Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome
This affects 25% of women over the age of 40.
Ever heard of Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome (VRS)?
The process of ageing isn’t the only factor that causes VRS. Pregnancy and childbirth, menopause and variations in weight gain, are factors that have an impact on all of a woman’s organs and systems. Childbirth requires the vagina to stretch prodigiously in the course of delivery, weight gain also stretches the body tissues as it does in pregnancy and with the onset of menopause, even the healthiest women will experience the natural process of vaginal stretching.
VRS – When does it start?
This condition first manifests itself in women from the ages of 30-40, primarily due to childbirth or weight gain and continues to affect the mucosal lining of the vagina. The vagina gradually changes from being an organ with a strong, thick, moist mucosal lining, able to regenerate collagen continuously, to one with a thin, frail and dry mucosal lining which is increasingly unable to regenerate new collagen fibres. Collagen is the protein essential for strengthening connective tissue in all parts of the body including the vagina. Just as skin gradually loses moisture and elasticity, so does the vaginal wall and mucosa.
Symptoms of VRS may also include:
- Vaginal Irritation with itching and burning
- Dryness
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Low vaginal pH, making the environment open to infection
- Degrees of urinary incontinence due to the weakened vaginal mucosa
- Loss of Libido
Prior to Intimalase procedures to alleviate symptoms of VRS, treatment options ranged from:
Various prescribed tightening creams and sprays to other pharmacological approaches and hormonal pessaries, all of which provided limited results and the need for repeated application.
Behavioural options such as Kegel exercises which have short term effectiveness.
Surgical procedures in which vaginal and associated tissues are incised and reshaped (vaginoplasty) offer a longer lasting result, but come with increased risk of scar formation, infection or nerve damage.
Now Intimalase offers three painless, non-surgical treatment options, both of which induce collagen regeneration in the vaginal mucosa, strengthening the vaginal walls and narrowing (tightening) the diameter of the vaginal cavity. The treatment takes only a few minutes and produces immediate tightening and contraction. Both partners will experience significant sexual gratification due to the improved strength and thickness of the vaginal wall. This improved structural strength also assists in supporting the bladder as previously. VRS no longer needs to be a condition women have to endure, along with its unpleasant accompanying symptoms and causing an impact on the quality of life
HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?
The procedure takes 10 minutes, however, the patient has to wait for one hour with anaesthetic prior to the procedure.
IS IT PAINFUL?
No. A local anaesthetic is used. There is minimal discomfort.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME?
2 to 3 days. The patient can go to the toilet easily.
HOW QUICKLY WILL THEY SEE THE RESULTS?
There is a 5% – 10% improvement after every treatment. It is recommended to do between 3 to 5 treatments, once per month. It must be noted that patients will never achieve the same satisfaction as previous to childbirth.
IS IT EXPENSIVE?
No. It costs about R2500 per session. Medical aid does not cover this treatment; however, debit and credit cards are accepted.
HOW INVASIVE IS THE PROCEDURE?
The procedure is minimally invasive. There is no cutting or stitching.
HOW LONG UNTIL IT HEALS COMPLETELY?
Healing time is 3 to 5 days
DOES AGE MATTER?
Not really, provided the patient has no hip problems, etc. She must be able to sit in the Lithotomy position.