Designer vaginas were big news about 10 years ago with many celebrities, including Sharon Osbourne, speaking publicly about having cosmetic surgery to tighten theirs.
Vaginal rejuvenation no longer requires surgery and is becoming increasingly popular with Irish women today looking for enhanced sexual pleasure, a treatment for urinary incontinence, and as a means to correct vaginal dryness.
We may think of sex only in terms of pleasure, but it can also positively impact our physical and mental health. Studies suggest that sex can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase confidence and happiness.
Read more: Nutritionist reveals the small diet changes to help with menopause weight gain and brain fog
Bodies change over the decades when muscles weaken, laxity increases and hormones, including oestrogen, decreases forcing many women to suffer pain, discomfort and embarrassment in silence.
Open communication to inform women of the options available is essential, according to obstetrician and gynaecologist Professor Barry O’Reilly, founder and clinical director of aNuMe, a health and wellness clinic.
Sex is important
The findings of a study by the University of Pittsburgh that surveyed more than 3,000 women over 15 years concluded that the notion of women losing interest in sex as they reach midlife and beyond is a myth.
Almost half of the women reported that sex was important to them early in midlife and almost 30% said it continued to be important regardless of age. Similar to urinary incontinence, many females mistakenly believe there is little they can do to get their libido back.
Prof. O’Reilly points out the many options available to women. “When oestrogen drops it causes a dry vagina with skin becoming thin and elasticity loss. This makes intercourse very uncomfortable and often painful and can lead to more urinary tract infections,” he explains.
“Traditionally, oral HRT has been used to treat this but in my clinic patients have reported that transvaginal laser has transformed their lives. The laser boosts collagen and enhances the elasticity, plumpness and tightness of the vagina. This will allow for a healthy sex life by ending irritation and burning sensations while increasing lubrication.
“The Emsella or the StarFormer chair rejuvenates muscles while the laser rejuvenates the vaginal skin and creates new collagen around your vagina and benefits mild prolapse and vaginal laxity. When women’s vaginas become loose and they don’t enjoy intercourse anymore many believe they have to put up with it, but that’s not the case. The combination of the chair and the laser would be best for this issue. This usually entails four treatments over a six-month spell.”
Three treatments are recommended over six months, cost is €800 per treatment or three treatments for €2,250. There is no downtime.
Rev up your libido
Women’s orgasm was a hot topic recently when scientist and former Love Island star Yewande Biala covered masturbation in her documentary, Secrets Of The Female Orgasm . Prof. O’Reilly welcomes these open conversations.
He believes that female sexual function benefits from a more holistic approach which is what his clinic is about. “It’s about how your hormones are, how you feel mentally, do you feel comfortable with your body, with your life... all these things impact on sexual function. Sexual function doesn’t have to decrease or stop at any age, it can be improved and indeed enhanced.”
The benefits of the O-Shot
Orgasm problems are common with some women reporting they have never had one, while others say as they get older it becomes more difficult to achieve. It is normal for sexual interest to ebb and flow, particularly after childbirth and around menopause, illness or stress, however a lack of interest shouldn’t be long-standing.
“The O-Shot is a non-surgical procedure that has been described by women as giving them stronger, longer-lasting and more frequent orgasm,” says Prof. O’Reilly. “It is an injection of nutrient-rich plasma, taken from blood in your own body, similar to the vampire facial, that is administered around the clitoris and vaginal wall. It helps to increase sensitivity, tighten the vaginal laxity and decrease the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. It is performed under local anaesthetic and a top-up is required every six months.”
All about the G-Shot
The non-surgical G-Shot is focussed on enhancing pleasure during sex. Hyaluronic acid is injected into your most erogenous area – the G-spot. The filler gently increases the size and sensitivity, making it more responsive to sensation.
Prof. O’ Reilly advises couples to visit the clinic together so all lines of communication are open. And men, he says, are undergoing the same hormonal changes as women. “Spread the word so that all women, whatever their age, will realise that they no longer have to suffer in silence,” he says.
To read our full menopause special, pick up a copy of the October issue of RSVP magazine, out now.
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