It is not true that a woman’s vagina will return to normal size despite what her obstetrician may say. The pre-childbirth vagina is actually the size of the normal penis. However, after vaginal childbirth the vaginal tissues are stretched beyond their elastic limits. It is true that muscles can be strengthened, but in reality the post childbirth vagina will forever thereafter be larger than the average penis. The result is diagnosed as a condition we call Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome.

You may have Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome if:

• You feel like your vagina is loose when having intercourse
• You feel like there is little or no friction or less sensation with intercourse
• You’re concerned that your partner finds your vagina large

Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is the result of thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to your body having less estrogen. It occurs most often after menopause, but can also appear during perimenopause, after surgical removal of the ovaries, after pelvic radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and during hormone therapy. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful, but also leads to distressing symptoms like vaginal dryness, burning, discharge, itching, urgency with urination, and urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common occurring form of incontinence in women under the age of 60 and happens when physical movement or activity such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting, put pressure on your bladder. Essentially, weak pelvic muscles can cause the bladder to drop down into a position that prevents the urethra from closing completely and results in an uncontrollable leakage of urine.

What causes SUI?

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Loss of pelvic muscle tone
• Hysterectomy
• Nerve or muscle damage
• Obesity
• Menopause
• Chronic coughing
• Anatomical predisposition
• Repeated heavy lifting
• High impact sports

Very Little. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. It is similar to a pap test where a speculum-like attachment is inserted into the vagina to guide the laser as it treats the entire area with quick pulses. There is minimal discomfort and no anesthesia needed.

Post treatment, patients can carry on with most of their regular daily activities although sexual intercourse is not recommended for 1 week after the procedure.