Vaginal rejuvenation can refer to plastic reconstructive procedures of the internal or external female genital region such as perineoplasty, perineorrhaphy, pelvic organ prolapse repair, and labiaplasty.

According to Medscape, there isn’t a standardized definition for the term “vaginal rejuvenation” among medical professional resources. Additionally, there is no specific health insurance billing code which accompanies this purported treatment. Nevertheless, the term does delineate several potential procedures, some of which are considered medically bonafide and some which are not.

As indicated by the Medscape report, the results of a survey comprised of 40 respondents questioned about the term was presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Urology Association. The surveyed were split nearly down the middle between members of the general public and health care providers in one capacity or another.

The members of the general public didn’t necessarily connect the term vaginal rejuvenation with a specific procedure but rather with desired results. Those desired results were assumed to be an improved sexual satisfaction by tightening the walls of the birth canal.

The health care providers did seem to connect it to a procedure, however vague. Because of this, Dr. Paige Kuhlmann, who managed the survey, hoped that physicians would steer clear of this catch-all term and spend some time clarifying what the patient was seeking.

Rejuvenation procedures have become very hyped up on social media as an avenue for increasing the cosmetic appeal of the vaginal region and increasing sexual sensitivity. The medical professional that offers certain procedures could have difficulty with a patient that expects results that differ from the hype.

The FDA Warns

In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the American public about cosmetic vaginal procedures or techniques marketed to help with symptoms related to menopause, sexual dysfunction, or urinary incontinence. It was especially focused on treatments using laser or radiofrequency tools.

The gynecological tools of this nature may have been approved for the removal and destruction of precancerous growths on or near the vaginal or cervical area, but they do not have the backing of the FDA for other uses. Specifically, the drug and device oversight agency warns against advertisers that promise hope for conditions like:

• Vaginal atrophy, dryness, itching, or laxity
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain during urination
• Decreased sexual sensation

The organization is concerned about serious adverse conditions resulting from unapproved procedures such as vaginal burns with scarring, painful sexual intercourse, and chronic or recurrent pain.

What are Some Legitimate Pelvic Plastic Surgery Treatments?

Perineoplasty reconstructs the vaginal opening and the perineum for medical purposes. It can be used to treat certain conditions such as pain with intercourse, thickened hymen, and post-episiotomy complications affecting future childbirth plans, and sexual intimacy, according to DocDoc.com.

It is recommended for women that have had trauma to this region, but is sometimes hyped up for sexual and cosmetic benefits.

Perineorrhaphy is a term for suturing the perineum. It is used to repair any tear or laceration of the perineum, most notably an episiotomy—a cut between the vagina and anus used to facilitate childbirth.

Sometimes the suturing is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a condition involving a herniation or movement of pelvic organs from regular positioning, according to Medscape. POP can contribute to urinary incontinence, particularly in older populations.