Vaginal Rejuvenation – Is It Worth It?

Key takeaways

• Vaginal rejuvenation is a marketing term, not a defined medical procedure.
• Laser and radiofrequency treatments are promoted for benefits not FDA-approved.
• Pelvic floor exercises, vaginal estrogen and moisturizers have stronger medical support.

Summary

Vaginal rejuvenation encompasses a wide range of treatments marketed to address aging, menopause and changes in vaginal tissue health. Dr. Maureen Slattery explains that the term is not a medically defined procedure and can refer to both nonsurgical treatments offered by med spas and surgical procedures performed by trained surgeons.

She highlights that many claims about improved sexual function, tissue tightening and rejuvenation are not FDA-approved. While some women may notice changes in appearance, tightness or dryness, Dr. Slattery encourages patients to carefully consider potential risks and provider qualifications. She recommends less invasive approaches such as pelvic floor exercises, Kegels, vaginal estrogen and moisturizers, while emphasizing that age-related changes are natural and deserve understanding rather than pressure to “fix” them.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

[0:00:00] Curious about those vaginal rejuvenation treatments popping

[0:00:02] up online that promise to reverse the effects of aging or menopause?

[0:00:06] Things like moisture, elasticity and appearance.

[0:00:10] Some even claim to help enhance sexual pleasure or just make

[0:00:13] your vagina look younger.

[0:00:14] Here’s what you should know.

[0:00:15] Let’s start with what vaginal rejuvenation actually is and what it isn’t.

[0:00:20] It is not a medically defined procedure.

[0:00:22] It’s a broad marketing term used to describe anything from

[0:00:26] legit medical procedures to med spa level wellness services.

[0:00:30] On the med spa side, vaginal rejuvenation usually refers to nonsurgical

[0:00:35] treatments like lasers or other energy-based devices like radiofrequency.

[0:00:40] They’re marketed to boost collagen, tighten tissue and

[0:00:43] improve dryness, but they are not FDA-approved for those claims.

[0:00:46] Then there are surgical options, essentially plastic surgery for the

[0:00:50] vagina and the surrounding tissue.

[0:00:52] They are performed by trained surgeons in medical settings, not spas.

[0:00:57] These are established procedures, but there’s no FDA approval for the

[0:01:01] rejuvenation or the sexual function claims that are often used to market them.

[0:01:05] Here’s what I tell my patients.

[0:01:07] Yes, some women see improvements in tightness and appearance, even dryness,

[0:01:12] but it’s important to do your homework, both on the procedure and the provider.

[0:01:17] And don’t forget the risks, especially in such a sensitive area, things like

[0:01:23] burning, irritation and even scarring.

[0:01:26] Bottom line, I think there are better, less invasive ways to

[0:01:30] treat vaginal tissue health.

[0:01:31] Pelvic floor exercises and Kegels can help rebuild strength and improve blood flow.

[0:01:37] For dryness, options like vaginal estrogen or moisturizers are safe, effective

[0:01:42] and backed by strong medical evidence.

[0:01:45] And when it comes to sexual satisfaction and/or cosmetic concerns, I try to remind

[0:01:49] my patients that it’s natural for both your body and sex life to evolve with age.

[0:01:55] These changes aren’t something you need to fix, but something to

[0:01:58] approach with understanding and grace.

[0:02:01] For more content like this, visit aarp.org/InTheMood