Your vagina undergoes significant changes throughout childbirth and menopause; if your muscles or connective tissue are compromised, your vagina may feel “looser.”
There are numerous products and methods popularized by TikTok that claim to tighten your vagina, but many have not been studied and may even be harmful.
Here are some vaginal tightening myths and the treatments that truly work.
Why vaginal contractions?
The levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate during pregnancy, delivery, and menopause.
According to Dr. Dean Elterman, a urologic surgeon and professor at the University of Toronto, as these levels fluctuate, your vaginal tissue will likewise change.
Vaginal tightness, also known as vaginal rejuvenation, can help combat some of the vaginal difficulties caused by hormonal fluctuations. Among the most common issues are:
There are numerous methods for vaginal tightening, however some are less researched and more dangerous than others.
Myths around vaginal firming
“There are numerous vagina-tightening products on the market now,” adds Elterman. Some examples include:
Contraction gels and creams
Herbal treatments such as mint and citrus
Home versions of laser equipment
“Wands” for vaginal tightening composed of crushed pearls and plant extracts
Electromagnetic energy gadgets
Injections of hyaluronic acid
Injection of platelet-dense plasma
Silicone thread finishes
“It is concerning that some treatments have not been extensively studied,” says Elterman. Because there is little to no research on these treatments, we may not yet be aware of any major dangers.
Putting gels or herbs inside your vagina may be extremely dangerous, as they may alter the vagina’s natural pH. It is easier for bacteria and other illnesses to flourish when your vaginal pH is abnormal.
Home laser or electromagnetic devices function by heating vaginal tissue, so there is a risk of vaginal burns.
There are currently no FDA-approved vaginal tightening devices, according to Dr. Felice Gersh, founder and head of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine.
How to effectively firm your vagina
Several therapies for vaginal tightening are supported by scientific evidence, however many of them come with their own hazards.
1. tightening by laser and radiofrequency
Certain plastic surgeons can do laser and radiofrequency vaginal tightening procedures.
Both of these procedures use heat to induce collagen formation in the vaginal area, thereby tightening sagging skin and connective tissue.
“The most common hazards are tissue burns and scarring,” adds Gersh, adding, “some patients have experienced persistent pain.”
A review of 59 studies on laser or radiofrequency tightening techniques was conducted in 2021. The review determined that both techniques for vaginal tightening are effective and carry minimal risk.
However, the majority of studies were somewhat tiny, suggesting that they may be less dependable than larger research.
Elterman adds that many of the trials lacked a control group that received no therapy; without a control group, researcher bias and the placebo effect are more likely to impact the results.
In addition, the majority of the trials were short-term — “there may be some benefits, but whether they are long-term is uncertain,” says Gersh.
2. Kegels
Kegels are a sort of exercise that may be performed at home to strengthen the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles, according to Elterman.
Kegel exercises are the safest approach to tighten your vagina and pose no significant dangers.
Elterman recommends contacting a registered pelvic floor physiotherapist rather than performing self-directed exercises before beginning kegels to verify that they are performed appropriately.
Kegel exercises may be less successful than other treatment alternatives despite being safer.
“Kegel exercises do not alter the fundamental cause of a “loose” vagina, which is ripped or frayed fascial tissue,” explains Gersh.
However, you should try Kegels before opting for surgery, advises Gersh. Even if they do not tighten the vagina, Kegel exercises can “provide the vagina more strength and may aid sexual and bladder function,” according to Gersh.
3. Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty is a surgical technique that can tighten the vagina by correcting damage to the vagina-supporting fascia.
Gersh explains that vaginoplasty may also involve stitching vaginal muscles together to increase support and strength.
As a surgical procedure, it is extremely intrusive, has a lengthy recovery period, and bears the biggest risk, according to Elterman.
Gersh identifies the following vaginoplasty risks:
Infections and anesthesia-related complications
Blood loss
Scarring Vaginal pain
The treatment itself can also go awry, according to Gersh: “sometimes the vagina might be overtightened, causing sexual agony.”
Elterman suggests consulting a gynecologist/urogynecologist/urologist who specializes in this operation and has received specialized anatomical training to reduce the risk of problems.
Insider’s takeaway
Gersh states that the vaginal tightening gadgets now on the market provide a number of obstacles and unknowns. And we need additional in-depth and long-term research to establish their potential toxicity.
However, there are established therapies such as vaginoplasty that effectively constrict the vagina, albeit with their own hazards.
Consultation with a physician can help you determine the optimal course of action. “If you believe you have vaginal laxity and it causes you discomfort, do not hesitate to visit a doctor,” Elterman advises.