.
Can I get IntimaLase or IncontiLase with an IUD or mesh in?
Yes, you can. This procedure is perfectly safe for a patient with an IUD or mesh. The laser does not go near the cervix at all, so it is very safe.
Are there any contraindications or factors that would prevent me from getting a vaginal rejuvenation treatment?
There are very limited contraindications for this procedure; however, the biggest one would be whether a patient has been taking Accutane for their skin. That is something they would need to have been off of for at least a year before receiving this treatment.
Have more questions or want to book a complimentary consultation? Give us a call at our Okotoks or Downtown Calgary clinic.